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Vintage 1978 Banthrico Cast Metal Church Bank
### Commemorating St. George Greek Cultural Center (Springfield, Mass.) - Limited Edition # of 500
Up for sale is an incredibly rare, historically significant architectural promotional coin bank manufactured by Banthrico Inc. of Chicago in November 1978. While Banthrico is widely known for commercial savings bank promo cars, this highly detailed Gothic-Revival church model was commissioned exclusively as a limited-run commemorative piece.
The back casting features the official stamps: "COMMEMORATING ST. GEORGE GREEK CULTURAL CENTER - SPRINGFIELD, MASS. NOV. 1978" alongside the strict production count tracking numbers "500" on both sides, confirming only 500 of these banks were ever minted.
### Item Condition Checklist:
* **Metal Casting:** Excellent vintage shape with crisp structural detailing on the bell tower, entryways, and text. No cracks or metal fatigue.
* **Finish:** Displays a beautiful, authentic oxidized bronze patina with minor wear consistent with its age (please reference photos).
* **Coin Trap:** [INSERT CONDITION HERE - e.g., "Original bottom metal coin trap is intact and functional" OR "Please note: the bottom coin trap door is missing."]
### Specifications:
* Manufacturer: Banthrico Inc. (Chicago, Illinois)
* Production Date: November 1978
* Composition: Heavy cast white metal alloy with bronze plating
* Height: Approx. 7.25 inches tall
* Rarity: 1 of 500 total pieces
This is a premier cross-collectible piece perfect for architectural bank enthusiasts, Banthrico collectors, or anyone with ties to the historic Springfield, MA community.
Ships promptly and securely packaged to preserve the integrity of the casting. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully prior to purchasing or sending an offer. Thanks for looking!
