The Vendo Coin Changer

Manufactured between the late 1940’s and the mid 1950’s, the Vendo Coin Changer was originally designed for use in lunchrooms beside the Vendo V-83s. This machine gave the appropriate number of nickels in exchange for a dime or quarter that could then be used in the soda vending machine. Keep in mind that up until 1959 soda vending machines were only able to take nickels.

The coin changer was mounted on the wall beside the soda vendor, or placed on a stand beside it. Sometimes they were mounted right onto the side on the V-83. There were only two styles of the coin changer manufactured. The earlier version was a simpler design that was unable to give an indication to the customer when it was out of nickels. In the later version, a window in the upper left of the machine face would display an “Empty” sign when it was out of change. They were manually operated and did not need electricity to function.

A paper insert was placed under the Plexiglas on the face of the coin changer. The most common signs were those advertising Coca-Cola, but there were other brands also displayed.

Capacity: $20.00 in nickels
Dimensions: 15.5 in. high x 11.5 in. wide x 5 in. deep

Manufactured by:
Vendo Company
7209 N. Ingram Ave.
Fresno, CA

Blog in and tell us if you have one of these and have ever used one. What brands of soda have you seen on these?