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

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

Paul Rayner Jesus Saves money box, glazed ceramic, 2010

Paul Rayner Jesus Saves money box, glazed ceramic, 2010

Coin bank, circa 1956 American Chicago diecast Banthrico future…

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

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

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

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

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

Coin bank, circa 1959 mechanical die cast guided missile bank,…

Coin bank, circa 1959 mechanical die cast guided missile bank, height: 29 cm

Coin bank, circa 1960s satellite mechanical bank, Duro Mold and…

Coin bank, circa 1960s satellite mechanical bank, Duro Mold and Manufacturing Inc., height: 26 cm

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

Coin bank, circa 1958 mechanical die cast guided missile bank…

Coin bank, circa 1958 mechanical die cast guided missile bank with box, height: 29 cm

Vintage 'Jolly' Black Man cast metal money box with painted…

Vintage Black Man Cast Metal Money Box with Blue Jacket

Vintage 'Jolly' Black Man cast metal money box with painted blue jacket, marked verso, height 17 cm

West German owl form ceramic money box height 15 cm

West German Ceramic Owl Money Box - 15 cm Height

West German owl form ceramic money box height 15 cm

An antique American double-sided cast metal moneybox with…

Antique American Double-Sided Cast Metal Moneybox with African-American Faces

An antique American double-sided cast metal moneybox with African-American faces, 19th/20th century, 8 cm high

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

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

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

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

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

, 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 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

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 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

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

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

Antique cast iron bear money box 15.5 cm high

Vintage 15.5 cm Cast Iron Bear Money Box

Antique cast iron bear money box 15.5 cm high

Cast iron 'Bull Dog Bank' money box marked to base: 'Reproduced…

Book of Knowledge Bulldog Money Box

Cast iron 'Bull Dog Bank' money box marked to base: 'Reproduced from Original in Collection of the Book of Knowledge,' seated bull dog figure, on stepped base, tail operated mechanism appears to be operational, height 19 cm.

'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

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

Vintage Commonwealth bank money boxes (3), tin money boxes, two…

Vintage Commonwealth Bank Money Boxes Set of 3

Vintage Commonwealth bank money boxes (3), tin money boxes, two with 'This money box is a replica of the Commonwealth bank Heritage building, 48 Martin place Sydney' printed on top, each with circular detachable plug in base [3], 9 x 8 x 6 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

Brasmic shaving stick, Saving Tin money box, 12 cm high

Brasmic Shaving Stick & Tin Money Box Set

Brasmic shaving stick, Saving Tin money box, 12 cm high

Early jolly black man cast iron money box marked to reverse,…

Antique Cast Iron Jolly Black Man Money Box

Early jolly black man cast iron money box marked to reverse, base missing, 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

Early cast iron pig form money box height 14 cm.

Antique Cast Iron Piggy Bank

Early cast iron pig form money box height 14 cm.

Ceramic Jolly Chap money box height 18 cm.

Jolly Chap Ceramic Money Box - 18cm Height

Ceramic Jolly Chap money box height 18 cm.

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…

Double face 'Black Man' cast iron money box face of figure to…

"Black Man" Double-Faced Cast Iron Money Box

Double face 'Black Man' cast iron money box face of figure to both back and front, height 10 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

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

'Jolly black Man' cast iron money box height 14 cm

Cast Iron Money Box - Jolly Black Man

'Jolly black Man' cast iron money box height 14 cm

Large Ellgreave English ceramic Mr Pig money box height 27 cm

Ellgreave Ceramic Mr. Pig Money Box - 27cm Tall

Large Ellgreave English ceramic Mr Pig money box height 27 cm

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

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

May 1937 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Coronation souvenir…

Coronation Tin Money Box with Oxo Cubes

May 1937 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Coronation souvenir tin plate money box, originally containing 6 Oxo Cubes. Well-loved and used, pretty good condition for its age very collectable item. Provenance: Howick antique and Collectors . 6.5 x 3.5 x 7…

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

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

New Zealand post office Savings bank metal money box, chrome…

NZ Post Office Savings Bank Metal Money Box

New Zealand post office Savings bank metal money box, chrome plated, some rust on the top, coin and bank note slots. 'Fiscus' Richardson McCree & Co. Ltd. Wellington Sole Agents for NZ. Number 49315. 10 x 5 x 6 cm high

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

Cast iron American novelty money box in the shape of a U.S.…

US Mailbox Novelty Money Box

Cast iron American novelty money box in the shape of a U.S. Mail post box, 6.5 x 6.5 x 13.5 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

A Ned Kelly cast iron money box. Height 14.5 cm.

Ned Kelly Money Box

A Ned Kelly cast iron money box. Height 14.5 cm.

A leather hei tiki money box, height 17 cm, width 11 cm,…

Leather Hei Tiki Money Box - 17 cm Height

A leather hei tiki money box, height 17 cm, width 11 cm, diameter 4 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

Novelty brass Royal Mail post box money box, 16 cm high

Brass Royal Mail Money Box

Novelty brass Royal Mail post box money box, 16 cm high

Pr cast iron bank Buildings one height 15 cm one 10 cm

Assorted Cast Iron Bank Buildings - 2 Sizes Available

Pr cast iron bank Buildings one height 15 cm one 10 cm

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

NZ post office Savings bank, chrome and brass money box, length…

NZ Post Savings Bank Chrome Money Box

NZ post office Savings bank, chrome and brass money box, length 10 cm, height 6.5 cm

2 old money boxes; 1 tin Commonwealth Saving bank 8 cm x 5.5 cm…

Vintage Money Boxes and Coronation Throne

2 old money boxes; 1 tin Commonwealth Saving bank 8 cm x 5.5 cm x 9 cm some rust and cast iron 1953 Coronation throne

Tellus Vacuum Cleaner money box, aluminium. Comes with key.…

Aluminium Money Box with Key - 11.5 cm Height

Tellus Vacuum Cleaner money box, aluminium. Comes with key. Height 11.5 cm

3 Acme toy Tickety Tock money boxes, made in England

Vintage Tickety Tock Money Boxes from England

3 Acme toy Tickety Tock money boxes, made in England

'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

'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,

'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 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,

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,

'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,

'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,

'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,

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,

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 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,

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,

'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 brass Napoleon bell, Vietnamese rock ornament, and a ceramic…

Eclectic Collection of Decorative Objects

A brass Napoleon bell, Vietnamese rock ornament, and a ceramic handbag moneybox, (3 items), the bell 15 cm high

Cast iron novelty money box as inspected, 22 cm wide, 15.5 cm…

Cast Iron Money Box: Novelty Design

Cast iron novelty money box as inspected, 22 cm wide, 15.5 cm high

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

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.

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.

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

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

Villeroy and Boch ceramic pig form money box length 16 cm

Villeroy & Boch Piggy Bank - 16cm Length

Villeroy and Boch ceramic pig form money box length 16 cm

Circa 1950s red earthenware money box. Spherical, with incised…

Aussie Towns Money Box

Circa 1950s red earthenware money box. Spherical, with incised names of towns and cities of Australia. Diameter 17 cm

Vintage cast iron Skull form money box operates well, with…

Vintage Cast Iron Skull Money Box with Moving Arm

Vintage cast iron Skull form money box operates well, with moving arm, and protruding eyes, height 18 cm

Metal black man form money box, height 16 cm

Metal Black Man Money Box - 16cm Height

Metal black man form money box, height 16 cm

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 various vintage cast iron money boxes including: Elizabeth…

Vintage Cast Iron Money Boxes: Crown & Bear Forms

Two various vintage cast iron money boxes including: Elizabeth II crown form, height 10 cm and standing bear form, height 16 cm

'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.

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

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

Tin toys, two, corn pecking chickens & post office coin bank,…

China & India Tin Toys: Chickens & Coin Bank

Tin toys, two, corn pecking chickens & post office coin bank, made in China & India

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.

Two American style painted cast iron money boxes, mid 20th…

American Cast Iron Money Boxes from Mid 20th Century

Two American style painted cast iron money boxes, mid 20th century, stamped 'Taiwan, the larger 18 cm high

Money box original cast iron figural

Cast Iron Figural Money Box

Money box original cast iron figural

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.

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.