Piggy bank

This article is about the item traditionally used to store money. For the song, see Piggy Bank (song).
"Money box" redirects here. For the BBC programme, see Money Box (radio).
A piggy bank, circa 1970.
Earthen pots used in Nepal as piggy banks.

Piggy bank (sometimes penny bank or money box) is the traditional name of a coin container normally used by children. The piggy bank is known to collectors as a "still bank" as opposed to the "mechanical banks" popular in the early 20th century. These items are also often used by companies for promotional purposes, and many financial service companies use piggy banks as logos for their savings products.

Piggy banks are usually made of ceramic or porcelain.[1] They are generally painted and serve as a pedagogical device to teach the rudiments of thrift and saving to children; money can be easily inserted. Many piggy banks have a rubber plug located on the underside; others are made of vinyl and have a removable nose for easy coin access. Some incorporate electronic systems that calculate the amount of money deposited.[2] Some piggy banks do not have an opening besides the slot for inserting coins, which will lead to smashing the piggy bank with a hammer or by other means, to obtain the money within.[3]

  1. ^ Schroy, Ellen (2011). Warman's Americana & Collectibles. Krause Publications. p. 367. ISBN 978-1440228223.[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ "DigiBank Piggy and Panda Banks Learn to Count". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2008-11-09.
  3. ^ Sandy Donovan, Budgeting, p. 22, Lerner Publications, 2005 ISBN 0822526654.