The money cowrie (Monetaria moneta)is a small, yellow sea shell a type of sea snail found. It has around 250 live species around the world. Historically 1500 species have been described. Some species are like grain or rice while others are a foot in size.
Throughout history, money cowrie shells were used as currency across the Pacific and Indian Oceans in cultures like Shang Dynasty China & places like West Africa and Bengal, Europe, and Oceania before coins became common in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These small, shells played an important role in trade & commerce & were widely used in different cultures for exchanging goods.
The Chinese used them for trade and currency exchange if we go back to 4800 years ago. For some species like Cypraea moneta, 100 shells were equal to an English penny. It was the first money on earth.
Not only this according to Chicago University ” Hundreds of millions of these beautiful glossy shells were used as an exchange medium by Europeans for purchasing of slaves & other daily routines purchasing.
But here, the whole story is not revealed.
I’ll explain more about what Money Cowrie shells are and how they differ from other types of cowries. Read on
What Are Money Cowrie Shells?
Cowrie shells (Cypraea moneta) have a fascinating history as money. In the 16th century, Europeans used cowrie shells to trade in African markets.
I visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., United States, and saw various types of sea shells and other beautiful species of money cowrie shells. It was an amazing experience, there is a wonderful museum you must visit there.
These shells “money cowries,” are small, strong, and easy to carry, which made them great for trading. Because they were so unique, it was tough to make fake ones, which made them more valuable.
King Gezo of Dahomey liked cowries more than gold because they were almost impossible to counterfeit, so he always got a fair price when he traded.
During the early 1700s, cowries were an important type of money on the Gold Coast of Guinea.
According to the University of Chicago, At first, you needed about 16,000 cowries to equal one ounce of gold, but by 1820, that number grew to 32,000 cowries.
This happened because more people wanted cowries due to the slave trade. Each year, a huge amount—about 150 tons—of cowries was brought in, and they were often used to help pay for slaves.
They were not just money. They also had cultural meaning in many societies. People used them in jewelry and to decorate clothes.
A few months ago, I bought a pretty cowrie shell necklace and earrings online for my daughter. She told me, “Dad, these are turning around too much. I always have to flip them to see the front.”
Even so, I like them and have placed them in my decorated room, & bought another one from Etsy.
Historically, cowries were important for trade, during the transatlantic slave trade, where they were used as a form of payment for enslaved people.
The demand for cowries grew in West Africa when European traders brought billions of them from the Maldives starting in the 16th century.
Today, Money cowrie shells are not just as valuable as money. They are also symbols of wealth, fertility, and protection including in Ayurvedic medicine.
People still use them in rituals and as decorations, though they aren’t commonly used as currency anymore.
When I was a child, I was curious about cowrie shells (even though I didn’t know much about them). Later, I learned that different cultures used them as money long ago.
Now I’m a marine biologist, I travel to different beaches and collect beautiful shells from people who sell them.
I have a special room where I display my collection of shells. I bought some Japanese boxes from Daiso to keep these beautiful shells safe from dust.
How To Identify a Money Cowrie?
In 2017, I went to Ballina in New South Wales, Australia, looking for bigger shells. In just one hour, I found about twelve.
My daughter told me that her friend told her about a game called Sungka in which Filipino kids collect 98 small cowrie shells and use them in a board game. So I bought 100 for her that were quite beautiful and shining.
The question is, how you can recognize this cowrie shell money?
- They look very pretty and unique.
- They are usually between 3 to 5 cm long.7
- They are smooth, shiny, and shaped like a long oval.
- Their color is light, like cream or light brown.
- You can see dark spots on them.
The Role of Cowrie Shells as Currency in History
Cowrie shells as a currency have been used for thousands of years in many cultures and places.
Money Cowrie shells as a form of money were first used in China around 1200-800 BCE and later expanded to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Cowrie shells were small, strong, and easy to carry, which made them great for trading.
In Africa, cowrie shells became popular as money by the 14th century. They were especially important in West Africa because they showed wealth and power. The famous explorer Ibn Battuta saw cowrie shells being used in the Mali Empire during his travels in the 14th century.
By the 16th century, many cowrie shells were brought from the Maldives to West Africa because of the high demand during the transatlantic slave trade. People valued cowrie shells because it was very hard to make fake ones, so they were trusted as money.
Cowrie shells were important for trade until the 19th century when metal coins took their place.
The money cowrie was worth more than porcelain and connected Asia, Africa, and the Pacific around 8,000 years ago. It was widely used as a medium of exchange.
It has four different variations. The country or region they belong to, like Africa, Asia, Oceania, or some parts of Western America, determines their value and price. If you examine the spots on them, it helps define their value.
In the Pacific, the money cowrie is still considered a national “gold currency” in Oceania, particularly in the Solomon Islands. Some reports say it has been used for around 10,000 years worldwide as a currency medium.”
Today, cowrie shells are not used much as money anymore, but they are still important in many cultures.
Why Were Cowrie Shells Used as Money?
Cowrie shells were used as money for several important reasons. Some benefits of using Cowrie Snail Shells as Money are listed below:
1. Durability
Cowrie shells are strong and can last a long time without breaking. This made them good for use as money.
2. Portability
They are small and light, so it is easy to carry them around when trading.
3. Scarcity
Cowrie shells were not easy to find in large numbers because they lived in deep water. This made them valuable and hard to copy.
4. Easy to Count
Cowrie shells have different shapes and patterns, which make them simple to count and recognize. People could easily use them for everyday buying and selling.
5. Cultural Importance
In many cultures, cowrie shells were seen as symbols of wealth and good fortune, which made them even more valuable as money.
What Was the Benefit of Using Cowrie Shells as Money?
The biggest benefit of using cowrie shells as money was that they were hard to fake. Because each shell looked unique, people trusted them more than other types of money. This trust made trading easier and helped businesses grow.
The Value and Impact of Money Cowrie Shell Collecting
According to Chris Meyer a Curator of Mollusca at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum:
Cowries are like nature’s treasures—each one is unique. They can also be quite valuable. The most expensive cowrie ever sold went for around fifty thousand euros because of its rarity and beauty.
In my collecting trips, I’ve seen how over-collecting can harm cowrie populations. One rare type, Luria Lurida, may even be extinct due to this. This issue is very important to me because it highlights our impact on nature and the need for conservation.
Researchers must inform people about species at risk. If a unique species like Luria lurida disappears, it’s lost forever.
How Much is a Cowrie Shell Worth Today?
Many people wonder how much a cowrie shell is worth today. The value of cowrie shells can change based on how they are used.
Collector’s Value Of Cowries Shell
For collectors, cowrie shells can be worth different amounts. Some rare cowrie shells can sell for several dollars, while common ones might only be worth a few cents.
The value depends on their size, condition, and how rare they are. Collectors like cowrie shells because they are beautiful and have a rich history.
Spiritual Uses
Cowrie shells are also important in spiritual practices. Many people believe that these shells bring good luck, wealth, and protection.
In this way, their value isn’t just about money but also about the good things they are thought to bring.
I remember in my childhood our grandma used to make it around us when we were sick or minor injured, she used to say it has the power to protect you from bad souls & germs. One of our relatives wears it on its arm like a chain, he thinks of cowries in rituals or as charms to attract positive energy.
Learn more about how to Clean Seashells Like a Pro [12 Bonus Tips ] explained by a marine biologist.
The Cultural and Spiritual Importance of Money Cowrie
Money cowrie shells have rich cultural and spiritual value in many societies today.
Spiritual Benefits of Money Cowrie Shells are way more huge than just Superstition. People around the globe believe in its supernatural characteristics and still believe in their usefulness in the 21st Century.
Many people believe that money cowrie shells bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity. They are often used in rituals and ceremonies to attract positive energy.
For example, white cowrie shells are commonly used to worship deities like Goddess Laxmi, who represents wealth and abundance.
On special days, these shells can be placed on altars wrapped in cloth to enhance their spiritual benefits.
Where Are Money Cowrie Snails Found?
Money cowrie snails (Monetaria moneta), are found in warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They live on coral reefs and in the rubble around these reefs, where they can easily graze on algae.
In 2013, we found a box at home while digging to build a new house. It was full of money cowrie shells, maybe collected by my father’s grandparents. As I mentioned earlier, I have a separate room that I’ve decorated with money cowries and other shells I love, and I enjoy spending time there with them. You can use the top 5 Seashell Identification Apps to easily identify the shell you find.
What Do Money Cowrie Snails Eat?
Money cowrie snails are herbivores, they eat plants. They enjoy a diet that includes:
1. Algae
They feed on different types of algae, including hair algae and film algae. I have 5 snails in my homemade Tank, I feed them algae regularly. They are growing good.
2. Detritus
This is organic matter that settles on the ocean floor, which they also consume.
3. Uneaten Food
They will scavenge leftover food from other marine animals. This diet helps keep their habitat clean and healthy.
Is Money Cowrie Reef Safe?
Yes, money cowrie snails are considered reef-safe. They do not eat corals or other marine animals, making them a good choice for reef aquariums.
I have 5 snails in my homemade Tank, they are living there, and enjoy their company, when they come out, they look cute and tiny.
Their small size helps them to move around rocks without disturbing corals.
However, it is important to provide plenty of algae for them to eat, as they may nibble on corals if they run out.
Are Cowrie Shells Still Used as Currency Today?
Cowrie shells were once widely used as money in many cultures around the world, but today they are no longer used as currency in the same way.
Current Use of Cowrie Shells
While cowrie shells are not used as money today, they still have cultural importance in various regions. In some places, they are used in rituals and ceremonies to symbolize wealth and prosperity(though scientifically proven)
Historical Context
Historically, cowrie shells served as currency in parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania until the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2023, I visited a beach in Queensland, Australia, and saw the water receding during low tide, revealing a beach full of shells.
Did you know shells were once used as currency? In Africa, cowrie shells were rare and valuable, but Indian merchants saw no value in them because they were abundant in India.
This highlights how rarity in one place can create value, while abundance elsewhere can diminish it. Today, we see a similar idea with currencies like the Yen and the U.S. dollar, where supply and demand affect their value.
Modern Symbolism
Although cowrie shells are no longer a form of money, they are still produced and crafted into decorative items like jewelry and costumes.
In Ghana, the word “cedi,” which is the name of the national currency, means “cowrie” in the Akan language, highlight their lasting cultural impact.
Also Read:
- Can Starfish Swim? 5 Must-Know Amazing Facts (Biologically Explained)
- Decomposers Of The Ocean? 06 Important Types Scientifically Explained
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How are Cowrie shells, specifically Monetaria moneta, historically used as currency?
Cowrie shells, especially Monetaria moneta, were used as money because they were strong and easy to carry. They started in India around the fourth century and spread to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. People used them until the 20th century as a symbol of wealth and for trade.
How Much is a Cowrie Shell Worth?
The value of a Money cowrie shell can vary based on its type, condition, and rarity. Common shells may be worth just a few cents, while rare ones can fetch several dollars or more. For accurate pricing, consult collectors or specialty marketplaces.
Is Money Cowrie Reef Safe?
Yes, they are considered reef safe. They are small, herbivorous snails that graze on algae and coexist well with other tank mates.
Where to Find Cowrie Shells in Australia?
To find cowrie shells in Australia, explore coastal areas during low tide. Queensland, Ballina, New South Wales Known for shell collecting. Western Australia’s various beaches are rich in shell diversity. Always check local regulations regarding shell collecting to ensure sustainability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, money cowries (Monetaria moneta) are not just beautiful shells; they have a rich history as currency in many cultures. While no longer used as money, they symbolize wealth and prosperity.
As a marine biologist and collector, I cherish their beauty and the stories they tell. Protecting these unique creatures is vital for future generations to appreciate their legacy.
