World's First Money: Cowrie Shells
By A Mystery Man Writer
Description
The first unit of currency was the cowrie shellan actual shell, found in plenty in the Maldives, and used in Asia and Africa until the 19th century. In New Guinea especially, the shells held almost mystical power among the natives; among certain tribes there, shells like these were literally worth their weight in gold. No one knows why the cowrie in particular was chosen as currency, but its influence was not limited to primitive tribes. Early Chinese coins were cast to look like cowrie shells, indicating that in China, too, the shells were used as currency. These five cowrie shells represent a weeks wages for a laborer.
The first unit of currency was the cowrie shell—an actual shell, found in plenty in the Maldives, and used in Asia and Africa until the 19th century. In New Guinea especially, the shells held almost mystical power among the natives; among certain tribes there, shells like these were literally worth their weight in gold. No one knows why the cowrie in particular was chosen as currency, but its influence was not limited to primitive tribes. Early Chinese coins were cast to look like cowrie shells, indicating that in China, too, the shells were used as currency. These five cowrie shells represent a week’s wages for a laborer.
The first unit of currency was the cowrie shell—an actual shell, found in plenty in the Maldives, and used in Asia and Africa until the 19th century. In New Guinea especially, the shells held almost mystical power among the natives; among certain tribes there, shells like these were literally worth their weight in gold. No one knows why the cowrie in particular was chosen as currency, but its influence was not limited to primitive tribes. Early Chinese coins were cast to look like cowrie shells, indicating that in China, too, the shells were used as currency. These five cowrie shells represent a week’s wages for a laborer.
Paying With Shells: Cowrie Shell Money Is One of the Oldest
Cowries, the currency that powered West Africa - ADP ReThink Quarterly
World's First Money: Cowrie Shells
THE WORLD'S FIRST MONEY: COWRIE SHELLS
West African trade bracelet
Sword made of 130 China Cash coins
Spotted Eroded Gnawed Cowrie Cowry Shells 1-2 Seashells Beach
MacArthur Commemorative Medal
The History of Money: From Barter To Banknotes
Burnt cowries: The first and second to the left are dorsal and
Cowries, the currency that powered West Africa - ADP ReThink Quarterly
Dealer lot of one (1) Dutch medal commemorating William of Orange, a key figure in the Dutch fight for independence.
Gold-Plated Bitcoin Token (Black Box)
From shells to bitcoin
The Numismatic Bibliomania Society E-Sylum: Volume 25, Number 13, March 27, 2022
from
per adult (price varies by group size)