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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'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.

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.

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

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

Cast iron novelty 'Dentist' money box depicting seated patient…

Dentist Money Box with Tooth Extraction

Cast iron novelty 'Dentist' money box depicting seated patient with dentist pulling a tooth, length 22 cm approx.

Vintage painted cast iron bulldog money bank measures 16 cm…

Vintage Cast Iron Bulldog Money Bank - 16cm Tall

Vintage painted cast iron bulldog money bank measures 16 cm high, approx

Five various bulldog ceramic money boxes largest measures 37 cm…

Set of 5 Bulldog Ceramic Money Boxes - 37cm Largest

Five various bulldog ceramic money boxes largest measures 37 cm high, (5)

A collection of ornaments & souvenirs, including owls, snail,…

Whimsical Trinkets: Owls, Snails, Money Boxes & More

A collection of ornaments & souvenirs, including owls, snail, money boxes etc

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

Two cast iron money box banks including Man in a Castle, and…

Rusted Cast Iron Money Box Banks (2)

Two cast iron money box banks including Man in a Castle, and Man with a Pipe, rusted, height 22 cm approx, taller bank.

A vintage 'Uncle Sam's Cash Store Register, tin plate money…

Vintage Uncle Sam Cash Register Money Bank

A vintage 'Uncle Sam's Cash Store Register, tin plate money bank, black painted finish with lithographic highlights.

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.

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

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

Reproduction Bulldog Bank Money Box

Reproduction 'Bull Dog Bank' iron money box marked to base: 'Reproduced from original in possession of The Book of Knowledge,' (height 19 cm

A cast iron St Bernard money box, 1909. Provenance: The Badgery…

1909 St Bernard Cast Iron Money Box

A cast iron St Bernard money box, 1909. Provenance: The Badgery family, height 14 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

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 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

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

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

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'

Cast iron Afro-American novelty moneybox 17 cm high approx,…

Vintage Cast Iron Black Americana Moneybox

Cast iron Afro-American novelty moneybox 17 cm high approx, bottom cover missing

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Mechanical Bank: Bad Accident

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

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

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

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

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 Victorian mahogany money box

Victorian Mahogany Money Box

A Victorian mahogany money box

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

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.

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.

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 '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.

An Australian Homesafe money box, early Bank Giveaway (Banks…

Early Australian Homesafe Money Box with Bank Giveaway (1920)

An Australian Homesafe money box, early Bank Giveaway (Banks retained the key, thus ), with content. Circa 1920. Length 11 cm.

Cast iron Afro-American novelty money box painted black and red…

Black and Red Cast Iron Money Box with Movable Arm

Cast iron Afro-American novelty money box painted black and red decoration, with movable arm, marked verso, height 17 cm

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.

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

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

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 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

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

Antique tower form carved wood money box with removable top.…

Carved Wooden Money Box with Removable Top

Antique tower form carved wood money box with removable top. Height 11 cm

Cast iron bear moneybox 15 cm high

Cast Iron Bear Moneybox - 15cm

Cast iron bear moneybox 15 cm high

Vintage Afro-American cast metal novelty moneybox (height 17 cm…

Vintage Afro-American Cast Metal Moneybox

Vintage Afro-American cast metal novelty moneybox (height 17 cm approx).

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.

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

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

Oak carved money box coffer

Carved Oak Money Coffer

Oak carved money box coffer

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.

An Anneke Borren seahorse money box, 1987. Height 36 cm

Anneke Borren Seahorse Money Box (1987)

An Anneke Borren seahorse money box, 1987. Height 36 cm

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

1970s Die-cast double money Bank in the form of a steam-train…

Steam Train Double Money Bank by Banthrico

1970s Die-cast double money Bank in the form of a steam-train and tender manufactured by Banthrico for the First National Bank.

Staffordshire pottery Spaniel money box, bust of a…

Staffordshire Spaniel Money Box

Staffordshire pottery Spaniel money box, bust of a Staffordshire Spaniel, black and white decoration with gilt collar, containing money, height 11 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

Two early 1900s New Zealand Post money boxes, one in the form…

Vintage NZ Post Money Boxes, Suitcase & Rounded Ends

Two early 1900s New Zealand Post money boxes, one in the form of a suitcase, the other with rounded ends, no keys.

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 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 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 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, 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

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

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

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

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.

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