American Pickers slot machine leads Milestone’s $802K coin-op auction

A Jennings Sun Chief 25-cent slot machine seen on American Pickers sold for $24,000 at Milestone Auctions’ June 28 sale in Willoughby, Ohio, topping the event at eight times its high estimate. Strong prices also landed for upright slots, taxi roof ads, trade stimulators and vintage vending machines across nearly 1,000 lots.

Why it matters: - Milestone’s June 28 auction showed continued demand for high-grade coin-op, advertising and vintage amusement collectibles. - A few standout pieces drew aggressive bidding well above estimate, signaling that provenance, condition and rarity still drive the market. - The sale totaled $802,000, including the 20% buyer’s premium.

What happened: - Milestone Auctions sold nearly 1,000 lots of antique and vintage amusements in Willoughby, Ohio. - The auction included coin-op, slot and vending machines, breweriana, gas and oil memorabilia, trade stimulators and illuminated taxi roof ads. - The top lot was a Jennings Sun Chief 25-cent slot machine with Las Vegas history and a later appearance on Season 4, Episode 5 of American Pickers. - The Jennings machine sold for $24,000 after carrying a $2,000-$3,000 estimate.

The details: - The Jennings Sun Chief featured a heavily chromed red finish and its original Flamingo Hotel pictorial insert. - A restored Mills 5-cent Dewey upright slot, 66 inches tall, sold for $19,800 against a $7,000-$10,000 estimate. - A mostly original Caille 5-cent Puck upright slot sold for $18,600 against a $6,000-$8,000 estimate. - A rare Gillco “Relax with Old Reading (Beer)” taxi roof ad sold for $11,400 against a $5,000-$8,000 estimate. - The Gillco sign was all original, in excellent condition, and retained its “Brewed in Reading, Pennsylvania” sticker on the reverse. - An extremely rare reverse-on-glass Tip Top Bohemian Beer cab sign with a Cheerio Ale plug sold for $9,600. - An Iroquois Beer and Ale “double bubble” clock made by Advertising Products sold for $4,440 against a $600-$800 estimate. - A Sure Shot Chewing Tobacco tin sold for $2,100 against a $1,000-$1,400 estimate. - A Daval Mfg. “Rithmatic” trade stimulator sold for $4,080 against a $600-$1,000 estimate. - A Vendo H81B Coca-Cola vending machine sold for $4,800 against a $1,000-$2,000 estimate. - A Dostal Bro’s Fine Beers serving tray sold for $3,960 against a $400-$600 estimate.

Between the lines: - The strongest results came from pieces with clear provenance, original parts, strong graphics or unusual designs. - TV exposure can add collector appeal, but the Jennings result also reflected the machine’s Las Vegas link and strong condition. - Decorative advertising material performed well when originality and rarity were easy to verify.

What’s next: - Milestone is taking consignments of coin-op machines, antique advertising, breweriana, petroliana and other vintage collectibles for future auctions. - Interested sellers can contact Miles King at 440-527-8060 or info@milestoneauctions.com. - The June 28, 2026 catalog and prices realized are available on Milestone Auctions’ website.