Chein No. 2 Dime a Day Bank

Collectibles : Banks

 

From the J. Chein and Company, one of the most prolific toy companies in American history, a No. 2 Dime a Day Bank. As documented in Alan Jaffe’s book, J. Chein and Company Collector’s Guide, this bank was made in the late ‘50s.

Unlike other dime register banks which require $5 to be deposited before opening, this bank opens by pushing a raised bump at the bottom of the front image. Undoubtedly, many a child probably never got the bank filled before robbing it for the simple pleasure of candy or a pack of baseball cards.

The bank does show some use, most notably on the edges where paint has bubbled and begun to wear off. The paint and images are wonderful. There are, however, scratches on the front and reverse. But, uncharacteristic of lithography, these do not go into the paint; they are surface scratches only, and can only be seen when tilting the bank in the light. Undoubtedly, these were caused by a youngster carrying the bank to their chosen store, in anticipation of some dimes of delight.

Item ID: 0036