The early Portuguese explorers at the end of the 15th century observed that copper bracelets were the principal money all along the West African coast. They soon ordered manufacturers to produce brass rings with flared ends which came to be called – manilla -, after the Latin manus (hand) or from monile (necklace). Though the Portuguese were the first to start paying with manillas, other nationalities like the British, French and Dutch soon followed suit. It is likely that most manillas, whose weight and size decreased over time, were made in England from the beginning of the 18th century. Manillas were the first true general-purpose currency known in West Africa, being used by the locals for ordinary purchases, the price of a bride, payment of diviners, and as burial money. These three manillas, which were acquired in Ghana years ago in 1999 have a great enamel-like patina. They were most probably made in Britain during the 19th century. Width ca 6 cm. Depth ca 5.5 cm Thickness ca 9 mm. Weight ca 70 - 80 grams per piece.