Original Katanga Cross - old Currency from Central Africa

Original Katanga Cross – old Currency from Central Africa

According to Wikipedia …

“A Katanga Cross, also called a handa, is a cast copper ingot in the shape of an equal-armed cross which was once used as a form of currency in parts of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Katanga crosses were made in various sizes, typically about 20 centimeters (7.9 in) across, and weighing about 1 kilogram (2.2 lb). The name derives from Katanga a rich copper mining region in the south-eastern portion of the DRC. These X-shaped ingots were cast by local coppersmiths by pouring molten copper into sand molds. During its period of currency, a Katanga cross would buy about 10 kilograms (22 lb) of flour, five or six fowls, or six axes”.

This Katanga cross measures 24cm x 24cm and it weighs 815 grams.

Prices for nice original examples like this rage from R3500 up to R8500 and sometimes much more. 

Please see the following pictures.

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