Morphy’s Coin-Op Auction a Sure Bet for Collectors

There once was a time when mere pocket change could buy you an entire afternoon of entertainment. By simply dropping a penny, nickel or quarter into the slot of a coin-operated machine, turn-of-the-century fun seekers could have their fortunes told, watch primitive motion pictures, listen to rhapsodic tunes from a mechanical band, or try their luck at gambling devices or games of chance.

Once found at saloons, hotel lobbies and oceanfront boardwalks all across America, antique coin-op machines are now sought-after collectors’ items – quaint reminders of an era when radio, television and video games were still mysteries of the future.

Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania, has catered to pennywise collectors of mechanical music, gambling and vending machines since they opened their doors in 1997. Their next big coin-ops specialty sale, which also includes antique advertising, soda fountain and beverage collectibles, is set for November 3-5 and features more than 1,600 lots.