Ghana, Akan Goldweight, 19th-20th Centuries
Brass or Bronze - EF(40-45)
Ashanti gold weight in the shape of a chest. The chest has a hole in it and one of the two birds on the lid is incomplete. The lid illustrates the proverb “Birds of a feather flock together.
” The Akan peoples, particularly the Ashanti, shared some of their knowledge through their objects. Here, the birds and this proverb convey the importance of solidarity and brotherhood between members of a same group.
208.69 gr
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.