Coin-operated machines are any kind of device which is activated by entering a coin. They can be used to sell products, such as vending machines selling drinks and snacks, or to provide entertainment, as in the case of arcade machines and slot machines. These machines have a long and interesting history and have shaped the way we consume products and entertainment.
Coin-operated machines such as vending machines and arcade games were once ubiquitous in public places, offering convenience and excitement to anyone with a few coins in their pockets. Although carrying coins is less popular in the modern world, coin-operated machines have still left a mark on society and our lives. In this article, we’ll explore the history of coin-operated machines and the impact they’ve had on the world.
The Origins of Coin-Operated Devices
While we might think of coin-operated devices as a relatively modern invention, the first example of such a device comes from first-century Roman Egypt. The renowned engineer and mathematician, Hero of Alexandria, is credited with inventing a device which would automatically dispense wine or holy water when a coin was deposited.
In this original vending machine, the action of a coin dropping into a pan inside the machine activated a lever which would open a valve, letting liquid flow. This would cause the pan holding the coin to tilt, and as it fell off, a counterweight could snap the lever up and turn off the valve once more.
Although the original vending machine was a novel idea, it didn’t quite take off, and it was mostly seen as a curiosity. It wasn’t until many centuries later that coin-operated vending machines became more commonplace. In 1867, an inventor named Simon Denham was awarded a British patent for his stamp-dispensing machine, which was the very first automatic vending machine.
During the later 1800s, there as an explosion in vending machine invention, with coin-operated vending machines developed to dispense stamps, postcards, envelopes and newspapers. As the industrial revolution gathered pace, these machines became a common sight at railway stations and post offices. Around the same time, inventors came up with coin-operated electric lights and coin-operated gas meters, using similar mechanisms to coin-operated vending machines.
The Age of Vending Machines
As technology improved, it was increasingly used to make things more convenient and reduce the number of people needed for tasks. The industrial revolution had a major impact on society, improving efficiency and production while leading to lower-priced goods, improved wages and migration into urban centres. It also created greater demand for convenient access to goods, especially in public spaces such as factories and railway stations.
This demand helped lead to the age of the vending machine. In 1887, the Sweetmeat Automatic Delivery Company was founded in England to install and maintain vending machines in public places. In 1888, the first vending machine in the United States of America was built by the Thomas Adams Gum Company. It sold chewing gum on train platforms in New York City.
Later in the 1800s, the complexity of these vending machines grew, with manufacturers adding games to create further incentives to buy. A new type of machine, known as a “trade-simulator”, gave consumers the chance to win prizes by partaking in a game of chance. These early devices most likely led to the inspiration for slot machines and arcade machines.
As the age of vending machines continued, inventors came up with new and innovative ideas to sell an ever-growing number of products. Refrigerated vending machines could tell perishable goods such as milk and sandwiches, while in the 1950s and 60s, vending machines were capable of serving soft drinks and hot drinks.
Arcade-Mania
Although vending machines for food and drinks were the first examples of coin-operated devices, they weren’t the only use of coins. In 1894, the first coin-operated gambling machine was developed. Known as the Liberty Bell, this machine had three spinning reels and used five different symbols, with an automatic payout when three symbols matched.
Slot machines quickly became a popular fixture of saloons and bars throughout the US and would soon spread to other countries too. Gambling parlours and casinos began holding slot tournaments, which gave players the opportunity to play a set number of spins to win big prizes.
As slots spread across the country, a new form of coin-operated game was developed. Pinball and arcade machines began to appear during the 1930s. These allowed players to enter a coin and play a game of skill and they soon became a very popular pastime. With the invention of solid-state electronics and development of digital displays, electronic gaming took off and arcade games became a huge craze.
Although the introduction of video games threatened traditional arcade and pinball machines, they continued to be popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s. More computing power meant more complex and interesting games. In addition, the machines could offer full soundtracks, backbox animations and light shows.
Modern Coin-Operated Machines
Over time, fast food stores, rapid delivery services, and video games have all created competition for coin-operated machines. In addition, very few people carry around coins anymore. However, gaming and vending machines are still popular and are typically activated by contactless payments.
The shift towards home consoles and gaming has meant that arcades have mostly died out, but they still present a novelty, and many amusement parks offer various arcade games for entertainment purposes.
Vending machines might not be as popular as they once were, but it remains a huge industry. In 2023, the vending machine industry in the US was estimated to be worth $18.2 billion, with approximately 3 million machines across the country. Although there’s less demand for convenient food, vending machines has specialised into other areas.
There’s a growing trend for vending machines offering healthy foods, fresh-cooked meals, books, fresh-squeezed juice and more. In Japan, vending machines are especially popular, with around one machine for every 23 people. These machines are used to sell everything from food and clothing to smartphones and SIM cards.
Final Thoughts
Although there isn’t as much demand for coin-operated machines as there was in their heyday, they’re still an important part of daily life for many people. Whether it’s for food, drinks or just entertainment, coin-operated machines have played a useful role in offering convenience throughout their history.
