Appraisily

June 28, 2024

Old Beer Cans Value Guide: What Your Vintage Cans Could Be Worth in 2024

Discover the value of old beer cans in this comprehensive guide. Learn how to identify valuable vintage cans, what collectors look for, and where to sell your collection.

By Appraisily Team Last updated June 28, 2024

Introduction to Vintage Beer Can Collecting

Beer can collecting represents one of the most popular areas of breweriana (brewery advertising collectibles) today. What might seem like ordinary trash to some could be a treasure worth thousands of dollars to collectors. Since the first beer can was produced in 1935, these metal containers have evolved in design, materials, and opening mechanisms - creating a fascinating timeline of American beer history and an equally fascinating collecting opportunity.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>The Value of Old Beer Cans: An Overview</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Ever wonder if those old beer cans in your grandfather&rsquo;s garage are worth anything? The answer might surprise you. Vintage beer cans can range from virtually worthless to upwards of $50,000 for the rarest examples. Understanding what makes a beer can valuable requires knowledge about can types, brewery history, condition grading, and current market trends.</div>

Beer Can Value Statistics

Understanding Can Types and Their Values

The value of a beer can largely depends on its type, with older styles typically commanding higher prices than newer ones. Let’s explore the main types of vintage beer cans and their general value ranges.

<h3 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Cone Top Beer Cans (1935-1960)</span>

</h3>

<div class="section-header__body">Cone top cans were among the first beer can designs, featuring a cone-shaped top that resembled a bottle neck. These cans were designed to be filled and capped on existing bottle lines, making them cost-effective for breweries transitioning to canned beer.</div>

Cone top cans are typically the most valuable type of beer can collectible. The earliest examples from the mid-1930s can command prices ranging from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. The world’s most valuable beer can - a rare Perone Beer quart cone top - sold at auction for an astounding $62,830 (including buyer’s premium) in 2024, setting a new record for beer can collecting.

<h3 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Flat Top Beer Cans (1935-1970s)</span>

</h3>

<div class="section-header__body">Flat top cans required a specialized opener called a &ldquo;church key&rdquo; to puncture the top. These cans were popular from the 1930s through the early 1970s and represent a significant portion of the vintage beer can collecting market.</div>

According to CanSmart Beer Cans, most flat top cans in grade 1 to 1+ condition (the highest grades) will be valued between $30 and $250, depending on their rarity. However, extremely rare examples can be worth much more. Early flat tops from the 1930s, especially from smaller regional breweries, often command the highest prices.

<h3 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Pull Tab Cans (1962-1980s)</span>

</h3>

<div class="section-header__body">Pull tab cans were introduced in 1962 and revolutionized beer packaging by eliminating the need for a separate opener. These cans featured a small metal ring attached to a scored section of the lid that could be pulled off to open the can.</div>

Pull tab cans typically have lower values in the collecting market, but there are exceptions. According to Arts Beer Cans, most pull tab cans have little value, but ones produced prior to 1969 can be worth from $5 to several hundreds of dollars. The earliest pull tab designs, especially those with unique graphics or from regional breweries, tend to command higher prices.

<h3 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Stay Tabs (1975-Present)</span>

</h3>

<div class="section-header__body">Stay tabs (also called push tabs) were introduced in the mid-1970s and are still used today. These cans have minimal collectible value unless they feature special commemorative designs, errors, or are associated with microbreweries.</div>

Beer Can Value Guide by Type

General value ranges for different beer can types in good to excellent condition

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<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Factors That Determine Beer Can Value</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">The value of vintage beer cans isn&rsquo;t determined by age alone. Multiple factors contribute to a can&rsquo;s worth in the collector&rsquo;s market.</div>

1. Rarity

Rarity is perhaps the most significant factor influencing value. Cans from smaller regional breweries that operated for brief periods are typically more valuable than those from major national brands that produced millions of cans. Limited edition cans, test market cans, and cans with production errors can also command premium prices.

According to Steel Canvas, rarity significantly impacts a can’s worth, with some of the scarcest examples reaching values of $50,000 or more.

2. Condition

Condition is crucial in determining a beer can’s value. Collectors use a grading scale from 1+ (near perfect) to 5 (poor):

Beer Can Condition Assessment

Check applicable items to assess your can's condition

  • Original colors are bright with no fading
  • No rust spots or oxidation
  • Can retains its original shape with no dents
  • Original top is intact (for flat tops and cone tops)
  • Pull tab is present and undamaged (for pull tab cans)
  • No scratches or abrasions to the design
  • Bottom is clean and legible

A can in grade 1+ condition can be worth 5-10 times more than the same can in grade 3 condition. According to LoveToKnow, condition can make the difference between a can worth $500 and the same can worth $5,000.

3. Historical Significance

Cans with historical significance often command premium prices. The first beer cans from 1935, cans from breweries that operated during Prohibition, or cans with designs that were quickly changed due to public controversy can be particularly valuable.

For example, a Gunther beer can from 1935 (one of the first years of beer can production) is valued in the $5,000-$10,000 range because of its historical significance as one of the pioneering examples of canned beer.

4. Visual Appeal

Cans with interesting artwork, unusual colors, or unique design elements tend to be more valuable. Beer can collectors often appreciate the artistic and advertising aspects of vintage cans as much as their historical significance.

Evolution of Beer Can Design and Values

  1. 1935

    First Beer Cans Introduced

    Krueger’s Cream Ale and Krueger’s Finest Beer become the first commercially available canned beers. American Can Company pioneered the technology. Original examples now worth $4,000-$5,000.
  2. 1935-1941

    Early Cone Top Era

    Cone top cans dominate the market. Rare examples from this pre-WWII period are among the most valuable collectibles, often worth $1,000-$10,000+.
  3. 1942-1945

    WWII Production

    Metal conservation during WWII led to thinner cans and fewer breweries canning beer. Wartime cans with patriotic themes can be highly collectible.
  4. 1950s

    Flat Top Dominance

    Flat top cans become the industry standard. Regional brewery cans from this era typically value $50-$300 depending on rarity and condition.
  5. 1962

    Pull Tab Introduction

    The revolutionary pull tab design is introduced by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company for Iron City Beer. Early examples can fetch $50-$200.
  6. 1970s

    Collector Movement Grows

    Organized beer can collecting begins with the formation of the Beer Can Collectors of America (now the Brewery Collectibles Club of America) in 1970, increasing interest in vintage cans.
  7. 1975-Present

    Modern Stay Tab Era

    The introduction of the stay tab design we still use today. Most have minimal collectible value except for craft brewery limited editions.
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Most Valuable Beer Cans</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">While most vintage beer cans sell for under $200, some exceptionally rare examples have sold for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. These high-value cans represent the pinnacle of beer can collecting.</div>

Record-Breaking Beer Can Sales

Notable auction prices for rare vintage beer cans

Category Price Notes
Cone Top (1935-1940) $200-$10,000+ Highest values for rare brands and pristine condition
Cone Top (1941-1960) $50-$1,000 Regional brands often worth more
Flat Top (1935-1950) $50-$5,000 Early examples with original colors command premiums
Flat Top (1951-1970) $30-$250 Value depends on rarity and condition
Pull Tab (1962-1969) $5-$500 Earlier examples worth more
Pull Tab (1970-1980s) $1-$50 Most have minimal value except rare designs
Stay Tab (1975-Present) $1-$20 Limited value except for special editions 
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These exceptional values are rare, but they demonstrate the potential upside for collectors who acquire the right cans. According to eBeer Cans, values vary widely due to economic conditions, but truly rare cans can each have a value of $5,000 or more.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>How to Identify Valuable Beer Cans in Your Collection</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">If you&rsquo;ve discovered old beer cans in an attic, basement, or garage, follow these steps to determine if they might be valuable.</div>

Step 1: Identify the Type of Can

First, determine what type of can you have:

  • Cone top cans: Look like bottles with a cone-shaped top
  • Flat top cans: Completely flat on top, requiring a church key opener
  • Pull tab cans: Feature a ring-pull mechanism that detaches from the can
  • Stay tab cans: Modern design where the tab remains attached to the can

Step 2: Check the Age

Several clues can help determine a beer can’s age:

  • Look for a manufacturing date (though not all cans have this)
  • Check for ZIP codes (introduced in 1963) - cans without ZIP codes are likely older
  • Look for government warning labels (required after 1989)
  • Research the brewery’s operational history
  • Examine the opening mechanism (different eras used different types)

Step 3: Research the Brewery

Smaller regional breweries typically produced fewer cans, making their products more valuable today. Use resources like The Brewery Collectibles Club of America or books like “The Official Price Guide to Beer Cans” to research the brewery’s history and rarity of its cans.

Step 4: Assess the Condition

Beer cans in better condition are worth significantly more. When examining condition:

  • Look for rust, dents, and punctures
  • Check for color fading
  • Examine for scratches to the design
  • Verify if the original opening is intact (for flat tops)
  • Check if the pull tab is present (for pull tab cans)

Step 5: Look for Unique Characteristics

Some features can significantly increase value:

  • Test market cans (limited releases to test consumer response)
  • Error cans (printing or manufacturing mistakes)
  • Promotional or commemorative designs
  • Unusual sizes (quart or larger sizes often command premiums)
  • Prototype designs
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Where to Sell Valuable Beer Cans</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">If you&rsquo;ve determined that your vintage beer cans have value, several options exist for selling them.</div>

Specialized Buyers

Companies like CanSmart actively purchase collections of vintage beer cans. These specialized buyers typically offer fair market value and have extensive knowledge of beer can pricing.

Collector Shows and Conventions

The Brewery Collectibles Club of America hosts “CANventions” and local chapter meetings where collectors buy, sell, and trade. These events provide opportunities to meet serious collectors who may be interested in purchasing rare cans.

Online Marketplaces

eBay remains one of the largest marketplaces for vintage beer cans. Other options include specialized collecting forums and social media groups dedicated to breweriana.

Auction Houses

For extremely valuable cans, consider specialized auction houses like Morean Auctions that focus on breweriana and have knowledgeable appraisers who can help determine appropriate reserve prices.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Tips for New Collectors</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">If you&rsquo;re interested in starting a beer can collection, here are some valuable tips to help you begin on the right foot.</div>

Start with What You Know

Consider focusing on breweries from your region, brands you enjoy, or a specific era of beer history. Having a focus will make your collection more cohesive and potentially more valuable over time.

Educate Yourself

Invest in reference materials like “The Official Price Guide to Beer Cans” by Tim Colclesser. Join the Brewery Collectibles Club of America to connect with experienced collectors and access their knowledge base.

Consider Condition

Most collectors prefer empty cans that have been opened from the bottom to preserve the top’s appearance. Steel cans can eventually rust or leak, so proper storage in a dry environment is essential.

Document Your Collection

Keep detailed records of each can’s origin, purchase price, condition, and any known history. This documentation adds value and provenance to your collection.

Display Properly

UV light can fade can colors over time. If displaying your collection, consider UV-protective cases or display in areas with minimal direct sunlight.

Common Questions About Vintage Beer Can Values

Are old beer cans worth money?
Yes, old beer cans can be worth money, sometimes substantial amounts. The value depends primarily on rarity, condition, historical significance, and collector demand. Most flat tops in grade 1 to 1+ condition (excellent) will be valued between $30 and $250, while cone tops from the 1930s can be worth thousands. The most valuable beer can ever sold reached $62,830 at auction in 2024.
Do people collect empty beer cans?
Yes, the vast majority of beer can collectors save empty cans. According to the Brewery Collectibles Club of America, collectors typically prefer cans that have been opened from the bottom to preserve the appearance of the top. While some people do collect full cans, these can be harder to find, especially older examples, and steel cans with seams can eventually rust or leak.
What is the most valuable beer can in the world?
The most valuable beer can ever sold is the Perone Beer quart cone top, which sold for $62,830 (including buyer’s premium) at Morean Auctions in March 2024. It was described as “the only known example” of this can from Otto Erlanger Brewing Company, making it extremely rare. Prior to this sale, several other rare beer cans had sold in the $25,000-$50,000 range.
What can I do with old beer cans?
Beyond collecting them for their potential value, old beer cans can be repurposed in various creative ways. They can be turned into planters for small succulents by cutting the top portion off, cleaning thoroughly, and decorating as desired. Beer cans can also be used in art projects, turned into candle holders, made into jewelry, or displayed as part of a vintage decor theme. However, if your cans might have collector value, it’s best to preserve them in their original condition.
How do I know if my old beer cans are valuable?
To determine if your old beer cans have value, first identify the type (cone top, flat top, pull tab), as older types typically command higher prices. Check for manufacturing dates or ZIP codes to estimate age. Research the brewery’s history—smaller regional breweries often produced rarer cans. Assess the can’s condition, as better-preserved examples are worth significantly more. Finally, consult price guides or specialized buyers like CanSmart for a professional appraisal.
What makes a beer can rare?
A beer can becomes rare when few examples have survived. Factors that contribute to rarity include: limited production runs, cans from small regional breweries that operated briefly, test market cans that were only distributed in specific areas, cans with designs that were quickly changed due to public reaction or legal issues, pre-WWII cans that were often recycled for the war effort, and cans with manufacturing errors. The rarest beer cans might be the only known examples of their type.
What's the difference between flat top and cone top beer cans?
Flat top beer cans have a completely flat top and require a church key opener to puncture the lid. They were common from 1935 through the early 1970s. Cone top cans, produced from 1935 to the 1960s, feature a tapered top resembling a bottle neck that could be sealed with a bottle cap. Cone tops were designed to be filled on existing bottle lines, making them cost-effective for breweries transitioning to canned beer. Generally, cone top cans tend to be more valuable than flat tops from the same period.
Should I clean my old beer cans before selling them?
No, you should generally not clean vintage beer cans before selling them. Improper cleaning can damage the can’s original finish, colors, and patina, which can significantly reduce its value. Professional collectors and buyers prefer to see cans in their original state, even if that includes some dust or minor tarnish. If you feel cleaning is necessary, consult with a professional collector or conservator for advice on safe methods.
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Conclusion</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Vintage beer cans represent a fascinating slice of American cultural history and can be surprisingly valuable collectibles. While not every old can is worth a fortune, understanding what factors determine value can help you identify potential treasures.</div>

Whether you’re looking to sell a collection you’ve discovered or beginning your journey as a collector, knowing the basics of beer can identification, valuation, and the collector market is essential. The most valuable cans combine rarity, excellent condition, historical significance, and visual appeal.

Remember that values can fluctuate based on collector trends and economic conditions, so what’s valuable today might be even more valuable tomorrow—or vice versa. For the most accurate and current valuation of your vintage beer cans, consider consulting with a specialized buyer or appraiser who focuses on breweriana.

External Resources for Beer Can Collectors

Item Price Date Auction House
Perone Beer (quart cone top) $62,830 March 2024 Morean Auctions
Harvard Pale Export (flat top) $25,000+ 2019 Private Sale
Gibbons Bock (cone top) $19,000+ 2020 Brewery Collectibles Show
Gunther's Beer (flat top) $15,000+ 2018 Online Auction
Tiger Head Ale (cone top) $11,000 2022 Morean Auctions