A form of archaic money from the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A Katanga cross, also called a handa, is a cast copper cross which was once used as a form of currency in parts of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Katanga crosses were made in various sizes, typically about 20 cm (8 inches) across, and weighing about 1 kilogram (2 pounds). The name derives from Katanga, a rich copper mining region in the south-eastern portion of the DRC.
These X-shaped ingots were cast by local coppersmiths by pouring molten copper into sand molds.
Original value
During its period of currency, a Katanga cross would buy about 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of flour, five or six chickens or six axes, or five chickens and one ax. Two would buy a gun.[citation needed]
Modern uses
In 1960, the Katanga province of Congo-Leopoldville unilateraly declared independence. Three red katanga crosses appeared in the lower hoist of the flag. That flag is used currently by the Province of Katanga. The state issued its own coins in 1961 that, as a homage to their heritage, depicted the Katanga Cross. (The State of Katanga was forcibly reunited with The Congo in 1963.)
pix below include a pic of the flag mentioned in the article above, and some of the coins issued in 1961
