{{short description|Type of container used for coins}} thumb|200px|An example of a mechanical bank
'''Mechanical banks''' are small containers with a decorative mechanical action, used to store coins. They were originally intended to promote saving money among children in the mid-19th century. Frequently made of cast iron, mechanical banks were often creatively designed, depicting historical, legendary, or everyday events to increase their appeal. Each bank performed a stunt or an action when a coin was dropped into a slot and a lever was pulled. The banks quickly became popular with children and adults alike and soon became a sought-after collector's item.
== See also == * Piggy bank
==References== *{{cite book|author=Dan Morphy|title=The Official Price Guide to Mechanical Banks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nH27ULE7BF8C|year=2007|publisher=House of Collectibles|isbn=978-0-375-72261-5}}
Category:Banks Category:Coins Category:Containers Category:Mechanical toys Category:Traditional toys
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