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December 3, 2008 1:43:33 AM CST

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As Currency, Dolphin Teeth Feel Recession's Bite

Posted Apr 30, 08 11:50 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Spinner dolphins had better watch out—their pearly whites are again a fast-growing currency in the South Pacific, the Wall Street Journal reports. Economic troubles in the Solomon Islands have caused many to return to the traditional trading chip. “Dolphin teeth are like gold,” says the governor of the nation's central bank. "You keep them as a store of wealth.”

The teeth were used long before Europeans colonized the islands, and are still the preferred currency for buying brides. Ethnic strife has sent their worth soaring over the past year, from 50 Solomon Island cents to two dollars (26 US cents)—and demand still outstrips supply. “People want more teeth, and it's not that easy to get dolphins,” said one hunter.

Source Wall Street Journal

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Spinner dolphins like these have valuable, valuable teeth.   (Shutterstock)
"Dolphin teeth are like gold," the head of the Solomon Islands' central bank says. "You keep them as a store of wealth %u2014 just as if you'd put money in a bank."   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
With the economy deteriorating in the Solomon Islands, people are flocking to dolphin teeth just as investors flock to gold in America.   (Shutterstock)
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