Vintage beer cans can be highly collectible and worth a good amount of money depending on their age, rarity, and condition. For example, a flat top can from the pre-prohibition era (mid 1800s to 1920) is highly sought after and typically worth several hundred to many thousands of dollars.
Other older cans from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are typically worth significantly less but can still fetch a few hundred dollars or more if in good condition and/or if they fall into certain types of beer cans that are particularly sought after.
To distinguish the age of a beer can, it is typically helpful to look for dates or patent numbers that may be stamped on the can (although these may not always be available). Additionally, brands and labels can usually be identified by their distinctive type font, the style of graphics used, and the designation of the can itself (e. g.
“Flat Top” or “Smokeless Steel”). Finally, certain types of cans may be rarer than others, such as dinged-in cone tops, conetops, j-spouts, or pull-tops among many others.
Overall, the age, rarity, and condition of vintage beer cans can affect the overall value of the can significantly. If you are collecting vintage beer cans, it is typically wise to do your research as to what types of cans are collectible, which ones may be most rare, and to also accurately assess the condition of the can before placing a value on it.
How can I sell my beer can collection?
If you’re looking to sell your beer can collection, there are a few different options available to you.
First, you could consider selling the collection directly to an interested buyer. You could broadcast the sale on your social media and reach out to local collectors via online forums and other networking platforms.
You could also place an ad in a local paper or contact your local collector clubs. Don’t forget to include detailed photos and descriptions of the cans and include any that have unique designs or features.
Second, you could try selling the cans individually on auction sites like eBay or Craigslist. Be sure to include detailed descriptions and plenty of photos of each item, and research current prices for similar items so that you can advertise and set your prices accordingly.
You could also look to sell the collection through a antique or collectible shop that specializes in beer items. Contact local shops and see if there would be an interest in purchasing the collection.
Some shops may also offer consignment services, which allows them to display and sell the items on your behalf in exchange for a commission or fee.
By taking the time to find the right buyer, you can ensure the maximum return on your beer can collection.
How do you date old beer cans?
Dating old beer cans is an interesting process and one that can be done using several different methods. First, it is important to know what type of can it is; whether flat top or stay tab, for example.
An approximate age of the can can be derived from the logo type and company name, as certain logos and company names were only used for certain periods of time. Additionally, inspection of the bottom lid seam and the top lid seam can provide useful information as to when the can was made and which factory filled it.
An easy way to distinguish between old and newer cans is to look at the back, which will either feature a number or a three-character code. Lastly, researching the item online or in reference materials may help you to pinpoint a more precise date.
Are old unopened beer cans worth anything?
No, old unopened beer cans are not usually worth much money. According to BeerCanCollectors. com, most unopened beer cans are only worth a few dollars apiece since they are so common. The rarer and limited edition beer cans can bring in more money, but they are still not worth very much when they are still unopened.
People who collect beer cans usually look for the rare beer cans that may have some value. However, the value of these cans will depend heavily on their condition, age and rarity. In addition, certain brands and designs may be more sought after than others, driving up the value of those particular cans.
What is the shelf life of canned beer?
The shelf life of canned beer can vary depending on a few factors. For the most part, an opened can of beer with oxygen exposure can last for about two days before spoiling. If you store the unopened can of beer in a cool, dry place, it can be prolonged up to 3 to 6 months.
A place like a pantry, shelf or beer fridge should work well! The oxygen inside the can also plays a big part in shelf life. If the beer is kept in an oxygen free environment, like a can dispenser with CO2 pressure, it can last for up to a year or more.
Temperature is also an important factor as well. Beer that has been heated to higher temperatures can start to spoil more quickly than beer that has been stored in a refrigerator. Overall, the shelf life of canned beer can really depend on certain factors such as oxygen exposure, storage temperature and even the date printed on the can.
How much is a Billy Beer can worth?
The value of a Billy Beer can varies depending on the condition of the can, as well as its age and rarity. Cans with minimal damage, full labels, or unusual colors are usually the most sought after, and can be worth upwards of $50 or more.
On the other hand, incomplete cans or cans with significant damage or fading may only be worth a few dollars. Additionally, the value of a can is often affected by whether it is an open or full can. Full cans typically fetch a higher price than open cans.
Ultimately, it is difficult to estimate the exact value of a Billy Beer can without knowing more information about the specific can.
What are the numbers on the bottom of beer cans?
The numbers at the bottom of beer cans are the date of production and are used for traceability and quality assurance. The code typically has numbers such as “1221” meaning December 21st. The numbers help to trace when the beer was produced andbrewery it originated from, which allows for a greater control and tracking of quality.
Depending on the brewery, the codes might indicate when the beer was bottled, canned, or kegged. The numbers can also be used to identify when beer was packaged, so that customers have a better understanding of the freshness of the beer and enjoy the best quality.
How old is canned beer?
Canned beer has been around since 1935, although the first beer cans weren’t available in stores until the early 1950s. The idea for canned beer was first proposed by the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company, a small brewery based in Newark, New Jersey.
The initial canned beer test was conducted in Richmond, Virginia in 1935, with Krueger’s Cream Ale and Krueger’s Finest Beer. The test was successful and the Krueger Brewing Company became the first brewer to offer canned beer to the public.
Since then, canned beer has become an important part of the industry, with canned beer comprising nearly 55% of the total U. S. beer volume in 2019. Canned beer is now widely available in a variety of styles, from light lagers to craft IPAs.
Overall, canned beer has been around for about 85 years, and its popularity shows no sign of waning.
Are beer cans from the 1970’s worth anything?
In general, beer cans from the 1970’s are not especially valuable from a collector’s standpoint. However, there are certain types of beer cans from the 1970’s that are sought after by collectors, which can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Generally speaking, the collectible cans from the 1970’s are typically ones that are either difficult to find or feature unique artwork or labeling. Examples of beers from the 1970’s that may have some collectible value include dented “pull-tab” cans from the late 70’s, National Bohemian birthday cans, ales from the Los Angeles Rams football team in 1979, and “nickel deposit” cans from the 1970’s.
In addition, some of the breweriana collector publications feature prices paid for various pieces of breweriana, and these can act as a barometer for assessing the value or desirability of a beer item.
Ultimately, if you are hoping to assess the value of a beer can or other item from the 1970’s, it is best to consult a collector’s guide or experienced collector to get an idea of its potential worth.
When did flip top cans come out?
The first flip top cans were invented in 1959 by Ernie Fraze, a mechanical engineer and tool-and-die maker from Dayton, Ohio. While at the family picnic, Fraze noticed that cans at the time had no easy way of opening them without using a can opener, leading him to invent the pull-tab and eventually the flip top can.
The prototypes of the flip top cans worked by having a pull-tab connected to a wedge-shaped metal disk that fit snuggly between two horizontal bars, allowing it to pivot open or closed. The tabs on the cans were originally-made of metal, but were soon switched to aluminum for their superior strength.
Manufacturing of the flip top cans started in 1962 when Fraze and his two business partners, Harold Hughes and Mike Peters established the Dayton Reliable Tool Company. The first stop production occurred in 1964, with 3.
2 million cans in circulation. The success of the flip-top can was such that by 1972 more than 6 billion cans had been produced, accounting for almost 70 percent of the soft-drink can industry at the time.
Since then, flip-top cans have been modifed and improved over the years, with the introduction of plastic ring pull tops and the stay-on-tab design.
When did they start putting pop tops on beer cans?
The first cans with ‘pop tops’ were put on the market in the United States in late 1975 by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. The tops had been patented a few years prior and were the result of a lengthy research and development process.
The lids were developed by an inventor named Ermal Fraze, and the composite material was created in a collaborative effort between him, the Volkswagen Company and Kaiser Aluminum. Although other can manufacturers were initially skeptical of the new technology, the public’s reception was overwhelmingly positive.
The ‘pop tops’ eliminated the need for traditional can openers and allowed consumers to enjoy their favorite beer without having to contend with tools or sharp objects. Since then, ‘pop tops’ have come to dominate the canned beverage market, and are now considered one of the most successful food packaging innovations of the last 50 years.
What year did beer cans get pull tabs?
Beer cans with pull tabs were first introduced in 1963 by Pittsburgh-based Iron City Brewing Company. Their invention was credited to Ermal Fraze, an Ohio-based engineer. He was inspired after seeing the perforated tops on soap powder cans and wanted to replicate the same thing for beer cans.
Prior to the pull tab, beer cans had a “church key” design, which utilized a metal triangle that the drinkers had to pierce the top of the can with. However, the pull tab made it easier to open cans and more cost-effective to manufacture.
It revolutionized the canning industry and soon became the go to design for soda and other canned beverages as well.
Did beer cans always have pull tabs?
No, beer cans did not always have pull tabs. Prior to the pull tab, cans had a cap that could be opened using a church key. The church key design was used for two decades before the first pull tab was invented in 1962 by Ermal Cleon Fraze.
He developed the pull tab, which allowed drinkers to open the can more easily, with the use of a rivet at the top of the can. The pull tab quickly gained popularity due to its convenience and has been ubiquitously used ever since.
In 1975, the stay-tab was invented, which improved on the pull tab by allowing the ring to stay attached to the top of the can after it was opened. This further increased the convenience of the pull tab, ensuring that it stayed in heavy use throughout the years.
When did beer cans go from steel to aluminum?
Beer cans transitioned from steel to aluminum in the 1970s. This change was prompted by an increase in the cost of steel and the discovery of can manufacturers in the United States. As aluminum was found to be more lightweight and easier to transport, this allowed beer makers to keep their costs low and make canning beer more accessible to the public.
As a result of this change, the industry saw a growth of around 65% between 1975 and 1976. It was then that major beer brands began to make their cans from aluminum. By the early 1980s, aluminum was the material of choice for beer can production.
What year was beer first sold in cans?
The first beer cans were sold in 1935. Beer had been bottled since the mid 19th century, but the advent of canning technology in the early 20th century enabled brewers to create cans that they could mass produce and sell to customers.
The first beer cans were actually cylindrical in shape, rather than the now-familiar flat-top cans that we know today. The nozzle and pull-tab that are part of a modern beer can had not yet been introduced.
The first cans were constructed out of steel and featured a key-open design that worked in a similar fashion to the can-openers used to open traditional tin cans. Powered by the advancements of the canning industry, the first beer cans started to appear on store shelves in 1935.
By 1938, about 40 brewers were canning beer, and in the years after World War II cans were becoming increasingly popular with consumers.
When did beer cans change shape?
Beer cans were first introduced to the market in 1935, but the shape of them did not stay the same over the years. Prior to 1935, cans were cylindrical in shape. In 1965, the first “stay-tab” cans were created which revolutionized the industry.
A pull-tab type beer can was invented so the can could be opened more easily than by traditional church keys and bottle openers. This allowed consumers to open their beer can without any apparatus. The shape of the beer can changed significantly during this time because the side walls started to be shaped inward to accommodate the pull-tab feature.
From 1965 to the late 1970s, many breweries continued to modify the shape of their cans by increasing the diameter dramatically and adding angle shapes to their can’s edge. Modern-day beer cans are no longer cylindrical but are now slightly conical in shape.
This change in shape created more efficiency in beer can manufacturing and allowed companies to print labels more easily and accurately. These changes in shape have led to major advancements in the beer can industry, and have allowed manufacturers to offer their clients more options when it comes to packaging their product.
