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 Replies: 13 / Views: 2,160 |
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New Member
United States
15 Posts |
I was once in a tourist spot and victimized myself  to the tune of $.75 to a Gumball Machine loaded with coins in the little plastic containers. Mostly it was because the proprietor stocked some $20 and $5 bills in the machine as well (and probably moved them to the top every night). Someday I'd like to operate a small convenience store. This obviously wouldn't appeal to more than the casual collector or passerby, but I think doing the same thing with a nice variety of coins would be pretty cool. I'd actually like to stock it with coins that are fair to sell for .25 or .50 cents, and a few $1 prizes in the mix. Anyone ever see one of those setups? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4000 Posts |
That sounds like a fun idea. I like it.
Maybe you can help someone that doesn't know they're a collector yet!
I would look around for a $5 machine.
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
We did this back in the seventies with a 25¢ vend. Common loads were three wheat cents, three S cents, Buffalo nickel, three foreign coins, 4 minibills, one foreign note, steel cent, California gold tooken. Better loads would be Mercury dimes and IHC. Prizes would include silver certificates, $2 bills and cars redeemable for a BU silver dollar. Figured the loads averaged around 8¢ back then. You put the best stuff in the bottom corners, the top feeds first. Always have some good stuff in the middle, and let them play until it's empty. Prolly have to have 50¢ or dollar vend today. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
891 Posts |
So that's how they do it biggfredd. I have seen those machines a long time ago with the coins. I remember trying to get those special coins with no luck. The good coins were always visible, but would never move no matter how many I would buy. Tricks to every trade I guess.
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Moderator
 United States
187582 Posts |
I remember seeing those machines back in the late 1970's and early 1980's. They are really no different than a slot machine. How they were legal, I have no idea, but I always seemed to get two common nickels and a new cent for the quarter I put in.  That being said, one that gave the "player" something of numismatic value would be okay in my book. I would include some sort of documentation with it, something simple; maybe include a web address. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
Just discussed this with a co-worker...first thing that came out of his mouth was "might be tempting for someone to "walk away" with the machine". I would have to agree, then again someone might be tempted to just bust the globe and collect the "goodies". This type of "gumball" machine is what got me started in coin collecting...many years ago.  Edited by oih82w8
12/03/2010 11:44 am
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New Member
 United States
15 Posts |
I'd use one with a cast iron base, bolt it to the floor, and make sure the 'glass' is made from lexan. :D If they can get through that, they've earned their $50 (i imagine the max possible to stock with) or so in booty.
On the flip side, I wonder how many rare coins normal vending machine operators find?
Jbuck: giving them something of value would be easy. I bet there's a lot of rare-ish coins in the .25 and .50 cent value range, not really worth trying to sell, but stocking in a machine would make it simple.
Edited by InheritedTooMuch
12/03/2010 2:25 pm
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
I agree, you should have no problem finding something decent to stock it with.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Just did some quick searching and the machines can be obtained for between $110 and $200 dollars, the capsules are about $75 for 2500 capsules. You can get coin mechanisms that will take 25, 50, 75, or $1. Different mechanisms cost $30 each. So they are available if you want to do it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
My dad has a 1908 Barber dime that he claims that he got from one of those machines a long while back, so maybe they weren't total scams. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
In my state they would probably consider it gambling and confiscate the machine. LOL
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Valued Member
United States
53 Posts |
I remember these machines....now this is a step back in time. I haven't seen one in the last 3 decades probably....maybe 4 decades.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
My youngest son got a 1926 Buffalo in around Fine condition from one of these machines in the Big Boy restaurant in Cherokee, NC a couple of years ago. I think it was 50c to try your luck. A nice coin for the money. My older son wasn't as lucky and got some foreign coin! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
In my state they would probably consider it gambling and confiscate the machine. LOL
Not necessarily a real LOL statement. A friend of mine used to have a vending machine buisness around here. It started out as a good idea but the numerous licenses, insurances, permits and maitenaces and percentages for store or buisness owners stopped him. It really isn't to easy in some areas to open any buisness. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 2,160 |
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Posted 12/03/2010 10:00 am
