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?
7 responses so far ↓
1 Gwinn // Jul 29, 2008 at 9:18 am
I am looking for information on a 1957 Pepsi Cola Vending Machine Model# H110 F. The manufacturer was Vendolator Mfg. Co. Any idea where I can get some info or pictures?
2 William // Jul 30, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I have the earlier version of the vendo coin changer. It works great and I get lots of comments on it.
3 Steve // Oct 14, 2008 at 9:55 am
I have just purchased a Vendo Coin changer that looks like it is in great shape. The inside of the door references a service manual. Does anyone know where I can find one?
4 Eric Koester // Nov 18, 2008 at 5:40 am
I found a Vendo coin changer just like the red one above. The image is not a soda reference, but rather just a picture of a bell boy saying get your nickels here.
I bought it at a yard sale back in the 1970 or 80s
5 William // Jul 16, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I purchased the later version (with window) and restored it. Rechrome and paint job. I had to work on the mechanism to get it to work but works fine now. Now I have the both versions.
6 Jeff // Oct 18, 2009 at 7:19 pm
My grandfather, who worked as an engineer for Vendo, had one of these in his house. My understanding is that he was one of the designers of this machine, and may be on the original patent.
7 Rusty // Oct 18, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Found one of these today in a store that is almost exactly as pictured. In wonderful shape but a bit too rich for my blood. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll provide the seller’s information.
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