10 Rare Vintage Advertising Tins Collectors Still Hunt For

Vintage advertising tins are highly sought after by collectors for their nostalgic value and unique designs. These colorful, metal containers showcase the creativity of early marketing campaigns and offer a glimpse into the past. From iconic soda brands to famous food products, these tins tell the story of advertising history. As more collectors hunt for rare pieces, certain vintage tins have seen their values soar. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer, these tins make a great addition to any collection.

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Coca-Cola Soda Tin

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The Coca-Cola soda tin is one of the most iconic pieces in the world of vintage advertising tins. Released in the early 20th century, these tins were used to store soda syrup and other promotional items, often bearing the classic Coca-Cola logo. The color and design evoke nostalgia for a time when soda was enjoyed in glass bottles at local soda fountains. Collectors value these tins for their vibrant artwork and the history behind Coca-Cola’s marketing efforts. The tins were originally produced in various sizes, with some featuring embossed designs that made them even more collectible.

Today, the value of a Coca-Cola soda tin can range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the rarity and condition. The more pristine the condition and the earlier the production date, the higher the value. Certain limited-edition tins or those featuring unique artwork can fetch even higher prices in auctions and collector’s markets.

Pepsi-Cola Tin

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Pepsi-Cola advertising tins are another highly sought-after collectible item, particularly those produced in the mid-20th century. These tins often feature colorful designs and vintage logos that reflect Pepsi’s marketing strategies during that era. The early Pepsi-Cola tins were mainly used for promotional purposes at soda fountains, and many of these pieces have become rarities. Collectors often search for these tins in good condition, with some rare designs featuring the first Pepsi logos or other unique graphical elements that give insight into the brand’s marketing evolution.

The current market value for Pepsi-Cola tins ranges between $75 and $1,000, depending on the tin’s age, condition, and rarity. Limited editions or those with printing errors tend to fetch higher prices among collectors.

Crisco Shortening Tin

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The Crisco shortening tin is a beloved item for vintage kitchenware enthusiasts. Produced by the Procter & Gamble Company in the early 1900s, these tins were used to advertise Crisco, a popular cooking fat. The early tins were often decorated with elegant and colorful designs, featuring the Crisco logo along with vibrant images of healthy cooking. Over the years, Crisco tins became a household staple, and today they are considered a valuable piece of American advertising history.

A Crisco shortening tin can range from $30 to $400 in the current market, depending on the age and condition. The more colorful and detailed the artwork, the higher the value. Rare, earlier tins with pristine graphics can command a higher price.

Hershey’s Cocoa Tin

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Hershey’s Cocoa tins were popular during the early to mid-1900s and are highly regarded by collectors of vintage food advertising. These tins often featured artistic designs with images of cocoa beans or scenes of families enjoying a warm cup of cocoa. The iconic Hershey’s logo and the quality of the metalwork made these tins a sought-after item in the collectible market. Their vibrant colors and detailed artwork continue to captivate collectors looking for pieces that reflect the history of this beloved chocolate brand.

Currently, Hershey’s Cocoa tins can be found ranging from $50 to $600. Tins with more intricate designs or those produced in the earlier years are usually valued at the higher end of the spectrum.

Tobasco Sauce Tin

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Tabasco sauce, a well-known hot sauce brand, produced advertising tins that are quite rare today. The Tabasco sauce tin was often used in the early 20th century for promotional purposes and typically featured eye-catching designs reflecting the fiery nature of the product. These tins, used to promote the distinct taste of Tabasco, are now prized by collectors for their bold, colorful branding and vintage appeal. A particularly rare tin may even feature early promotional materials like recipe ideas or advertisements for the sauce.

The value of a Tabasco sauce tin ranges from $100 to $500. The rarity of certain designs, especially those from the early 1900s, can make them particularly valuable to collectors.

Borden’s Milk Tin

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Borden’s Milk tins are a nostalgic reminder of the days when milk was delivered fresh in glass bottles. These tins, often associated with Borden’s iconic logo, were produced for use in advertising campaigns and promotional giveaways. The artwork on these tins typically featured the vibrant colors, and images of farm life, reflecting Borden’s commitment to fresh, quality milk. These tins were widely distributed in the mid-1900s and have since become a favorite among collectors of vintage milk and dairy-related memorabilia.

Collectors can find Borden’s Milk tins priced anywhere from $40 to $600, with certain designs from the 1920s and 1930s reaching higher price points. Condition and rarity significantly influence the value of these tins.

Carnation Milk Tin

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Carnation Milk, one of the most recognized brands of evaporated milk, produced vintage advertising tins that remain highly collectible. These tins, dating back to the early 1900s, featured the famous red-and-white Carnation logo and were often used for promotions and giveaways. The nostalgic design and the familiar milk brand make these tins a valuable piece of Americana for collectors. They were typically used to advertise both evaporated and condensed milk and were found in households across the country.

Carnation Milk tins range in price from $50 to $500, with some rare, early editions fetching higher prices. The condition of the tin, along with the rarity of the specific design, plays a significant role in determining the value.

Royal Baking Powder Tin

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Royal Baking Powder tins are an essential piece for vintage advertising enthusiasts, particularly those focused on food-related collectibles. These tins were produced by the Royal Baking Powder Company in the early 1900s and often featured bright colors and detailed designs. The vintage tins, adorned with illustrations of baked goods and the product’s logo, reflect the popularity of baking powder in American households at the time. The tins were often sold in bulk, making them a staple of the kitchen.

The current market value for Royal Baking Powder tins is between $40 and $200. The condition of the tin and the uniqueness of the artwork can significantly affect the price, especially for those dating back to the late 1800s.

Hires Root Beer Thermometer Tin

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Hires Root Beer advertising tins are a classic example of vintage beverage advertising. Produced during the 1920s and 1930s, these tins were used to promote Hires Root Beer, one of the first root beer brands in America. The tins often featured the Hires logo and colorful graphics, including images of root beer mugs and soda fountains. The distinct design of these tins makes them popular among collectors of soda memorabilia and early 20th-century advertising.

The value of Hires Root Beer tins typically ranges from $100 to $600. Rarer designs, especially those with embossed logos or unique graphics, are considered more valuable by collectors.

Uncle Ben’s Rice Tin

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Uncle Ben’s Rice, known for its premium quality rice, produced advertising tins that are now highly collectible. These tins were often used for packaging and promoting their various rice products in the early to mid-1900s. Featuring images of a chef (the iconic Uncle Ben), along with elegant designs, these tins were designed to attract attention on store shelves. The detailed graphics and vibrant colors of these tins reflect the brand’s rich history in American kitchens.

Today, Uncle Ben’s Rice tins can fetch between $30 and $300 depending on the rarity and condition. Tins from the 1930s to 1950s, particularly those with the original Uncle Ben’s chef logo, are often considered more valuable.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.