A still bank is a type of coin bank that does not have any moving parts but does feature a coin slot. The term "still" distinguishes it from "mechanical banks", which typically feature some kind of mechanism or action (such as a figure that moves when a coin is deposited). Still banks are simple containers, usually made from materials that included cast iron, ceramic, wood, celluloid, or tin.

The history of still banks in the United States is tied closely to the growth of thrift culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Major phases of still bank history in the U.S follow:

1. Early Origins (Mid-19th Century)

Still banks first appeared in the U.S. during the mid-1800s, at a time when thrift and saving were being promoted, especially for children. The idea was to teach them financial responsibility through fun and accessible methods. These early banks were often made of cast iron, which became a common material for bank manufacturing in this era. The design of still banks was simple, featuring a slot to deposit coins. These early banks lacked the elaborate mechanisms of mechanical banks.

2. Rise of Popularity (Late 19th Century)

By the 1870s, still banks grew in popularity, paralleling the industrial boom in the U.S. With advances in casting technology, manufacturers could produce more elaborate and durable banks in various shapes and designs. Common themes included animals, buildings (banks, homes, or churches), and everyday objects. These designs were often whimsical and attractive to children as well as adults.

During this time, many American foundries were also producing mechanical banks, but still banks remained cheaper to produce and thus were more accessible to the general public. Companies like the J. & E. Stevens Company and the Hubley Manufacturing Company became leaders in bank production, offering a wide range of designs.

3. Mass Production (Early 20th Century)

At the turn of the 20th century, as thrift became a social value in the U.S., still banks were mass-produced by manufacturers, often in cast iron and tinplate. These banks were marketed as toys and educational tools for children, helping families promote the habit of saving money. Banks shaped like animals, safes, and popular symbols of the time (e.g., patriotic figures) were common.

4. Decline and Shift to Different Materials (Mid-20th Century)

The production of still banks began to decline in the mid-20th century as cast iron became more expensive and plastic became more common. By the 1940s and 1950s, still banks were increasingly made from plastic or tin, though they lacked the craftsmanship and durability of earlier models.

5. Collectors’ Items (Late 20th Century to Present)

By the latter half of the 20th century, many still banks from earlier periods became highly sought-after collectors' items. Antique cast-iron still banks, in particular, gained significant value due to their craftsmanship, rarity, and historical significance. Collectors prize these banks not only for their nostalgic value but also for their artistic and mechanical quality.

Today, still banks from the 19th and early 20th centuries are considered antiques and can be found in museums, private collections, and auction houses. The designs from this period reflect a unique intersection of art, industry, and the cultural emphasis on thrift in American society.