Piggy Bank Value & Price Guide

Collecting piggy banks offers a nostalgic journey through childhood thrift and artistic design, ranging from rustic cast iron to delicate mid-century ceramics. These charming vessels serve as both functional financial tools and decorative folk art, reflecting the popular culture and manufacturing trends of their respective eras.

Price Range: $30 - $43 based on recent sales

History of Piggy Bank

The origin of the piggy bank dates back to the Middle Ages when a type of orange clay known as 'pygg' was used to make jars for storing money. Over time, the name of the material evolved into the shape of the animal, leading to the iconic porcine figures we recognize today. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, manufacturers began producing banks in various materials like cast iron and stoneware to encourage children to save their pennies. During the mid-20th century, companies like McCoy and Shawnee popularized ceramic versions, turning these utilitarian objects into highly collectible kitchenware and nursery decor. Today, the market spans from rare 19th-century mechanical banks to pop-culture icons from the late 20th century, representing a diverse cross-section of social history.

Value Factors for Piggy Bank

The typical price range for Piggy Bank is $30 - $43 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material rarity, with heavy cast iron and early stoneware typically commanding higher prices than mass-produced plastic or modern ceramic.
• Brand and manufacturer marks, such as those from Lefton, McCoy, or early American iron foundries.
• Condition of the finish, specifically the presence of original paint on metal banks or the lack of crazing on glazed ceramic pieces.
• Historical significance or crossover appeal, such as licensed character banks or rare advertising premiums.

Tips for Buying Piggy Bank

• Inspect the base for original stoppers or plugs, as replacements or missing pieces can significantly decrease the market value.
• Look for authentic wear on the coin slot edges of cast iron banks, which helps distinguish genuine antiques from modern reproductions.
• Prioritize banks with intact hand-painted details or original cold-paint finishes, especially on ceramic McCoy or Shawnee pieces.
• Check for hairline cracks or professional repairs in stoneware and porcelain models, as these are often hidden in the glaze.

Items in This Collection

• Cast Iron Piggy Bank
• Vintage Clown Piggy Bank
• Cast Iron Elephant Coin Bank
• Vintage Plastic Piggy Bank
• Lefton Piggy Bank
• Batman Piggy Bank
• Aunt Jemima Cast Iron Piggy Bank
• Vintage Chalkware Piggy Bank
• Ceramic Teddy Bear Piggy Bank
• Post Office Box Coin Bank
• Corning Ware Blue Cornflower Piggy Bank
• Pillsbury Doughboy Piggy Bank
• Minnie Mouse Cast Iron Bank
• Plastic Elephant Piggy Bank
• Shawnee Piggy Bank
• Vintage Brass Piggy Bank
• Chalkware Piggy Bank
• Thomas the Tank Engine Piggy Bank
• Hull Pottery Piggy Bank
• Strato Bank