Model Coin

Based in Sheerness, Model Coin was founded in 1977.  Nick Risi, a former record producer and real estate agent from the USA, was one of the founders.  Starting out as British distributors for Italian company Rondina's helicopter kiddie rides, Model Coin began making the helicopters themselves under license from Rondina in 1978.

In 1981, Model Coin severed their contract with Rondina and began distributing rides made by a different Italian company, Mariani.  Many of Mariani's rides were made to Model Coin's specifications.