by Aisling Ashbery

Created on: February 21, 2010

Kids aren't the only ones who love to have collections.  Adults can collect everything from jewelry to model cars.  Banks are a fun thing to collect because of how many different varieties there are out there.  And there are plenty models to please adults as well as kids, though any kids around will likely get a kick out of some of the banks as well.  If you're thinking of starting a bank collection, try looking for some of these fun types.

1. Clockwork Bank

When I was young, my aunt had a clockwork bank that worked with a lever.  It was cast iron, in the shape of a harlequin.  You put the coin in the bank's hand and pulled the lever in the back.  The harlequin lifted the coin up and ate it.  There are many kinds of these metal banks with working parts, but they are more rare today than they used to be.  Any sort of working bank like this would be a great addition to any adult's collection.  Many of them are antiques now, but because they are heavy and strong they stay well-preserved and add a lot of fun to the collection.

2. Counting Bank

Another model that is a lot of fun is the sort of bank that will count how much money it has inside of it.  There are many types that can do this.  The latest model that I've seen is the sort that has an electronic counter in the lid, and judges the coins you put in by the size of them.  Each time you put a coin in, the bank counts it for you and display the amount on a small screen. Other types of counting banks include towers for the different sorts of coins with marks on the outside to indicate how much money you have when coins get up that high.  These types of banks can be great for loose change - put it in the counting bank with a goal (like $20), and once the goal is reached, cash them in and treat yourself to something nice.

3. Exploding Bank

The exploding bank is a lot of fun for anyone with a sense of humor.  The exploding bank has a mouse trap on the inside of it on the bottom.  The rest of the bank is constructed out of seperate pieces.  When the trap is set and the bank is assembled, a coin that is dropped in will cause the bank to "explode" startling anyone who puts the coin in.  They are great fun for kids and adults alike.

For bank collecting just like any other sort of collecting, the important thing is to remember to always look for what you like.  It doesn't pay to have something in your collection if you don't like what's in it.  Have fun!

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