This key unlocked the hatch in the base of a Satellite mechanical bank, 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. The top ring of the base celebrated the flight of the first American in space, Alan Shepard, indicating that this particular bank was produced after 1961. Coins could be retrieved through the base of the bank by unlocking the hatch. Created to be distributed as a premium by local commercial banks, the Satellite included an adhesive sticker that advertised the gifting institution.

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: 2.7 × 1.7 × 0.3cm (1 1/16 × 11/16 × 1/8 in.)
 Materials Metal
 Inventory Number A20110034001 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
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