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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Two cast iron money boxes

Cast Iron Money Boxes Pair

Two cast iron money boxes

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

Circus clown Mechanical money box. Height 23 cm

Circus Clown Money Box - 23cm

Circus clown Mechanical money box. Height 23 cm

Three antique French pussy money boxes (3)

Antique French Pussy Money Boxes Set of Three

Three antique French pussy money boxes (3)

Cast iron Humpty Dumpty money box

Humpty Dumpty Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Humpty Dumpty money box

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

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

Cast iron wise owl mechanical bank. Worn original paint.…

Wise Owl Mechanical Bank - Vintage Cast Iron Collectible

Cast iron wise owl mechanical bank. Worn original paint. replacement base plate. Height 20 cm

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

Two American banks. Cast iron young Ni.r still bank, original…

American Banks: Cast Iron & Jolly Ni.r Mechanical Bank

Two American banks. Cast iron young Ni.r still bank, original paint; later aluminium Jolly Ni.r mechanical bank, A/F. Height 17 cm

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

Two various British money boxes. Victorian elm two compartment;…

British Money Boxes: Victorian Elm and National Provincial Bank

Two various British money boxes. Victorian elm two compartment; and National provincial bank, made by Taylor Law Birmingham (with key). Length 14 cm. (wooden box)

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

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

Cast iron Afro-American money box (damaged)

Damaged cast iron Afro-American money box

Cast iron Afro-American money box (damaged)

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

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

Cast iron money box bear stealing honey/money approx 18 cm high

Honey Thief Bear Money Box

Cast iron money box bear stealing honey/money approx 18 cm high

Cast iron money box in the form of a bank, approx 9 cm high

Cast Iron Bank Money Box - 9cm High

Cast iron money box in the form of a bank, approx 9 cm high

Cast iron Afro-American mechanical money box, 15 cm high

Mechanical Afro-American Money Box

Cast iron Afro-American mechanical money box, 15 cm high

Antique brass money box, approx 21 cm high, 23 cm long

Antique Brass Money Box - 21x23 cm

Antique brass money box, approx 21 cm high, 23 cm long

Modern Robot clock with thermometer & money box head, approx 80…

Robot Money Box Clock with Thermometer - 80cm

Modern Robot clock with thermometer & money box head, approx 80 cm high

Cast figural money box 'I love a copper'

"I heart copper" money box

Cast figural money box 'I love a copper'

Boy cast money box

Boy's Cash Box

Boy cast money box

Four antique figures along with a vintage money box, approx 21…

Antique Figures and Vintage Money Box Set

Four antique figures along with a vintage money box, approx 21 cm high and shorter (5)

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…

A group of three metalware animal novelties, Victorian to early…

Metalware Animal Novelties: Retriever, Bear and Bulldog

A group of three metalware animal novelties, Victorian to early 20th century, including a cast brass retriever head, a standing brass bear money box in two parts and screwed together and an iron cast bulldog money box with remnant iron red colouring, also…

An antique maple wood money box with key

Maple Money Box with Key

An antique maple wood money box with key

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

Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge money box

Brambly Hedge Royal Doulton Money Box

Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge money box

Cast iron clown money box, approx 18 cm high

Clown Cast Iron Money Box - 18cm

Cast iron clown money box, approx 18 cm high

Two cast iron tower money boxes, each approx 23 cm high

Pair of 23cm Cast Iron Tower Money Boxes

Two cast iron tower money boxes, each approx 23 cm high

Cast iron Jonah and the whale money box

Jonah Whale Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Jonah and the whale money box

New Zealand made cast iron Afro-American money box

Kiwi-made African American money box

New Zealand made cast iron Afro-American money box

Small cast iron golliwog money box

Cast Iron Golliwog Money Box

Small cast iron golliwog money box

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

Novelty cast iron money box, Crossbow

Crossbow Coin Keeper

Novelty cast iron money box, Crossbow

Novelty cast iron money box, eagle

Eagle Cast Iron Money Box

Novelty cast iron money box, eagle

Antique brass money box, with screw off lid, 16 cm high approx

Antique Brass Money Box with Screw-Off Lid

Antique brass money box, with screw off lid, 16 cm high approx

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

Two vintage money boxes 4.5 cm & 11 cm high

Vintage Money Boxes - 2 Sizes

Two vintage money boxes 4.5 cm & 11 cm high

1930s Crosley radio money bank, in cast iron by Kenton Toys in…

Crosley Cast Iron Radio Money Bank

1930s Crosley radio money bank, in cast iron by Kenton Toys in red, excellent condition. Length 11 cm

Antique tin Punch & Judy money box 18 cm high

Antique Punch & Judy Money Box - 18cm

Antique tin Punch & Judy money box 18 cm high

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

Cast iron money box, in the form of a red mail box, 16.5 cm…

Red Mailbox Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron money box, in the form of a red mail box, 16.5 cm high approx.

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

Cast iron 'Artillery Bank' money box in the form of an…

Artilleryman Money Box Firing Mortar at Building

Cast iron 'Artillery Bank' money box in the form of an artilleryman firing a mortar at building, possibly a reproduction.

An Italian 'Italica' Ars ceramic 'Owl' money Bank, height 17 cm

Italica Owl Money Bank - 17cm Height

An Italian 'Italica' Ars ceramic 'Owl' money Bank, height 17 cm

Vintage cast iron bull dog money box 9.5 cm high approx

Vintage Cast Iron Bulldog Money Box

Vintage cast iron bull dog money box 9.5 cm high approx

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

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…

American Indian money box, 33 cm

Native American Money Box - 33 cm

American Indian money box, 33 cm

Two various money Banks. Iron bank, post box shape: & Marigold…

Iron Bank and Marigold Pig: Unique Money Banks

Two various money Banks. Iron bank, post box shape: & Marigold lustre glass pig.

Cast iron money box, Save Your Money & Freeze It

Freeze Your Cash: Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron money box, Save Your Money & Freeze It

Cast iron Punch & Judy money box

Cast iron Punch & Judy bank

Cast iron Punch & Judy money box

Cast iron artillery bank money box

Cast Iron Artillery Bank

Cast iron artillery bank money box

Cast iron Jonah & the Whale money box

Jonah Whale Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Jonah & the Whale money box

Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge money box, boxed

Brambly Hedge Money Box in Box

Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge money box, boxed

A cast iron money bank of Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam Cast Iron Money Bank

A cast iron money bank of Uncle Sam

Equitable Building Chicago money box

Chicago's Equitable Building Money Box

Equitable Building Chicago money box

Vintage Afro-American mechanical money box, 13.5 cm high approx

Vintage Afro-American Mechanical Money Box

Vintage Afro-American mechanical money box, 13.5 cm high approx

Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge Money box

Brambly Hedge Royal Doulton Money Box

Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge Money box

Vintage Afro-American  mechanical money box

Mechanical Money Box for Vintage Afro-Americans

Vintage Afro-American mechanical money box

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 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

Victorian money box, with black leather effect finish, inside…

Victorian Leather Money Box with Compartments

Victorian money box, with black leather effect finish, inside compartments for gold, silver and notes, 15.5 cm wide approx

A Snoopy ceramic money box 'Sailor Snoopy' . 1966. 11 cm x 114…

Sailor Snoopy Ceramic Money Box

A Snoopy ceramic money box 'Sailor Snoopy' . 1966. 11 cm x 114 cm

Cast iron mechanical money box, 16 cm high approx

Vintage Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron mechanical money box, 16 cm high approx

Cast iron lion money box 15 cm high approx

Cast Iron Lion Money Box - 15cm Height

Cast iron lion money box 15 cm high approx

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

Vintage cast iron 'bank' money box, height 15.5 cm approx

Vintage Cast Iron Money Box Bank

Vintage cast iron 'bank' money box, height 15.5 cm approx

Cast iron Michelin money box, 22 cm high approx

Michelin Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Michelin money box, 22 cm high approx

Cast iron 'Teddy and the Bear' money box, 23 cm wide

"Teddy and Bear" Cast Iron Money Box (23cm)

Cast iron 'Teddy and the Bear' money box, 23 cm wide

Cast iron Afro-American mechanical money box, 16 cm high

Mechanical Money Box: Cast Iron Afro-American Figure

Cast iron Afro-American mechanical money box, 16 cm high

Cast iron 'Speaking Dog' mechanical moneybox, 18 cm high approx

Mechanical Speaking Dog Moneybox

Cast iron 'Speaking Dog' mechanical moneybox, 18 cm high approx

Cast iron Afro-American mechanical money box, 16 cm high

Mechanical Money Box: Cast Iron Afro-American Figure

Cast iron Afro-American mechanical money box, 16 cm high

Cast iron 'Teddy and the Bear' money box, 23 cm long

"Teddy and Bear" Cast Iron Money Box - 23cm

Cast iron 'Teddy and the Bear' money box, 23 cm long

A vintage Donald duck money box, metal, with combination lock.…

Vintage Mexican Donald Duck Metal Money Box with Lock

A vintage Donald duck money box, metal, with combination lock. Mexican, circa 1950. (a/f)

A ceramic painted Mexican moneybox, in the form of a skull

Mexican Skull Moneybox

A ceramic painted Mexican moneybox, in the form of a skull

Cast American 'County Bank' money box, approx 10 cm x 16 cm

Vintage County Bank Money Box

Cast American 'County Bank' money box, approx 10 cm x 16 cm

A Tartanware money box, Scottish, circa 1880, labelled McBeth,…

Scottish Tartanware McBeth Money Box, 1880

A Tartanware money box, Scottish, circa 1880, labelled McBeth, 10.5 cm wide

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

A vintage Italian pottery blue glazed owl money bank, approx 18…

Vintage Italian Blue Glazed Owl Money Bank

A vintage Italian pottery blue glazed owl money bank, approx 18 cm high

Two money boxes, a polychrome painted cast iron Tammany Bank of…

Tammany Bank and Clown Money Boxes

Two money boxes, a polychrome painted cast iron Tammany Bank of a Man, patented by Russel Frisbie, Cornwall, Connecticut, circa 1875, and a painted clown, 14 cm & 17 cm high

Norman Lindsay Moonface iron moneybox

Moonface Iron Moneybox by Norman Lindsay

Norman Lindsay Moonface iron moneybox

An Anglo-Indian metal horse form money box, height 19 cm

Anglo-Indian Metal Horse Money Box, 19 cm Height

An Anglo-Indian metal horse form money box, height 19 cm

Cast iron 'Trick dog' money box, depicting a dog jumping throw…

Jumping Trick Dog Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron 'Trick dog' money box, depicting a dog jumping throw a hoop held by clown, length 20 cm

Set of five Wade porcelain pig money boxes, for Natwest, a/f (5)

Wade Natwest Pig Money Boxes Set (a/f)

Set of five Wade porcelain pig money boxes, for Natwest, a/f (5)

Colonial cedar sarcophagus money box, 15.5 cm wide, 9.5 cm high

Colonial Cedar Sarcophagus Money Box (10 words)

Colonial cedar sarcophagus money box, 15.5 cm wide, 9.5 cm high

A cast iron novelty money box

Cast Iron Money Box: A Novelty Collectible

A cast iron novelty money box

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

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

Vintage metal bear money box, Standing bear, no marks evident.…

Vintage Metal Bear Money Box - Standing Bear (15cm)

Vintage metal bear money box, Standing bear, no marks evident. Height 15 cm.

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

A late 19th century cast iron State Bank money box, unassembled

Late 19th Century State Bank Money Box Kit

A late 19th century cast iron State Bank money box, unassembled

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