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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Large cast iron money box, Jonah and the whale, length 24 cm,…

Jonah & Whale Cast Iron Money Box

Large cast iron money box, Jonah and the whale, length 24 cm, the money sits on Jonah's hand and is swallowed by the whale

Southern cross Permanent building Society money box, patent…

Antique Southern Cross Money Box with Original Box and Receipt

Southern cross Permanent building Society money box, patent June 11 1921. In original box with receipt, length 9.5 cm height 6 cm

Victorian era money box (brass & iron) in the form of a bank,…

Victorian Bank Money Box

Victorian era money box (brass & iron) in the form of a bank, height 18 cm

Cast iron Punch & Judy money box

Cast iron Punch & Judy bank

Cast iron Punch & Judy money box

A Victorian mahogany money box

Victorian Mahogany Money Box

A Victorian mahogany money box

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

Cast iron mechanical money box, 16 cm high approx

Vintage Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron mechanical money box, 16 cm high approx

Coin bank, circa 1956 American Chicago diecast Banthrico future…

Coin bank, circa 1956 American Chicago diecast Banthrico future car still bank, length 21 cm

Vintage USA iron 'Punch' money box surmounted by large painted…

Vintage Punch Money Box with Wheeled Base

Vintage USA iron 'Punch' money box surmounted by large painted figure of 'Punch,' standing on wheeled money box base, wheels need reattachment, marked 'Gran Fabrica de Tabacos,' and 'Five Cent Cigars,' height 32 cm

Victorian brass money box with relief decoration of birds, 22…

Victorian Brass Bird Money Box

Victorian brass money box with relief decoration of birds, 22 cm length, 14 cm depth

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…

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

Circus clown Mechanical money box. Height 23 cm

Circus Clown Money Box - 23cm

Circus clown Mechanical money box. Height 23 cm

An antique American cast iron moneybox, 19th/20th century, 16…

An antique American cast iron moneybox, 19th/20th century, 16 cm high

'Boy Scout American painted cast iron money bank, 20th century,…

Boy Scout Cast Iron Money Bank, 20th Century, 17cm

'Boy Scout American painted cast iron money bank, 20th century, 17 cm high,

A cast iron money bank of Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam Cast Iron Money Bank

A cast iron money bank of Uncle Sam

An unusual large Victorian pottery lion money bank, slip…

Large Victorian Lion Money Bank - Treacle Glazed

An unusual large Victorian pottery lion money bank, slip moulded, dark treacle glazed. Faults and repair, length 45 cm

A cast iron novelty money box

Cast Iron Money Box: A Novelty Collectible

A cast iron novelty money box

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

A vintage cast iron Humpty Dumpty money bank, produced by…

Antique Humpty Dumpty Cast Iron Money Bank

A vintage cast iron Humpty Dumpty money bank, produced by Shepard Hardware, N.Y. 1884, base plate missing and has been repainted.16 cm x 19 cm

Cast iron Jonah & the Whale money box

Jonah Whale Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Jonah & the Whale money box

Cast iron artillery bank money box

Cast Iron Artillery Bank

Cast iron artillery bank money box

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

Two china pig money boxes, green & brown glazes (one with ear…

Green and Brown China Piggy Banks with Ear Chip

Two china pig money boxes, green & brown glazes (one with ear chip)

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

Coin bank, circa 1960s Destination moon bank model 1000 USA…

Coin bank, circa 1960s Destination moon bank model 1000 USA space rocket, made in Detroit, USA, height: 27 cm

Early 'Jolly black man in top Hat' money box cast iron model…

Vintage Cast Iron Money Box with Top Hat Jolly Man

Early 'Jolly black man in top Hat' money box cast iron model marked 'Bos' to base, height 22 cm

Cast metal dog formed money box & nut cracker, width 29 cm,…

Metal Dog Money Box and Nut Cracker

Cast metal dog formed money box & nut cracker, width 29 cm, widest

Antique specimen timber money box. some losses to wood overlay…

Antique specimen timber money box. some losses to wood overlay veneers, width 15 cm

Two mid-century Bikuben Danish Pottery money Banks, 'Poul…

Mid-Century Bikuben Danish Pottery Money Banks Pair

Two mid-century Bikuben Danish Pottery money Banks, 'Poul Hartling'and 'Erik Hoffmeyer'. Circa 1970. Height 18 cm.

A large Claudia Joffe ceramic money box, with a red flambe…

Red Flambe Claudia Joffe Ceramic Money Box - Large

A large Claudia Joffe ceramic money box, with a red flambe glaze, height 38 cm, diameter 21 cm, depth 30 cm

A vintage elephant money box with hand painted detail, height…

Hand-Painted Vintage Elephant Money Box (13cm)

A vintage elephant money box with hand painted detail, height 13 cm

A brass bound wooden money box in the form of a barrel, English…

Brass Bound Wooden Barrel Money Box, 19th Century

A brass bound wooden money box in the form of a barrel, English 19th century height 13 cm

A 'Trick Dog' mechanical money bank, paint finish, operating…

"Trick Dog" Mechanical Money Bank - 22cm Length, Working Condition

A 'Trick Dog' mechanical money bank, paint finish, operating order, length 22 cm.

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

Norman Lindsay Moonface iron moneybox

Moonface Iron Moneybox by Norman Lindsay

Norman Lindsay Moonface iron moneybox

Cast iron Michelin money box, 22 cm high approx

Michelin Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Michelin money box, 22 cm high approx

Coin bank, circa 1960, Strato mechanical Duro coin bank, length…

Coin bank, circa 1960, Strato mechanical Duro coin bank, length 22 cm

Ceramic Jolly Chap money box height 18 cm.

Jolly Chap Ceramic Money Box - 18cm Height

Ceramic Jolly Chap money box height 18 cm.

Vintage painted cast iron pig money box height 12 cm, length 22…

Vintage Cast Iron Pig Money Box - 12x22cm

Vintage painted cast iron pig money box height 12 cm, length 22 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

Creedmoor antique cast iron rifleman moneybox, 19th century, 17…

Antique Creedmoor Cast Iron Rifleman Moneybox

Creedmoor antique cast iron rifleman moneybox, 19th century, 17 cm high, 25 cm wide

A vintage cast iron Speaking Dog money bank, by Shepard…

Antique Speaking Dog Cast Iron Money Bank

A vintage cast iron Speaking Dog money bank, by Shepard Hardware, N.Y., original finish, coin trap and girl's arm absent, mechanism requires some attention. 20 cm x 8.5 cm x 20 cm.

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

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

Novelty tin litho money box. Watch Me Grow Tall with coins…

"Watch Me Grow" Money Box

Novelty tin litho money box. Watch Me Grow Tall with coins large & small. Made in England (after the apex USA version). Height when small 13 cm x 10 cm

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

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.

Antique tin Punch & Judy money box 18 cm high

Antique Punch & Judy Money Box - 18cm

Antique tin Punch & Judy money box 18 cm high

Vintage cast iron Paddy and the pig money box height 19 cm

Vintage Cast Iron Paddy & Pig Money Box (19cm)

Vintage cast iron Paddy and the pig money box height 19 cm

A pair of vintage French money boxes, beehive shape, brown and…

Vintage French Beehive Money Boxes with Names

A pair of vintage French money boxes, beehive shape, brown and gold paint finish, with names to the front. Height 10.5 cm

A 1909 English brass 'Alice in Wonderland' moneybox, Pat.…

English Alice in Wonderland Brass Moneybox, 1909, Missing Base

A 1909 English brass 'Alice in Wonderland' moneybox, Pat. #18808-07, missing bottom base-plate, height 10 cm

New Zealand post office Savings bank metal money box, coin slot…

NZ Post Savings Bank Metal Money Box "Fiscus"

New Zealand post office Savings bank metal money box, coin slot (no bank notes) 'Fiscus' number 32797

Cast iron American novelty money box, punch & Judy, in fully…

Punch & Judy Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron American novelty money box, punch & Judy, in fully working order, money feed, punch and Judy all move, paintwork in good condition. Provenance: Mowbray Collectables. 16 x 9 x 17 cm high

A Recruit cast iron money bank, made in England by William H.H.…

1918 Recruit Cast Iron Money Bank from England

A Recruit cast iron money bank, made in England by William H.H. James & Co. 1918. Reg. 670140, height 16 cm.

Small cast iron golliwog money box

Cast Iron Golliwog Money Box

Small cast iron golliwog money box

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

Juliet Peter and Roy Cowan, a salt glazed pig money box, all…

JRC Pig Money Box and Plates

Juliet Peter and Roy Cowan, a salt glazed pig money box, all legs repaired, and two plates incised mark JRC.

A vintage cast iron money box, a smiley face on legs, 'Save and…

Smiley Face Money Box from Flower Family Collection

A vintage cast iron money box, a smiley face on legs, 'Save and Smile Money Box'. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection. 11 cm x 12 cm

A hallmarked silver bank money box, Birmingham c1991 by Ray…

Silver Bank Money Box by Ray Hall (1991)

A hallmarked silver bank money box, Birmingham c1991 by Ray Hall, height 20 cm, width 15.5 cm

A vintage European spelter money bank, in the form of a…

Vintage Spelter Stag Money Bank with Original Paint Finish

A vintage European spelter money bank, in the form of a standing stag, opens at the chest to release money, original paint finish

Vintage red ceramic candlestick, yellow pottery cat money box,…

Vintage Ceramic Candlestick, Pottery Cat Money Box, Porcelain Insulator

Vintage red ceramic candlestick, yellow pottery cat money box, and a brown porcelain electricity insulator, 20th century, (3 items), the largest 26.5 cm high

An American Boston terrier moneybox by Hubley, painted cast…

Hubley Boston Terrier Moneybox, 20th Century Cast Iron

An American Boston terrier moneybox by Hubley, painted cast iron, early 20th century, 13 cm high

An Edwardian silver money box, casket form, embossed with…

Gainsborough Angel Embossed Silver Money Box

An Edwardian silver money box, casket form, embossed with 'Gainsborough' angels. Birmingham 1903 by Henry Matthews, width 10 cm, 180gm.

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

An old cast iron mechanical 'Trick Dog' money bank, with…

Polychrome Trick Dog Money Bank

An old cast iron mechanical 'Trick Dog' money bank, with polychrome enamelled decoration. Length 22 cm.

I Always Did 'spise a Mule' money bank, manufactured in the USA…

1950s USA-made "Spise a Mule" Money Bank

I Always Did 'spise a Mule' money bank, manufactured in the USA in the 1950s.

Early 'Black lady in green Jacket' money box pierced base plate…

Pierced Base Black Lady Money Box

Early 'Black lady in green Jacket' money box pierced base plate model, height 17 cm

Two Queen Elizabeth II cast iron money boxes, circa 1952, 10 cm…

Pair of Queen Elizabeth II Cast Iron Money Boxes

Two Queen Elizabeth II cast iron money boxes, circa 1952, 10 cm and 17 cm high

An uncommon 'New Zealand Coin Bank', glazed terracotta with…

Glazed terracotta NZ penny coin bank

An uncommon 'New Zealand Coin Bank', glazed terracotta with enamel paint highlights, modelled as a 1961 Penny, height 16 cm.

American Indian money box, 33 cm

Native American Money Box - 33 cm

American Indian money box, 33 cm

New Zealand post office Savings bank metal money box, R.H.…

NZ Post Office Savings Bank Metal Money Box

New Zealand post office Savings bank metal money box, R.H.Burman Ltd. Richardson McCree & Co. Ltd. Wellington Sole Agents for NZ. Coin and bank notes slots. Number 72571. 10 x 5 x 6 cm

A 1920s English Hoop-la Clown and Trick Dog cast-iron moneybox,…

1920s Hoop-la Clown and Trick Dog Moneybox

A 1920s English Hoop-la Clown and Trick Dog cast-iron moneybox, with coin. Minor repair to base, length 22 cm, height 19 cm

An early 20th century majolica glazed pottery seated pig money…

Blue Majolica Piggy Bank

An early 20th century majolica glazed pottery seated pig money box, blue glazed sponge decoration on brown ground, ears extended and forward, length 17 cm.

Vintage cast metal hand grenade form money box marked to base,…

Vintage cast metal hand grenade form money box marked to base, height 10 cm

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

'How to Score by a Penny' Australian folk art book box money…

Penny Scoring: Folk Art Money Box

'How to Score by a Penny' Australian folk art book box money box, early 20th century, 15 cm high

'Jewel Safe' an American cast and nickel plated novelty money…

Jewel Safe: Decorative Money Bank with Jail Bars

'Jewel Safe' an American cast and nickel plated novelty money bank safe with female cast decoration and jail bars door protecting the front safe door, (with key), early 20th century, 14 cm high, 10 cm wide, 8.5 cm deep

An American painted cast iron standing 'Golly Wog' money bank,…

Late 19th Century American Golly Wog Money Bank

An American painted cast iron standing 'Golly Wog' money bank, late 19th century, 16 cm high,

An American cast iron novelty money bank by 'Creed Moor Bank',…

Creed Moor Bank Cast Iron Money Bank, Late 19th Century

An American cast iron novelty money bank by 'Creed Moor Bank', late 19th century. 17 cm high.

'Poor Tired Tim' lithographed figural money box, limerick on…

1912 German 'Poor Tired Tim' Figural Money Box

'Poor Tired Tim' lithographed figural money box, limerick on front panel, c. 1912, Germany, height 12.5 cm.

Artillery Bank American cast iron money box, 19th/20th century,…

Cast Iron Artillery Bank Money Box

Artillery Bank American cast iron money box, 19th/20th century, 16 cm high

Two model lifeboat money boxes both with covered decks, one…

Pair of Model Lifeboat Money Boxes with Covered Decks

Two model lifeboat money boxes both with covered decks, one marked 'From Waiheke RSA to Wellington Harb. Musbame 1997', lengths both 50 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

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 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…

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.

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

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