coin return

Definition

A slot or compartment on a vending machine, payphone, or similar device where coins are dispensed if the transaction is cancelled or if overpayment occurs. Users retrieve their money by opening or tapping the return slot.

Example Usage

When the soda machine rejected his dollar coin, he found it in the coin return.

Origin

Emerged with early 20th-century vending and coin-operated machines to handle customer disputes and operational efficiency.

Fun Fact

Payphone coin returns became legendary treasure troves for teens, and some people made informal income by checking them for forgotten change.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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