Gray 23J COIN COLLECTOR

Gray 23J COIN COLLECTOR

The Gray 23J evolved from the 23D, replacing the separate transmitter and receiver with a combined handset. An internal transmitter restored coin-drop monitoring. Produced in cast iron and aluminium, later aluminium versions used a single stamped coin plate. Cast-iron examples feature Type 38 handsets, coin chimes, and a glass-front sign.

Name	Gray 23J COIN COLLECTOR
Date	1925
Manufacturer	Gray Telephone Pay Station Company

Development of the Gray 23J COIN COLLECTOR

The Gray 23J was closely related to the 23D but replaced the separate transmitter and receiver with a more modern combined handset. Because the handset eliminated the front-mounted talk transmitter, the operator could no longer hear coins as they were dropped. To address this, a transmitter was installed inside the housing and connected directly to the talk circuit of the coin collector.

While the 23D was manufactured exclusively in cast iron, the 23J was produced in both cast iron and aluminium. Aluminium versions lacked the three individual tabs behind the coin slots, instead using a single stamped plate marked 25, 10, and 5. The later aluminium type was used as a payphone, whereas the earlier version with separate tabs was intended for calling a Western Union operator to place telegram orders.

The Gray 23J appeared in the Gray Telephone Pay Station catalogue. This example is cast iron and fitted with a Type 38 handset with nickel-plated hardware. Coins strike internal gongs, producing distinct chimes for each denomination. A glass-covered sign panel is mounted on the front.

Coin Collector, Gray, Supervised, Three Slot, USA, Wall Mounted

January 31, 2026

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