Nortel payphones
series of payphone models

Northern Telecom (from 1998 known as Nortel) manufactured several different payphone models. They were most commonly used in Canada and the United States. Nortel has manufactured several types in Canada.
Early payphones
N213H-3
N233H
Series 200/ QSD-3A
Northern Electric, Nortel's previous name made chrome payphones in the 1950s. The same phone was also made by Western Electric.
Centurion
Nortel Centurion were made in the 1970s–1980s and used coins only. They came in black, brown, blue, or green cases. Initial units used a rotary dial system and later units were touch tone key pad. Coin slot accepted denominations of 5, 10 and 25 cents. Centurions had a coin return button.
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