A manually-operated coded image animation device a coded image viewer with a front panel, a reception area, such as a slot open on three sides or a channel, behind the front panel, and coded image decoding elements disposed on the front panel. A coded image card with a plurality of coded images can be manually inserted into the reception area in the coded image viewer. Animation of the coded images can be realized by a sliding movement of the coded image card in relation to the coded image viewer or by a rearward and forward rocking of the coded image viewer in relation to a podium by manual activation. A pivoting structure can be formed by a lever arm, a counterweight, and the coded image viewer with the lever arm received through a slot in the podium. A biasing system biases the coded image card into face-to-face contact with the front panel.