299, Lot: 531. Estimate $75. Sold for $45. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AFRICA, Nigeria. 18th-19th centuries. Æ “Needle” Money. 11mm long, 4mm wide at head. Small iron “needle” with slightly flanged head. Opitz p. 238; Quiggin p. 88, fig, 20. Intact, earthen deposits.

From the John Shaw Collection.

These objects, known to different tribes as anyun, aiyu, ozala, <>umumu, or aiyu, circulated at approximately 45 to the British penny.