World's First Money: Cowrie Shells

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.

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Sword made of 130 China Cash coins

World's First Money: Cowrie Shells

Dealer lot of one (1) Dutch medal, celebrating the 40th year of Queen Wilhelmina's reign (1938).

Cowrie money hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society E-Sylum: Volume 25, Number 13, March 27, 2022

THE WORLD'S FIRST MONEY: COWRIE SHELLS

Comment “Wealth” to manifest money abundance! ✨ Here are a few

Dealer lot of one (1) lead German medal depicting Herzog Heinrich der Fromme. Unclear date, likely 1500s.

Dealer lot of one (1) medal from the Paris International Expo 1937.

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Cowrie shells money hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

THE WORLD'S FIRST MONEY: COWRIE SHELLS

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society E-Sylum: Volume 25, Number 13, March 27, 2022