The Macdonald Collection of Primitive Currency

Nigeria, Calabar Bar, U-shaped, copper, 45.5cm, 0.22kg, Cheetems (3), U-shaped copper wire, 34-39cm, total weight 0.03kg (Quiggin pl.2, 2) [4]. Slightly distorted, very fine (£80-100)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Macdonald Collection of Primitive Currency.

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Plate III. The latter were formed of lengths of telegraph wire and introduced by Captain Cheetem for use as small change for the Calabar bars. Both were in use until 1907 when they ceased to be regarded as legitimate currency