Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This commemorative Satellite mechanical bank was 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. Coins could be retrieved through the base of the bank.

The top ring of the base on the commemorative version celebrated the flight of the first American in space, Alan Shepard, indicating that this particular bank was produced after 1961. (Non-commemorative version had a smooth ring for the lip of the base.)

Created to be distributed as a premium by local commercial banks, the Satellite included an adhesive sticker that advertised the gifting institution. The sticker created by the The Peoples Bank & Trust Co. of Wilmington, Delaware played off of the bank's shape, suggesting users could "Watch Your Savings Soar."

Raymond Reines donated this bank to the Museum in 2011.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Date 1962 Country of Origin United States of America Type MEMORABILIA Manufacturer Duro Pattern & Mold Co.
Dimensions 3-D: 8.9cm × 8.9cm × 26.7cm (3.5 × 3.5 × 10.5 in.)
Materials Metal
Plastic
Coating
Inventory Number A20110034000 Credit Line Gift of Raymond R. Reines. Dedicated to the Berzac Family, in honor of Team NASA. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.