Copper Cross

Cast copper crosses that travelled as a store of value.

Back of Copper Cross: the Katanga cross (handa) copper ingots tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #52 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #52, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Copper Cross: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #52 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Copper Cross: a color medallion of Noun #52 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · 19th–early 20th c.

Katanga cross (handa) copper ingots

Smiths in Katanga cast copper in sand moulds as X- or H-shaped handa ingots that circulated across southern Central Africa in the 19th and early 20th centuries; many were recycled into wire.

Source: Currency (handas) 'Katanga Cross' (Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University) ↗

How a note would work

Crosses are earned by mending tools or recycling metal for the group and spent on food, tools or repairs from other members. They are never bought or cashed out.

Design concept inspired by this tradition, not issued by or for the people who keep it. Not legal tender, not for sale, no cash value, no redemption and no investment rights.

Front SVG ↓ Back SVG ↓ Machine edition

PlaceHaut-Katanga, DR Congo
Era19th–early 20th c.
RegionAfrica & the Middle East
UnitCross · Crosses
Face value10 Crosses
SerialGB-G009-N0052
NounActual Noun #52 ↗
Why this NounMany crosses ended up drawn into copper wire, and a retainer is mostly neatly bent wire.
Headretainer
Glassessquare magenta
Bodyteal
Accessorydinosaur
Seedbg 0 · body 28 · acc 45 · head 173 · glasses 12