Object Details

Snail Shell
(Mollusca, Gastropoda, Cypraeacea, Cypraeidae, Cypraea Moneta)

Indo-Pacific

The Money Cowrie is very widespread in coastal areas throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The shells of this species were once used as currency in parts of Africa and Oceania, hence it's common name. The shell money was even used in West Africa, where the species isn't naturally occurring. Shells were collected on the East African coast and shipped to West African states. Increased collecting during the 19th century meant that the currency devalued and went out of use.

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TWCMS:D5421  itnh1201.mdf (Natural history, invertebrates, except insects)

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