Value of Old Bank Safes

Square and Rectangular Safes

• Classic square and rectangular safes are what usually come to mind when envisioning old bank safes. These safes vary greatly in size. They can auction for several hundreds of dollars for the smaller sizes or several thousands of dollars for safes that weigh one or two tons.

Cannonball Safes

• Cannonball safes are spherical in shape and often sat in the public area of a bank. Many of these safes are quite ornate. These safes are particularly collectible, and some are very rare. For this reason they can be very valuable, often selling for several thousand dollars, if not more.

Variables Determining a Safe's Value

• The rarity and ornateness of a safe usually affects its overall value. Like most antique items, the condition of the safe is also very important. A working safe tends to be worth much more than one that has been damaged or no longer properly locks and unlocks.