Long Antique Vintage

Posted September 5, 2011 By admin

What company made a gumball/small toy machine that took ONLY half dollar coins?

I need to find a vintage or antique toy vending machine that takes 50 cent (half US dollar) coins only, no quarters. If anyone can give me a brand/maker & model names that would be just dandy. I have seen these in supermarkets up until the late 1990s, though I have no idea why since they had stopped producing the coins long before that. Anyway, thanks in advance for any helpful answers!

This took some serious searching...

The half dollar {while still in production } is just
not in circulation as it once was --- even when
the Kennedy half dollar came out it was thought
too big and bulky and impractical as compared
to the quarter ...

The main venders that first accepted the 50 cent
piece exclusively were the slot machines - earlier
versions accepted nickels and dimes

{ an interesting fact that originates the "fruit machine"
was that it did not pay out - and the venders would
reward players with fruit-flavored gum ... another
interesting fact that the first "paying" slot machine,
the "Liberty Bell", when three bells in a row hit would
reward the gambler an astounding 10 whole nickels
- 50 cents }

You can find these
vintage slots here -
http://www.gameroomantiques.com/Ohio.htm
{ some states do not allow personal ownership
of slot machines and/or cigarette machines }
http://www.rmsvintage.com/restored-cigarette-machines.html
{ The cigarette machines could also vend packs
of gum ...the regulations on them were made a
little less restricted }

Here you can find the 50 centers
{which are very very very rare}
http://www.gumballmachinesdirect.com/usedgumballmachines.html
Be aware that certain vending machines
that accept 50 cents are actually
two quarter slots -side by side

Here you can find the
actual penny venders...
http://gameroomantiques.com/kdguma.htm
http://www.antiquegumball.com/classic/index.htm

The 50 cent venders would be quite a
conversation piece for you - considering
that many do not even believe they exist ...

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Bumble smilez**

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