Blackhawk Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 I got this piggy bank from the estate of an elderly woman ...I don't know the age of the bank, but it appears that someone put two or three BU rolls of 1940 Lincoln cents into a new bank at some time. Who knows, maybe someone gave it as a gift to a child in 1940. There are instructions on how to break open the bank on the bottom of it, but since I can't find another bank like it on the internet or Ebay, I'm wondering if the bank itself is worth something. Most of the cents appear to be bright red with no toning, although a couple might be red/brown from what I can tell through the glass. The slot is small enough to make it impossible to remove the coins without destruction of the bank. Should I "break the bank" and free the cents?...how much is a better grade 1940 cent worth (if there's one in there)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottishmoney Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 I think they are a more interesting curiousity still in the bank. Only thing I can suggest is plugging the hole with something inert to prevent any corrosion etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just carl Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 I too think you should maintain that bank as is. I don't really think there is any coins in there worth the breakage of that bank. If you were really desperate to remove some of those coins without breaking the bank you could try one of those extender grasper things that many people use to pick up things in hard to get areas. Don't know if you know what I mean but they are usually about 2 feet long, push button on top, little grasper things on the other end. Of course using those would scratch most of the coins. I'd leave them just were they are as a great novelty, show piece, discussion item. In fact you should probably add enough more to fill the thing. Then as already noted, seal the hole so no more air, gasses or moisture can get in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
satootoko Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 You could insert a very thin piece of spring steel and pull the coins out one by one. A couple of hours work would probably get you a bunch of scratched coins worth as much as 1.5¢ each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiho Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 As a wee child I was pretty bad at saving AND had a sweet tooth so I became very good at retrieving coins from my piggy bank without actually breaking it open. I used a butter knife and after I got the knack I could easily slide a coin out every few seconds. If you don't want to risk scratching the coins use a tongue depressor or popsicle stick instead. Imagine if this was full of three BU rolls of 1955 Double Dies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeOldeCollector Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 I'd keep it as it is, just for the novelty factor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moneydog Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 They are worth $1.00 to $2.00 a piece I too would plug the bank and keep it. I also think it would be worth more as a whole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banivechi Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 You can fill the piggy with olive oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostDutchman Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 im gonna be the devils advocate here.... break it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Stilson Posted May 30, 2008 Report Share Posted May 30, 2008 On the third picture I see part of a hall mark in the glass. Is it covered by the label? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 Just send it to me and i'll take care of it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 I learned to carefully tilt the bank and slide coins out as a kid. You can do it with a light touch and patience. However, I think it is a better item intact, as is. Fantastic collectible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Lee Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 "Avoid the temptation and leave the pig alone. " Actually, I overheard that from two girls sitting at the other end of the bar. I hope they weren't talking about me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banivechi Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 "Avoid the temptation and leave the pig alone. "Actually, I overheard that from two girls sitting at the other end of the bar. I hope they weren't talking about me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banivechi Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 "Avoid the temptation and leave the pig alone. "Actually, I overheard that from two girls sitting at the other end of the bar. I hope they weren't talking about me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnome Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 Get a glass cutter, cut a small enough hole to get them out, then place a small bung/stopper in the hole. Just a thought..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccg Posted June 29, 2008 Report Share Posted June 29, 2008 "Avoid the temptation and leave the pig alone. "Actually, I overheard that from two girls sitting at the other end of the bar. I hope they weren't talking about me. Good one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccg Posted June 29, 2008 Report Share Posted June 29, 2008 As for the piggy bank, I'd keep it. It looks cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedeadpoint Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Heat the piggy bank high enough so the copper coins melt and drain out of the hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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