Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
Currency bar "Tajere" Fulani, Jukun, and Mumuye
| Issuer | |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| Type | Proto coin |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Anepigraphic iron currency bar of the Tajere type, exhibiting a characteristic elongated form with a central biconvex, lenticular boss or swelling that tapers symmetrically into two slender, pointed terminal rods. The surface bears no inscriptions, devices, or decorative motifs, presenting a plain, utilitarian appearance consistent with hand-forged primitive currency. Extensive oxidation and iron patination are visible across the entire surface, reflecting age and use. The overall form is irregular, as is typical of hand-worked ferrous trade currency from the West African savanna region. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Tajere bars circulated across the Benue River valley among Fulani, Jukun, and Mumuye communities as bride-wealth currency and a medium for large-scale exchange — transactions too significant for smaller iron or bronze currencies. Iron itself held prestige value in this region independent of its utility, and control over smelting conferred political authority on those who held it.
The 320mm length places this at the larger end of documented examples, suggesting use in high-value ceremonial exchange rather than routine trade.