Money Box Collecting: Tips and Tricks for Building a Unique Collection

What Are Money Boxes and Why Collect Them?

Money boxes, also known as piggy banks or coin banks, are containers used to store loose change and cash.

They come in all sorts of fun shapes, sizes, materials and designs. Some are mass-produced while others are hand-crafted or vintage treasures.

Collecting money boxes is a fascinating hobby that lets you explore this humble everyday object that most people take for granted. When you start looking, you’ll be amazed at the huge variety of money boxes out there. Hunting for unique and interesting specimens to add to your collection is exciting and rewarding.

Money box collecting is perfect if you want an affordable, family-friendly collecting hobby. Most money boxes are inexpensive, easy to find, and don’t take up too much space.

Kids especially love money boxes with their bright colours and playful designs. Searching for money boxes together is a great way to bond and share your love of collecting with the next generation.

The History of Money Boxes

Money boxes have been around for centuries. In ancient Greece, people used simple clay pots to store their spare change. The idea spread and cultures around the world developed their own versions, from ornate Asian money boxes to carved African ones.

The iconic “piggy bank” got its name in 15th century Europe. People used dense orange clay called “pygg” to make coin containers. The name “pygg jar” morphed into “piggy bank” over time. By the 18th century, potters started making pig-shaped banks as a playful reference to the name.

Types of Money Boxes

Part of the fun of collecting money boxes is exploring all the different kinds out there. Some major categories include:

Piggy Banks

The classic pig-shaped bank is an enduring favorite. Piggy banks come in ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, wood and more. Some are realistic while others are stylized or cartoon-like.

Mechanical Banks

In the late 1800s, mechanical banks that move or perform an action when a coin is deposited were popular toys. Many valuable antique mechanical banks featured political or pop culture characters of the time. Modern reproductions are also collectible.

Advertising Banks

From the 1870s to the 1930s, businesses used small branded coin banks as giveaways to promote their products and services. Today, advertising collectors prize these vintage money boxes for their colorful graphics and nostalgia appeal.

Souvenir Banks

Tourist destinations and special events often sell money box souvenirs. Add one to your collection every time you go somewhere new or do something memorable. It’s a great alternative to generic gift shop knick-knacks.

Figural Banks

Any money box shaped like a person, animal, building or object is considered a figural bank. This huge category includes everything from kitschy 1950s salt and pepper shakers to contemporary artist-made banks.

Materials

Money boxes are made from a wide range of materials. Deciding what your collection will focus on is a good first step.

Ceramic & Porcelain

Glazed ceramic and porcelain money boxes are among the most common. They’re durable, inexpensive, and come in endless colors and designs. Many are mass-produced but some are studio pieces or limited editions.

Glass

Glass money boxes are often slick and modern looking. Some have slots in the back for inserting bills as well as coins. Older glass banks tend towards cute painted designs while newer ones focus on form.

Metal

Tin, steel, and cast iron are all used for money boxes. Most are vintage or antique, with the exception of modern anodized aluminum “skyscraper” banks. Collectible metal banks include elaborate Victorian still banks, 1960s licensed character banks, and Art Deco figural banks.

Wood

Wooden money boxes have a warm, handcrafted feel. Many are simple boxes or barrels with a slot cut in the top. Folk art lovers collect hand-carved and painted wooden banks with animal or figure motifs. Some older examples have elaborate inlay or laser-cut designs.

Plastic

Although looked down on by some collectors, plastic banks have their own charms. Cheap and cheerful plastic banks were popular carnival prizes and mail-order premiums in the mid 20th century. More recently, character banks have been big sellers for Disney, Peanuts, and other mass market brands.

Deciding What to Collect

Confronted with so many choices, how do you narrow down your money box collecting goals? Here are some things to consider:

Era

Do you like sleek Mid-Century Modern lines, quaint Victoriana, or 80s and 90s nostalgia? Zeroing in on the time periods that appeal to you most will help focus your collecting.

Maker

Some collectors specialize in money boxes by a specific potter, studio, brand, or designer. Having a “holy grail” piece to hunt for adds excitement to the hobby. Trying to acquire a complete set or representative examples of a maker’s work is another collecting approach.

Theme

Building a collection around a unifying theme is very satisfying. Theme ideas include a specific animal (owls, cats, elephants), place (world landmarks, favorite vacation spot), fictional character (Snoopy, Harry Potter), or subject (robots, flowers, sports).

Rarity

Is your goal to amass as many money boxes as possible or to curate a small group of exceptional pieces? One approach focuses on quantity, the other on rarity and quality. Deciding which you prefer will shape your collecting style.

Where to Find Collectible Money Boxes

Once you’ve started collecting money boxes, you’ll see them everywhere! Some of the best places to look are:

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores get tons of money boxes as donations. Most are inexpensive, mass-produced piggy banks. But occasionally you’ll spot a vintage treasure or one-of-a-kind handmade piece. The “hunt” is part of the thrill.

Garage Sales & Flea Markets

Garage sales and flea markets are also great for finding quirky money boxes with a story behind them. Prices are usually very reasonable and you can often haggle. Early birds have the best luck.

Antique Stores

If you’re looking for higher end money boxes, antique stores and collectors markets are the place to go. Expect to pay more but find rarer and better quality examples. Some stores specialize in specific eras or materials.

Online Marketplaces

Can’t find the perfect specimen for your collection locally? Try online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy. They give you access to a worldwide selection but prices and shipping costs may be higher. Read seller reviews before buying. In my opinion Etsy is the best place online to shop for money boxes. You’ll often find rare and unusual items there.

Bank Giveaways

Banks sometimes give out promotional piggy banks to new customers. Ask if they have any available next time you open an account or attend a bank-sponsored event. You may get lucky.

Displaying Your Collection

Displaying your money box collection lets you enjoy it every day and keeps it organized. Some ideas:

Arrange by Color

Grouping your banks by color is easy on the eyes and highlights the variety of your collection. Play around with different shades and color stories.

Create Themed Vignettes

Combine money boxes with related objects to set a mood. For example, surround a beach-themed bank with seashells and vacation mementos. Or pair an antique bank with old photos and ephemera from the same era.

Make a Seasonal Display

Swap out your money boxes to match the season or upcoming holiday. A spooky Halloween creature in October, a red and green Christmas bank in December, etc. Use the rest of your decor as inspiration.

Build Custom Shelves

Simple wall-mounted shelves are perfect for showing off money box collections. Staggering shelf heights creates visual interest. Add a plexiglass front if you’re displaying rare or fragile pieces.

Curate a Coffee Table Collection

Make a statement by featuring a few favorite money boxes on your coffee table or mantel. Choosing oversize or unusually shaped banks as anchors works well. Rotate your display when you want a fresh look.

Caring For Your Collection

With a little TLC, your money box collection will stay in great shape for years to come. Some tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft brush or microfiber cloth
• For ceramic, porcelain, or glass, wash gently by hand and air dry
• Avoid harsh cleansers that may damage painted surfaces
• Store securely in a padded container when not on display
• Don’t play roughly with mechanical banks or force the mechanism
• Take broken banks to a professional restorer instead of attempting to repair

How to Connect With Other Money Box Collectors

Collecting is more fun with friends! Here are some ways to meet fellow money box enthusiasts:

Facebook Groups

There are many active Facebook groups for money box collectors. Some good ones to check out are:

• Piggy Bank and Money Box Collectors
• Cast Iron / Metal / Mechanical & Static Money Boxes / Banks / Toys

In these groups you can share photos of your latest finds, ask for help identifying mystery banks, get advice from experienced collectors, and buy/sell/trade with other members. The groups are friendly and welcoming to newcomers.

Reddit Communities

Reddit also has a couple of communities for money box fans:

• r/coolcollections – not a money box focussed group but great for all collections

These subreddits are great for sharing collection photos and staying up-to-date on new releases. Members post everything from family heirloom piggy banks to 3D printed designs.

If you can’t find an existing online group that matches your collecting interests, consider starting your own! It’s easy to create a new Facebook group or subreddit. Before you know it, you’ll be connecting with like-minded collectors from all over.

Collector Clubs & Conventions

Joining a collector club is an amazing way to deepen your money box knowledge and meet lifelong friends. While there aren’t currently any clubs specifically for money box collectors, you can find ones for related collectibles like still banks, mechanical banks, and coin-operated machines.

Attending a convention is a must for any serious collector.

The thrill of being in a gigantic room packed with fellow enthusiasts and tables full of banks to admire (and buy!) is like nothing else.

Conclusion: Money Boxes Are Small Treasures

We hope this post has inspired you to take a closer look at the wonderful world of money box collecting. Don’t be afraid to think outside the typical “piggy bank”! With so many eras, styles, and materials to choose from, you’re sure to find a money box niche that speaks to you.

As you build your collection, take pride in knowing you’re preserving a small piece of everyday history. Each money box has its own story. By learning about them and connecting with other collectors, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for these little treasures.

Money box collecting proves that you don’t need a lot of money or space to enjoy the thrill of the hunt. It’s an affordable hobby the whole family can enjoy together. So grab a change jar and join the fun! Your perfect money box is out there waiting for you to find it.