“Shell money” is the earliest known coin currency and is dated from around 3,500-2,000 B.C.
Perhaps as a means to facilitate small transactions, the Ancient Sumerians used these shells as the first money. About 3500 B.C. they began cutting sections from cone shaped shells, and, after the sections were polished, people carried them around their necks as necklaces, using the shells to pay for small items.
It was such a useful invention that Sumerian Shell Money, archaeological evidence suggests, circulated throughout the fertile crescent of the Middle East about 5000 years ago, when Sumerian culture was at it’s zenith.
As a Sumerian currency, it was most likely used in Ur, the place from which Abraham in the Bible cameand is a currency from this same time period.
See the photos for the Statement of Authenticity.
As seen in the photos, variations exist among shell money. Some are smooth and others are more rough but considering that these pieces are around 5,000 years old, they are in really good shape.
Most Sumerian Shell Money was excavated in modern day Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan but due to the turbulence in these areas, not many pieces are currently in circulation as compared to the 1900s. This makes acquiring ancient Sumerian Shell Money difficult and rare in today’s world.
Whether you’re looking for something fresh and new or just for ways to make your regular event better, this resource is just what you need to take your Fall Festival to the next level.
Fun, action-packed, easy-to-lead Thanksgiving family devotions. Engage in family-fun activities that teach spiritual truth. Including stories as discussion starters, which are great at meal times, and devotions to help your family understand the heart of what it means to trust God and give thanks.
Great for small or large groups, for Sunday school or mid-week sessions and can be used for either personal or church use. That’s right–feel free to share these lessons with everyone in your church.