Butter-Nut Coffee Can Value Guide

Period
1930s-1950s
Origin
United States
Materials
Tin

The Butter-Nut Coffee can is a quintessential piece of Midwestern Americana, originating from Omaha, Nebraska. These 2-pound tins are highly collectible for their bold red and white graphics and 'Specially Mellowed' slogans that define mid-20th-century kitchen advertising.

What affects the value of Butter-Nut Coffee Can?

  • Condition of the lithography, specifically the absence of significant rust, scratches, or fading in the red pigment.
  • The presence of the original matching tin lid significantly increases the market value.
  • Structural integrity, including the lack of major dents or 'out-of-round' warping to the tin body.
  • Cleanliness of the interior, as tins used for non-food storage often suffer from internal corrosion.

How to Identify Butter-Nut Coffee Can?

  • Look for the distinct 'Specially Mellowed' and 'Delicious' slogans printed on the red and white lithographed label.
  • Verify the 2-pound capacity marking, which is a standard size for this specific era of Butter-Nut production.
  • Check for the original friction-fit lid and the presence of the Omaha, Nebraska manufacturing origin on the base or side.
  • Inspect the lithography for a smooth, baked-on finish rather than a paper label, which is characteristic of 1930s-1950s tin production.

History of Butter-Nut Coffee Can

Butter-Nut Coffee was a popular brand, particularly known in the Midwestern United States. It originated in Omaha, Nebraska, and was a staple in many American homes throughout the mid-20th century. These tins are highly sought after by collectors for their nostalgic design and representation of classic American advertising.

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