Folger's Coffee Tin Value Guide

These 1930s-1940s Folger's Coffee tins are highly collectible for their vibrant red lithography and the iconic sailing ship motif, which represents the brand's 1850 San Francisco origins. As a staple of mid-century American advertising, these metal containers serve as a nostalgic link to the California Gold Rush era when James A. Folger first entered the coffee trade.

What Is Folger's Coffee Tin Worth?

The typical price range for Folger's Coffee Tin is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the lithographed red paint and the clarity of the sailing ship graphic significantly impact the $15-$25 price range.
• Presence of the original metal lid can increase the value toward the higher end of the market estimate.
• Structural integrity, including the absence of major dents, rust, or significant scratches, is a primary driver for collector interest.
• The specific size of the tin, as various weights were produced for consumer use during the 1930s and 1940s.

How to Identify Folger's Coffee Tin?

• Look for the 'J.A. Folger & Co.' branding which distinguishes older 1930s-1940s era tins from modern reproductions.
• Verify the presence of the detailed sailing ship illustration set against a bold, solid red background.
• Check for authentic metal construction and period-correct typography consistent with United States manufacturing from the mid-20th century.
• Examine the lid and base for signs of age-appropriate oxidation or wear that matches the tin's vintage origin.

History of Folger's Coffee Tin

Folger's Coffee has a rich history dating back to 1850 when James A. Folger, at 26 years old, arrived in San Francisco, California, during the California Gold Rush. He started working for a company that sold coffee and spices. By 1872, he became a full partner and renamed the company J.A. Folger & Co. This tin design, with the iconic sailing ship, was a common motif for the brand, symbolizing the global journey of coffee beans. These tins are now prized by collectors for their nostalgic value and historical representation of American advertising and consumer goods.