1. Building Banks

• "Flat iron Building" Bank (1910s)

• Modeled after the famous Flatiron Building in New York City, these banks often had intricate details, mimicking the architectural style of the real building. Building banks were popular because they symbolized security, wealth, and stability, much like real-life banks did.

• Ives Palace Bank

• Produced by Ives, Blakeslee & Co., Connecticut, circa 1885. This historical building features extraordinary casting details and is still considered by many to display the finest mold effects ever produced as a still bank. 7 1/2" x 8".

Though their original purpose was to promote savings, still banks have become prized as decorative items and antiques that showcase the ingenuity of 19th- and early 20th-century American manufacturing. The enduring appeal of these objects, combined with the nostalgia for a simpler time, has ensured their continued relevance in American culture and among collectors.

Some still banks have become particularly iconic due to their design, historical significance, or value among collectors. Here are some of the more recognizable still banks:

2. Animal Banks

Elephant Banks

• One of the most famous shapes, cast iron elephant still banks were incredibly popular and often had different variations. The elephant's association with strength and wisdom made it a desirable theme, and many companies created elephant banks in various poses.

Cat and Dog Banks

• Banks shaped like pets—cats and dogs—were among the most beloved designs, often used to teach children to care for and look after their money. The "Seated Cat" and "Puppo" banks are examples of simple yet charming designs from the late 19th century.

3. Safe Banks

• Combination Safe Banks

• These banks resembled mini safes with a combination lock, symbolizing security and responsibility. Popular in the early 20th century, safe banks often had the appeal of making saving fun by allowing the user to pretend they were using a real safe. These could be metal or tinplate, and were manufactured in large quantities by companies like the Kenton Hardware Company.

4. Figural Banks

• "Uncle Sam" Bank

• Though there are both mechanical and still versions, "Uncle Sam" banks, portraying the national icon , are among the most recognized American-themed banks. They encouraged patriotic savings, particularly during times of war or national crisis.

• Billiken Bank

• A Billiken is a mythical creature that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It was created by artist and illustrator Florence Pretz of Kansas City, Missouri, who patented the design in 1908. The Billiken is often described as a chubby, elf-like figure with a serene smile, pointy ears, a large belly, and short legs. It is sometimes considered a "good luck charm" and has been associated with happiness, good fortune, and positive vibes.

  The Billiken became a popular cultural icon in the early 1900s, appearing in toys, banks, and other merchandise.

5. House Banks

• "Cottage" Banks

• Still banks in the form of quaint cottages or homes remain popular. They symbolized domestic stability and the idea of saving money to build or buy a home. These were often made of ceramic, cast iron or tin and painted in bright colors.

• "Two-Story House" Bank

• These were a more elaborate variation of house banks, often decorated with architectural details like chimneys, windows, and doors. They were a staple design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

6. "Depositor" or Pocket Banks

• These banks were used by real banks or businesses to encourage customers to save money. They had advertising on them and were often given as promotional items. While not limited to celluloid, celluloid was widely used because it was lightweight, relatively durable, and could be molded into various shapes, making it a good material for inexpensive, mass-produced products like pocket banks.  The term "pocket bank" refers to their compact size, making them easy to carry or fit in a pocket.

7.  Transportation Themed Banks

• Transportation-themed banks are collectible coin banks designed to resemble various modes of transportation. These banks were often created in the shapes of vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, zeppelins, and boats. They are popular among collectors and were sometimes produced as promotional items for transportation companies or industries.