Money boxes, money safes, and mechanical banks have a long history, dating back to ancient times. Here is a brief overview of their evolution. The concept of money boxes can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used to store coins and other small valuables. In the Middle Ages, money boxes became more common, often taking the form of ceramic or wooden vessels with a slot or hole for inserting coins. In the 18th and 19th centuries, metal money boxes became popular, often shaped like animals or other whimsical objects.

Mechanical banks, which are designed to accept coins and then perform some sort of action, were first introduced in the 19th century. Some of the earliest examples were simple boxes with a lever that would trigger a mechanism to move a figure or object. As technology advanced, mechanical banks became more elaborate, featuring intricate designs and more...

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Rare Victorian tortoiseshell and silver mounted money box, dome…

Victorian Tortoiseshell Money Box with Silver Mounts

Rare Victorian tortoiseshell and silver mounted money box, dome top with swing handle and red watered silk interior, 13 cm width

Tony de Lautour (b 1965), untitled (2003), hand-painted plastic…

Hand-painted Money Box by Tony de Lautour

Tony de Lautour (b 1965), untitled (2003), hand-painted plastic money box, signed & dated 'TdL 2003' to base, 18 cm height

A cast iron Punch and Judy bank money box

Cast Iron Punch and Judy Money Box

A cast iron Punch and Judy bank money box

19th century cast iron mechanical bank. Hoop-la Jumping dog.…

Antique Hoop-La Jumping Dog Mechanical Bank

19th century cast iron mechanical bank. Hoop-la Jumping dog. Worn original paint. Functional. Length 21 cm

An unusual painted cast iron mechanical bird money box, circa…

1880's Cast Iron Mechanical Bird Money Box with Eagle Feeding Chicks

An unusual painted cast iron mechanical bird money box, circa 1880's, lever operated and featuring an eagle feeding chicks in a nest, 14.5 cm high

Two French cast iron Piggy Banks, realistically cast and…

French Cast Iron Piggy Banks from Handbury Collection

Two French cast iron Piggy Banks, realistically cast and painted (2), approx. Height 23 cm length 50 cm. Provenance: The Collection of Mr and Mrs Matthew Handbury, Sydney

'Norco Foundary & Specialty Co. Pottstown Pa.' novelty pig…

Norco Pig Money Box

'Norco Foundary & Specialty Co. Pottstown Pa.' novelty pig money box, painted cast iron, circa 1900, stamped 'Buy at Norco and Save', 15 cm long

An early 19th century 'John Richardson 1804' Pratware moneybox,…

19th Century Pratware Moneybox with Cottage Vignette and Bust

An early 19th century 'John Richardson 1804' Pratware moneybox, rounded form, named and dated, with vignette of cottage and figure on horseback beside tracks. Surmounted with a bust of a gent, his hat rim chipped, height 12.5 cm.

An Australian wooden book money box, painted with May Gibbs'…

May Gibbs' Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Wooden Money Box

An Australian wooden book money box, painted with May Gibbs' 'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie', 16 cm high

'Punch and Judy Bank' American painted cast iron novelty money…

Punch & Judy Bank: Cast Iron Money Box

'Punch and Judy Bank' American painted cast iron novelty money bank, marked 'Buffalo Ny-USA, Pat'd in U.S. July 15th 84', late 19th century, 19 cm high,

A cast iron novelty money box 'Bull Dog Bank', circa 1880

Bulldog Bank: 1880 Cast Iron Money Box

A cast iron novelty money box 'Bull Dog Bank', circa 1880

A Tony de Lautour ceramic money box, a sculpted cubic form with…

Snakes and Kiwi: Ceramic Money Box by Tony de Lautour

A Tony de Lautour ceramic money box, a sculpted cubic form with details of snakes and a kiwi. With a brown glaze and green detail glaze. Height 14 cm, width 18.5 cm, depth 13 cm

19th century cast iron wise owl mechanical bank. Good original…

Wise Owl Mechanical Bank with Original Paint and Glass Eyes

19th century cast iron wise owl mechanical bank. Good original paint and glass eyes. Height 20 cm

Uncle Sam mechanical bank painted cast iron money box, 28 cm…

Uncle Sam Mechanical Bank - Cast Iron Money Box

Uncle Sam mechanical bank painted cast iron money box, 28 cm high

A rare Punch and Judy tin plate, mechanical money bank by…

Mechanical Punch and Judy Money Bank

A rare Punch and Judy tin plate, mechanical money bank by Burnett Limited, London, of tent shape, printed with Punch in the arch beside a window that displays four different characters (Judy, dog, clown and skeleton) as each coin is deposited. Bung absent…

Cast iron money box, lion with monkey up tree

Lion and Monkey Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron money box, lion with monkey up tree

Antique cast iron, Minnie Mouse money box, approx 22 cm high

Antique Minnie Mouse Cast Iron Money Box

Antique cast iron, Minnie Mouse money box, approx 22 cm high

Three assorted antique American cast iron money banks, painted…

Colorful Antique Cast Iron Money Banks

Three assorted antique American cast iron money banks, painted green, yellow and red, 19th/20th, the largest 17 cm high

Bad Accident mechanical bank, painted cast iron, 27 cm long

Mechanical Bank: Bad Accident

Bad Accident mechanical bank, painted cast iron, 27 cm long

Two pastel coloured drip glazed stoneware money boxes,…

Pastel Stoneware Money Boxes from Early 20th Century Australia

Two pastel coloured drip glazed stoneware money boxes, Australian first quarter of 20th century. 10 cm high

Antique American green painted cast iron novelty money bank,…

Green Cast Iron Money Bank, Late 19th Century

Antique American green painted cast iron novelty money bank, (missing base plate), late 19th century, 16 cm high,

An antique cast iron clown money box, marked under the base…

Antique Cast Iron Clown Money Box

An antique cast iron clown money box, marked under the base 'Buffalo, N.Y. - U.S.A', along with patent details for Canada and England, original paint finish. Height 19 cm.

A cast iron novelty money box with eagle and eaglets in nest,…

Eagle Nest Cast Iron Money Box

A cast iron novelty money box with eagle and eaglets in nest, circa 1883

Two mechanical banks, Trick dog and Teddy and the bear, painted…

Cast Iron Mechanical Banks: Trick Dog and Teddy & Bear

Two mechanical banks, Trick dog and Teddy and the bear, painted cast iron, the taller 19 cm high

A pair of early 1900 antique English police money banks, 'Every…

Antique English Police Money Banks Pair

A pair of early 1900 antique English police money banks, 'Every Copper Helps' policeman and a rare 'Love a Copper' lady, original paint on lady and impressed registry numbers on both. Heights 16 cm

'White city time lock puzzle Safe' no. 326 American nickel…

White City Safe with Ferris Wheel Design

'White city time lock puzzle Safe' no. 326 American nickel plated money bank decorated with Ferris wheel and exhibition buildings, the base marked 'N100L, 800, Pat Oct 27, Vfps, Chicago', early 20th century, 10.5 cm high, 7 cm wide, 6.5 cm deep,

An old cast iron money box, in the form of a red postal box. 6.…

Vintage Cast Iron Postal Money Box

An old cast iron money box, in the form of a red postal box. 6.5 x 6 x 13.5 cm

Antique American yellow painted cast iron money bank, late 19th…

Yellow Cast Iron Money Bank, Late 19th Century

Antique American yellow painted cast iron money bank, late 19th century, 12 cm high,

Antique American painted cast iron novelty money bank, late…

Late 19th Century Painted Cast Iron Money Bank

Antique American painted cast iron novelty money bank, late 19th century, 21 cm high,

Artillery bank mechanical bank money box, painted cast iron, 15…

Artillery Bank Money Box

Artillery bank mechanical bank money box, painted cast iron, 15 cm high

Speaking dog mechanical bank, painted cast iron with original…

Mechanical Dog Bank with Original Key

Speaking dog mechanical bank, painted cast iron with original key, 18 cm high

Three Americana, cast iron, money Banks, probably early 20th…

Early 20th Century Cast Iron Money Banks Set

Three Americana, cast iron, money Banks, probably early 20th century, with Pat numbers in cast to back. Heights: 17 cm - 21 cm

A vintage American cast iron lion and monkey mechanical money…

Antique Cast Iron Mechanical Money Bank with Lion and Monkey

A vintage American cast iron lion and monkey mechanical money bank, Kyser & Rex 1883 Pennsylvania USA, in working order, slight damage to monkeys hand, original paint finish. Height 23 cm

Novelty cast iron money box, eagle

Eagle Cast Iron Money Box

Novelty cast iron money box, eagle

Novelty cast iron money box, Crossbow

Crossbow Coin Keeper

Novelty cast iron money box, Crossbow

'Bull dog Bank' American painted cast iron novelty money bank,…

1880 Cast Iron Bulldog Money Bank

'Bull dog Bank' American painted cast iron novelty money bank, 'Pat'd, Apr 27, 1880' cast into the base, late 19th century, 20 cm high,

Hubley American cast iron Boston terrier money box, 19th…

19th Century Cast Iron Boston Terrier Money Box

Hubley American cast iron Boston terrier money box, 19th century, 25 cm high

Victorian marquetry money box, in the form of a cottage, 12.5…

Victorian Marquetry Cottage Money Box, 12.5 cm High

Victorian marquetry money box, in the form of a cottage, 12.5 cm high

Bobble Heads/ coin Banks C1950s Kenmar Americana two…

Kenmar Americana Bobbleheads and Coin Bank Set

Bobble Heads/ coin Banks C1950s Kenmar Americana two Bobbleheads and smaller coin bank, height 27 cm, 23 cm, 12 cm

A cast iron 'Jolly Boy' money box, top hat model, green coat…

Green Top Hat Jolly Boy Money Box

A cast iron 'Jolly Boy' money box, top hat model, green coat and hat with red trim.

Always Did 'Spise a Mule mechanical bank. Original Early 20th C;…

"Spise a Mule" Mechanical Bank - Working, Repainted (Missing Whip)

Always Did 'Spise a Mule mechanical bank. Original Early 20th C; Repainted. working. Whip missing. Length 25 cm

An antique brass and iron architectural money bank, 19th…

19th Century Brass and Iron Architectural Money Bank

An antique brass and iron architectural money bank, 19th century, 20.5 cm high

Cast iron (very heavy) USA vintage novelty money box, Sam,…

Vintage Sam Money Box in Good Condition

Cast iron (very heavy) USA vintage novelty money box, Sam, money feed fully working order, and although minus paint generally good condition and seldom offered. 14 x 14 x 15 cm

An American cast iron 'Black Mammy' money box, late 19th to…

Antique Black Mammy Cast Iron Money Box

An American cast iron 'Black Mammy' money box, late 19th to early 20th century, in original condition, the standing figure with hands on hips and with red and white clothing, cast in two parts with a coin aperture to the back and screwed together. Height…

19th century cast iron eagle mechanical bank. Tilting eagle…

Cast Iron Eagle Mechanical Bank with Young Feeding Action

19th century cast iron eagle mechanical bank. Tilting eagle 'Feeds' young. Original faded paint. Top beak missing. Height 15 cm

A cast iron 'Tammany Bank' novelty money box, seated gentleman…

Tammany Bank Money Box with Moving Arm and Nodding Head

A cast iron 'Tammany Bank' novelty money box, seated gentleman moves arm and nods on receipt of money, approx 15 cm high

A Victorian two-tone pottery money box, flask form with the top…

Victorian Two-Tone Pottery Money Box Flask

A Victorian two-tone pottery money box, flask form with the top in the shape of a jug, stamped Elizabeth Purnell 1863. Height 20 cm.

Tin plate musical toy monkey organ grinder money box with…

Antique Monkey Organ Grinder Money Box with Key

Tin plate musical toy monkey organ grinder money box with original key, early 20th century, 16 cm high

Hallett Marshall American nickel plated money box, 19th century,…

19th Century American Nickel Plated Money Box with Key

Hallett Marshall American nickel plated money box, 19th century, with key, 16 cm high

A vintage cast iron hanging Santa money bank, 'Save and Smile'…

Antique Cast Iron Hanging Santa Money Bank

A vintage cast iron hanging Santa money bank, 'Save and Smile' plaque to the front, circa 1900's England, original paint finish. Height 25 cm

Regency Brazilian rosewood money box with brass coin slots and…

Regency Rosewood Money Box with Brass Slots, C:1820

Regency Brazilian rosewood money box with brass coin slots and compartments, C:1820

A vintage cast iron money box, Lichfield Cathedral. 8 cm x 5 cm…

Lichfield Cathedral Cast Iron Money Box

A vintage cast iron money box, Lichfield Cathedral. 8 cm x 5 cm x 16 cm

A vintage cast iron money bank in the form of the Blackpool…

Blackpool Tower Cast Iron Money Bank

A vintage cast iron money bank in the form of the Blackpool Tower. 10.5 cm x 7 cm x 19 cm

A rare 'Starkie' Sonny Boy Clown money box, with moving ears,…

Rare Sonny Boy Clown Money Box with Moving Ears

A rare 'Starkie' Sonny Boy Clown money box, with moving ears, cast aluminium by Thomas Ashworth, Burnley, Lancaster, England. Height 19 cm.

An antique pottery recumbent tiger money box, with open mouth…

Antique Pottery Tiger Money Box

An antique pottery recumbent tiger money box, with open mouth and painted decoration. One foot missing. Possibly Indonesian, length 30 cm x height 25 cm. Provenance: Douglas Wright Estate.

A cast iron novelty money box in the form of an owl

Iron Owl Money Box

A cast iron novelty money box in the form of an owl

Two American cast iron novelty money boxes in the forms of a…

Cast Iron Ranger and Slugger Money Boxes

Two American cast iron novelty money boxes in the forms of a ranger and baseball player/'slugger'

A vintage cast iron money box, a honey bear with a hive in…

Vintage Cast Iron Honey Bear Money Box

A vintage cast iron money box, a honey bear with a hive in front of a garden house, registration mark to base. 10 cm x 18 cm

Boy cast money box

Boy's Cash Box

Boy cast money box

Two antique American novelty money boxes, painted cast iron,…

Antique American Novelty Money Boxes: Painted Cast Iron Treasures

Two antique American novelty money boxes, painted cast iron, 19th/20th century, the larger 17 cm high

Three American style painted cast iron novelty money boxes, the…

American Cast Iron Novelty Money Boxes - Set of Three

Three American style painted cast iron novelty money boxes, the largest 20 cm high

An American painted cast iron 'Owl' novelty money bank, later…

Painted Owl Money Bank with Brass Base

An American painted cast iron 'Owl' novelty money bank, later cast brass base, late 19th century, 19 cm high, 'Owl' American painted cast iron novelty money bank, later cast brass base, late 19th century, 19 cm high,

Punch and Judy bank painted cast iron money box, 18 cm high

Cast Iron Punch & Judy Money Box

Punch and Judy bank painted cast iron money box, 18 cm high

A Victorian cast iron 'Chicago Bank' money bank. Width 14.5 cm

Victorian Chicago Bank Cast Iron Money Bank

A Victorian cast iron 'Chicago Bank' money bank. Width 14.5 cm

Oak carved money box coffer

Carved Oak Money Coffer

Oak carved money box coffer

A cast iron money box, in the form of a bank building, with…

Iridescent Bank Money Box

A cast iron money box, in the form of a bank building, with iridescent green and gold paint finish. 9 cm x 7 cm x 14 cm

A vintage cast iron money box in the form of a Victorian post…

Vintage Cast Iron Victorian Post Box Money Box

A vintage cast iron money box in the form of a Victorian post box, registration mark to base. Height 17 cm

A vintage cast iron nickel plate money bank, in the form of a…

Vintage Cast Iron Bank Building Money Bank

A vintage cast iron nickel plate money bank, in the form of a bank building. 9.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 13 cm

A vintage cast iron money box, City Bank'. 7.5 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm

Vintage City Bank Cast Iron Money Box

A vintage cast iron money box, City Bank'. 7.5 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm

Always Did 'Spise a Mule Mechanical bank. Bucking Jockey…

Bucking Jockey Mechanical Bank - Half Head Missing

Always Did 'Spise a Mule Mechanical bank. Bucking Jockey Version. Half Rider's Head Missing. Functional. Length 25 cm

, early Victorian Staffordshire childs gnome mask money box 13…

Antique Victorian Staffordshire Child's Gnome Mask Money Box

, early Victorian Staffordshire childs gnome mask money box 13 cm height

Victorian Staffordshire childs pig money box, 11.5 cm length

Victorian Staffordshire Child's Pig Money Box - 11.5cm Length

Victorian Staffordshire childs pig money box, 11.5 cm length

A cast iron sailor doorstop, a patinated metal money box and a…

Antique Sailor Doorstop, Money Box, and Gilt Stand Set

A cast iron sailor doorstop, a patinated metal money box and a gilt metal stand, 19th century and later, the stand 25 cm

Michelin vintage cast iron money box with 'Sydney 1938' on the…

1938 Sydney Michelin Cast Iron Money Box

Michelin vintage cast iron money box with 'Sydney 1938' on the back, 19 cm high

Dentist mechanical bank money box, painted cast iron, 24 cm…

Dentist Mechanical Bank Money Box - Cast Iron, 24cm

Dentist mechanical bank money box, painted cast iron, 24 cm across

A 1920s American cast iron 'New England Church' money bank.…

1920s American Cast Iron Church Money Bank

A 1920s American cast iron 'New England Church' money bank. Length 19 cm height to top of spire 19 cm

Two vintage money boxes. Italian brass safe and a nickel post…

Vintage Italian Brass and Nickel Money Boxes

Two vintage money boxes. Italian brass safe and a nickel post box style, by Hallet and Marshall

A German lead parrot money bank, in green and red colourway.…

German Parrot Coin Bank, c. 1930s

A German lead parrot money bank, in green and red colourway. Coin causes beak to vibrate. c.1930's. Repair to inside, height 9 cm.

Money box original cast iron figural

Cast Iron Figural Money Box

Money box original cast iron figural

Two cast iron money boxes

Cast Iron Money Boxes Pair

Two cast iron money boxes

A cast iron novelty money box in the form of a hunter and bear

Hunter and Bear Cast Iron Money Box

A cast iron novelty money box in the form of a hunter and bear

Three National Safe Still Banks. American, probably by Kenton,…

National Safe Still Banks, Set of 3

Three National Safe Still Banks. American, probably by Kenton, c. mid-1890s, nickel plated cast iron, with combinations, including one with original instructions tag (3) all 12 x 9 x 9.5 cm

An American painted cast iron money bank safe with three…

Gilt Minerva Safe with Three Combination Locks

An American painted cast iron money bank safe with three combination lock, decorated with gilt Minerva head masks to the sides and reclining dog to the front door, early 20th century, 15 cm high, 11.5 cm wide, 10 cm deep,

'Slugger' American painted cast iron baseball player money bank,…

American Cast Iron Baseball Bank

'Slugger' American painted cast iron baseball player money bank, 20th century, 18 cm high,

Two American cast metal elephant money boxes, circa 1920, the…

Pair of 1920s Cast Metal Elephant Money Boxes

Two American cast metal elephant money boxes, circa 1920, the taller 12 cm high.

An antique American tinplate moneybox, circa 1879, 22 cm long

1879 American Tinplate Moneybox - Antique Collectible

An antique American tinplate moneybox, circa 1879, 22 cm long

An American painted cast iron money box 'The Young Nigger Bank',…

"The Young Nigger Bank" Cast Iron Money Box

An American painted cast iron money box 'The Young Nigger Bank', late 19th century, 12 cm high

Tammany Bank American cast iron money box, late 19th century,…

Late 19th Century Tammany Bank Money Box

Tammany Bank American cast iron money box, late 19th century, 15 cm high

An American double-sided money box, painted cast iron, circa…

Antique American Double-Sided Money Box, Circa 1900

An American double-sided money box, painted cast iron, circa 1900, 11 cm high

An American skeleton money box, painted cast iron, 16 cm high

Painted Cast Iron Skeleton Money Box

An American skeleton money box, painted cast iron, 16 cm high

19th century cast iron soldier mechanical bank. Soldier shoots…

Soldier Mechanical Bank: Shoots Penny at Stump

19th century cast iron soldier mechanical bank. Soldier shoots penny at tree stump. Losses to barrel; cocked but not firing. Height 26 cm

Cast iron 'State Bank' money box, 22 cm high approx.

State Bank Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron 'State Bank' money box, 22 cm high approx.

A New Zealand colonial Lambert pottery money box, baluster form,…

Lambert Pottery Money Box with Fern Leaf Design, 1911

A New Zealand colonial Lambert pottery money box, baluster form, salt glazed with golden tone to the top, the knob finial broken and absent, a single slot to the shoulder inscribed below 'Lorna Bank' with incised fern leaf design framing, incised date to…

A 1920s American cast iron money box, 'Mulligan The Cop'.…

1920s Cast Iron Money Box: Mulligan The Cop

A 1920s American cast iron money box, 'Mulligan The Cop'. Height 15 cm

Antique brass inlaid money box, HRH Princess of Wales and HIM…

Royal Inlaid Money Box with Historical Significance

Antique brass inlaid money box, HRH Princess of Wales and HIM Empress of Russian and C. Ashton and Parsons Ltd., 17 Farrington Rd, London, EC approx 15 cm high, 33 cm wide, 23 cm deep

Three antique American cast metal money banks, 19th/20th…

Antique American Cast Metal Money Banks, 19th/20th Century, 12cm High

Three antique American cast metal money banks, 19th/20th century, the largest 12 cm high