Abstract: A currency operated telephone, such as a coin operated telephone, and which is typically referred to as "pay telephone", having a uniquely designed outer housing capable of being wall mounted or supported in an upright or a self-standing position. The telephone housing has an openable hinged closure plate or so-called "flip lid", which carries on its exterior a face plate, and when opened, allows access to the interior of the telephone housing. The exterior of the face plate is arranged so that any information carried thereon is ergonomically visible to a user, whether the telephone is wall suspended or in a stand-alone surface supported position. When the closure plate is lifted and held in the opened position, direct access to a coin mechanism is obtained and access to a coin box, which collects the deposited currency for operation of the telephone, is also enabled. A coin return chute is also integral with the coin mechanism, such that installation and/or repair of the mechanism is easily enabled.