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.

Who Invented Money and What Is the World's Oldest Currency

Dealer lot of two (2) holiday medals from Israel: Lag B'Omer and Tu B'shevat.

Great Britain Test Notes

Cowry shell different sizes, patterns and color from around the

From Shells to ₿itcoins: Tracing the Path of Money and

Sword made of 130 China Cash coins

Solved Example: Cowrie shells have been used as money in

World's First Money: Cowrie Shells

Dealer lot of one (1) Russian medal, minted for the World Peace Congress in 1962, to promote peace, friendship, and solidarity.

Dealer lot of one(1) tombstone-shaped Argentinian plaque.

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.

World's First Money: Cowrie Shells

10000 years of economy - Cowry shells, a form of currency

Shell money - Wikipedia

Chapter - Shells as Currency