Key, Mechanical Bank, Duro, Satellite

This key unlocked the hatch in the base of a Satellite mechanical bank, created by Duro Manufacturing of Detroit, Michigan, from a design patented in 1959. The slightly-rounded rocket shape atop a globe contained a spring-loaded mechanism that could shoot a coin into a slot on the underside of the rocket's nose. The top ring of the base celebrated the flight of the first American in space, Alan Shepard, indicating that this particular bank was produced after 1961. Coins could be retrieved through the base of the bank by unlocking the hatch. Created to be distributed as a premium by local commercial banks, the Satellite included an adhesive sticker that advertised the gifting institution.

Raymond Reines donated this bank to the Museum in 2011.