-Commonwealth Three-Coin Registering and Savings Bank- still bank c. 1915

Curator: I am immediately drawn to the art nouveau aesthetic of this object. There's a real charm to the botanical motifs rendered in such distinct color and geometry. Editor: Indeed! The Minneapolis Institute of Art holds this fascinating metal piece, dating back to around 1915, titled "-Commonwealth Three-Coin Registering and Savings Bank- still bank," and crafted by Shonk Works American Can Co.. The name alone suggests the purpose and era. It speaks of a time when financial institutions were directly intertwined with daily lives, almost pedagogical tools. Curator: Exactly. Banks understood that instilling a sense of monetary saving among kids was vital to foster allegiance to them in the long term. The designs aren't merely ornamental; it represents security and growth. Notice the leaves, for instance. Editor: And the color palette? The metallic, olive-green surface complemented by these muted ochre graphics! Colors are certainly important here as it lends a feeling of austerity. There is also a little gauge with rolling numbers on it. Every time the little user introduced the different coins: nickels, dimes and quarters. It tracked the total. Curator: I wonder about the can company and how these kinds of objects ended up produced by the same companies that also produced tin cans, showing, on one hand, how consumer society permeated industry. On the other, they wanted to be perceived as serious. It may well be one of their aims that can be read into this bank’s design. Editor: Right. Banks aimed at appealing, not just through utility but also design. Consider this artifact. Not just the Commonwealth Bank benefits but everyone who put a coin in. Children can easily develop financial consciousness! Curator: So it’s a double purpose device. A piece of capitalist propaganda on the one hand, a pedagogical tool on the other. Editor: Well said! This piece holds more than just spare change, that's for sure!