Old Style Beer Can Value Guide

This vintage Old Style beer can represents a pivotal era for the G. Heileman Brewing Company, originally founded in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1902. These aluminum cans are highly collectible because they showcase the mid-century transition to pull-tab technology and the iconic branding of a Midwest staple.

What Is Old Style Beer Can Worth?

The typical price range for Old Style Beer Can is $5 - $10 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the aluminum, specifically looking for the absence of 'humidity spots,' rust, or significant denting.
• The intactness of the pull-tab; cans that were opened cleanly or remain 'bottom-opened' for display often command higher interest.
• Graphic vibrancy, as the red, white, and blue shield logo must be crisp and unfaded to reach the $10 price point.
• Regional demand within the Midwest, where the G. Heileman legacy maintains its strongest nostalgic following.

How to Identify Old Style Beer Can?

• Look for the 'G. Heileman's Old Style Lager' branding which distinguishes it from modern 'Old Style' iterations.
• Verify the presence of a vintage pull-tab or 'ring-pull' opening mechanism common to the 1960s and 1970s.
• Check for the specific mention of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the use of artesian spring water on the label text.
• Ensure the material is lightweight aluminum rather than the heavier steel used in earlier flat-top eras.

History of Old Style Beer Can

Old Style beer, originally named G. Heileman's Old Style Lager, was first brewed in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1902. The brand gained popularity throughout the Midwest, known for its distinctive 'La Crosse' artesian spring water. Early beer cans, particularly those from the 1960s and 70s with pull-tabs, are highly sought after by collectors as they represent a significant shift in packaging technology and an iconic period of American brewing.