Beer cans, first released in 1934, became hugely popular as a collectible in the seventies and early eighties, and cans made during those years tend to be worth zilch, zip, nada, nothing. Why? Supply and demand. Collectors bought those cans by the caseload. Because of this, some supposedly valuable cans are worthless. These include: Billy Beer, MASH 4077th, World’s Fair, all generic beers, and pretty much anything made of aluminum or crimped steel. (With straight steel cans, like those pictured in the slide show, the edges of the can do not indent before meeting the top and bottom rims.) Beware also cans made especially for the collector’s market, such as Olde Frothingslosh, Andy’s, and the various punch top “brewery series” cans from Huber.
Basically, the cash value of any collection is contained in the older cans: those made before 1970. There are exceptions, of course (there are always exceptions), but this is a good place to begin––and to anchor your expectations.
Even if you’re not local, it’s easy. I will drive many hours for great cans, and if need be, cans are easy to ship. For long distance transactions, I cover shipping costs, and I usually pay up front via Paypal or a check. I’ve purchased cans from more than half of the fifty states plus at least four Canadian provinces, and I’d be more than pleased to work with you next.
Meanwhile, please take a moment to visit the rest of my site.
After all, my real work is writing…