Coin-Operated Machines & Penny Arcade Antiques
We want to buy your antique coin-operated machines! Penny arcade games, slot machines, trade stimulators, fortune tellers, strength testers, and more. If it takes a coin and it’s old, we want to hear about it.
What We Buy
Antique coin-operated machines are among the most collectible pieces of American commercial history. We actively buy single pieces and entire collections, and we can help you understand what you have before you commit to selling.
Some coin-op items we love:
- Penny Arcade Machines (Mills, Caille, Watling, Jennings)
- Slot Machines & Trade Stimulators
- Fortune Tellers & Mutoscopes
- Strength Testers & Love Meters
- Digger/Crane Machines
- Gum & Vendor Machines
- Antique Jukeboxes (Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, Seeburg)
- Arcade Shooting Galleries
- Counter-Top Coin-Op Games
What We Offer
We can offer you several ways to sell your antique coin-operated machines. We may make you a direct offer, or we can help you find the right collector or auction for maximum value. We have a network of serious coin-op collectors and know exactly where to place rare or unusual machines.
If you are unsure of what you have or what it is worth, we are happy to give you an informed assessment before you make any decisions. No pressure, no obligation.
About Antique Coin-Operated Machines
The golden age of coin-operated machines ran from roughly the 1890s through the 1950s. Penny arcades were a fixture of American boardwalks, amusement parks, and storefronts — offering games, music, fortune telling, and novelty entertainment for a single cent. The major manufacturers — Mills Novelty, Caille Brothers, Watling Manufacturing, and Jennings & Company — produced machines that are now among the most sought-after pieces in the antiques market.
Working examples in original condition command the strongest prices, but non-working or incomplete machines still have real collector value — particularly those with original paint, cast iron components, and intact coin mechanisms. Slot machines and trade stimulators occupy their own specialized market, with pre-Prohibition examples being especially desirable.
Jukeboxes — especially Wurlitzer models from the 1940s and early 1950s — are among the most recognizable pieces of American pop culture, and the right model in working order can bring serious money from the right buyer. Rock-Ola and Seeburg machines have their own dedicated collector base as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Condition is the biggest factor. Original paint, working mechanisms, and intact coin slots matter most. Machines from top makers like Mills, Caille, Watling, and Jennings are most desirable. Rarity of the model, subject matter (fortune tellers and mutoscopes tend to run high), and original castings all affect price significantly.
No. Non-working machines still have collector value, especially if they have original paint and components. Restoration is common in this market and buyers factor in the cost. A complete non-working machine is worth far more than a working machine with replaced parts or repainted surfaces.
In most US states, antique slot machines (generally defined as 25+ years old) are legal to own for private collection use. Laws vary by state, so it is worth confirming your local regulations. We can advise you on this when we talk about what you have.
Start with the manufacturer name and model number, usually on a plate inside or on the back. Look for completed auction sales for comparable examples. For unusual or potentially high-value machines, an informed assessment from a specialist is worth getting before you sell — prices in this market vary enormously based on condition and rarity.
Ready to talk about what you have? Whether it’s a single piece or a full arcade collection, we’d love to hear from you.
From our blog: Read about the economics behind antique market cycles and how to get the best price when you sell.