Beer May Be Temporary, But This Can Just Made History
The craft beer market might be cooling, but that didn’t stop one serious collector from spending over $100,000 on a single vintage can. In a surprising twist that’s turning heads in the world of breweriana, a rare Chief Oshkosh Crowntainer recently sold for a jaw-dropping $111,150 at Morean Auctions—setting what’s believed to be a new world record for the priciest beer can ever sold.
A Six-Figure Slice of Beer History
This isn’t just any old can. Dating back to the early 1950s, the Chief Oshkosh Crowntainer is painted white, adorned with Native-inspired graphics, and is thought to be the only one left in existence. For years, it sat tucked away—likely in a vault at the now-defunct Oshkosh Brewing Company. Since then, it’s passed through the hands of iconic collectors, each adding their own chapter to its legend. One traded it for a car back in the ‘70s. Another carved a wooden replica after letting it go. That kind of folklore doesn’t just add to the mystique—it drives up the price.
So when it finally went under the hammer at Morean in 2025, serious collectors weren’t just bidding on a can. They were bidding on a legacy.
Dan Morean and the Auction House That Knows Beer
If you’re into vintage beer memorabilia, you’ve likely heard of Morean Auctions. Operating out of Brimfield, Massachusetts, it’s the only licensed auction house in the U.S. dedicated solely to beer cans and alcohol-related advertising. Founder Dan Morean got his start back in 1997 selling cans online through Breweriana.com, eventually launching full-scale auctions in 2016.
This isn’t Morean’s first record-breaker, either. They previously held the top spot with a $93,600 can, proving that their reputation in the beer-collecting community is well-earned. From expert photography to streamlined shipping, the team knows how to showcase—and move—rare collectibles.
What Makes a Beer Can Worth Big Bucks?
This sale is more than a headline—it’s a reminder that beer culture runs deeper than the brew. For collectors, cans are history, art, and nostalgia all in one. The most sought-after pieces tend to be:
- Steel cans made before 1960, especially cone tops and crowntainers
- Limited-run graphics, misprints, or unusual design variants
- Cans from smaller, regional breweries
- Excellent condition — minor blemishes can make a big difference
While common cans like Billy Beer might only fetch a couple bucks, a pristine flat-top Hop Gold Ye Old English Ale? That’s collector gold.
Thinking About Getting Into the Game?
Not every can will fund your retirement, but there’s real joy in the hunt. Here are a few starter tips for budding beer historians:
- Start local — Garage sales, flea markets, or older breweries often hold forgotten gems.
- Join the community — Groups like the Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA) and NABABREW offer great resources and camaraderie.
- Know how to grade — “United States Beer Cans Vol I & II” are the go-to guides for valuation and condition ratings.
- Open from the bottom — Collectors want empties, but a top-popped can loses aesthetic appeal.
- Protect your stash — Steel rusts. Keep your cans in a dry, safe space.
A Can That Captures a Moment
Whether you’re brewing beer or just admiring its past, the sale of the Chief Oshkosh Crowntainer proves one thing: some cans are far more than packaging. They’re relics of a time, place, and culture that continues to fascinate. So the next time you finish a brew, pause before you toss the can—history could be staring back at you.
Attribution: Article Retrieved from PR News and Morean Auctions .
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Photo Credit: Morean Auctions