Money Cowrie: The Amazing Journey and 5 Reasons It’s More Than Just Currency

The money cowrie (Monetaria moneta)is a small, yellow seashell, a type of sea snail. It has around 250 living 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 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 the purchase of slaves & other daily routine purchases.

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. 

If you ever visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., United States, you will see various types of seashells, including the money cowrie.  This is a wonderful museum with have huge collection of shells, you must visit.

These shells are small, strong, and easy to carry, which makes 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 back, I ordered a cute cowrie shell necklace and matching earrings online for my daughter. She tried them on and said, “Dad, these keep flipping around! I have to keep fixing them to see the front.” So, I ended up turning them into a little decor piece in my room (they actually look pretty cool there). And yep—ended up buying her a new set from Etsy instead!

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.

These days, money cowrie shells aren’t exactly used as… well, money anymore. But they’re still packed with meaning! People see them as symbols of wealth, protection, and even fertility—especially in Ayurvedic traditions. You’ll still spot them in rituals and decor, even if they’re not part of your wallet.

When I was a kid, I was always curious about shells (even though I had no clue what made them special). It wasn’t until later that I found out—they were actually used as currency in many cultures around the world. How cool is that?

Now, whenever I travel to different countries, I love picking up beautiful shells from local sellers. There’s something special about collecting a little piece of the ocean—and every shell comes with its own story.

Back home in Florida, I’ve got a special room just for my shell collection—it’s like my own little ocean-inspired gallery. To keep them safe (and dust-free), I picked up some cute Japanese boxes from Daiso. They’re perfect for storing these little treasures and make the whole setup look extra charming.

How To Identify a Money Cowrie?

Back in 2017, I took a trip to Ballina in New South Wales, Australia, on the hunt for bigger shells. And guess what? In just an hour, I found around twelve beauties—total shell jackpot!

Later, my daughter told me her friend had mentioned a Filipino game called Sungka, where kids use 98 tiny cowrie shells to play on a wooden board. That sparked my interest. So, of course, I went ahead and got her 100 small, shiny cowrie shells—couldn’t resist, they were too beautiful to pass up.

Planning a beach trip and wondering what kind of bag to bring for your shells and other essentials? I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 5 best shelling bags —perfect for carrying your beach treasures, snacks, sunscreen, and everything in between. Stylish and super handy.

The question is, how to identify a money cowrie shell?

1. They look very pretty and unique.
2. They are usually between 3 to 5 cm long.7
3. They are smooth, shiny, and shaped like a long oval.
4. Their color is light, like cream or light brown.
5. 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. In 202,5, Marine biologists at the Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, successfully bred two native cowrie species — Cypraea tigris (Tiger cowrie) and Mauritia arabica (Arabian cowrie) — in captivity. This breakthrough helps conserve these species threatened by over-collection and habitat loss. The larvae were raised to juveniles under controlled conditions, marking a major step for marine conservation. (Source)

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 still remember when we were kids—whenever we got sick or had a little injury, our grandma would gently wrap cowrie shells around us. She believed they had the power to protect us from bad spirits and germs. It felt like a magical little shield, straight from her heart.

Even now, one of our relatives wears cowries on his arm like a charm bracelet. For him, they’re not just pretty—they’re part of rituals and a way to attract good vibes and 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 21^st 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

My little tank crew includes five snails, and they’re doing great! They love munching on all kinds of algae—hair algae, film algae, you name it. I feed them algae regularly, and they’re growing strong and healthy. It’s honestly fun watching them do their slow-motion cleaning routine!

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.

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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.

Shell lover on the hunt? If you’re searching for the perfect spots to find beautiful seashells, check out this list of the 15 Best Beaches for Seashells in Florida—straight from a local, with expert tips to help you make the most of your beachcombing adventure!

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:

1. Can Starfish Swim? 5 Must-Know Amazing Facts (Biologically Explained)
2. Decomposers Of The Ocean? 06 Important Types Scientifically Explained

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Conclusion

Money cowrie shells have been special for a very long time. A long time ago, people used these small, shiny shells as money to buy and trade things in many parts of the world like China, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. They were strong, easy to carry, and looked beautiful, which made them very valuable.

Today, cowrie shells are not used as money anymore, but they still mean a lot to many people. They are seen as symbols of good luck, protection, and wealth. People use them in jewelry, decorations, and ceremonies.

For me, cowrie shells bring back memories of my childhood and my family. I love collecting them from different places when I travel. I even have a special room at home in Florida where I keep my collection safe and dust-free. Every shell I have tells a story, and that makes them really special to me.

So next time you find a cowrie shell on the beach, remember it’s not just a pretty shell—it’s a piece of history and a symbol of many cultures around the world.