Congo. 19th century, Primitive money, Handa (cross) copper (Ingen mindstepris)

Global Money Week – “From Barter to Banknotes” - Proto-money

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 (formerly Zaire) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Katanga crosses were made in various sizes.

During its period of currency, a Katanga cross would buy about 10 kilograms (22 lb) of flour, five or six fowls, or six axes. Ten would buy a gun

This H-shaped ingot of cast copper, commonly referred to as a Katanga cross, originates from Katanga, a rich mining area in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) along the Kasai River and were cast by local coppersmiths by pouring molten copper into sand molds. It is the classical currency associated with the region and probably the best known form of African tribal currency. For centuries, these crosses served as markers of wealth and were used for payment of dowries and for trade. Since they have been found in cemeteries, they have also been associated with burial rituals. The most common forms of traditional money in Africa were made of metal, forged or cast - which had the great advantage of storing wealth in a form that could be melted down and transformed into a tool or a weapon when needed. Try that with a share certificate! The Congolese regarded the non-ferrous metals - copper, lead and tin - as very precious materials. Items made from these metals were a widespread medium of exchange and important in social contracts such as marriage. In the early 1900s, a cross could buy five to six chickens, two pieces of good cloth, eight to nine pounds of rubber, or six axes. The Katanga region declared independence from the DRC shortly after Belgium declared its independence in 1960. In 1961, Katanga issued its first coins, copper one and five Franc pieces for circulation. A gold version of the five franc coin was also issued as a non-circulating commemorative coin. As a tribute to the region's heritage, the coins depicted the Katanga Cross. After two years of fighting, Katanga was forcibly reunited with the DRC in 1963.

These are fine examples of a Katanga crosses.
Actual dimensions of H Katanga:

38 x 28 x 6.3 mm, weigth: 13 gr
33 x 24 x 6.4 mm, weigth: 11.5 gr
20 x 21 x 5.4 mm, weigth: 5 gr

!! Please note, due to updated import regulations from the United States, we are not able to ship to the US at this moment. !!

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ID: 3507"

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This lot is part of the thematic auction “From Barter to Banknotes”, organised in celebration of Global Money Week (16–22 March). Global Money Week is an international initiative coordinated by the OECD that promotes financial education and helps young people better understand money, savings, and economic systems.

Through this curated selection of objects - from early trade items and proto-currencies to historic coins and modern banknotes - we explore the fascinating evolution of money and the many forms it has taken across cultures and centuries.