How Much Are Fitgers Cone Top Beer Cans Worth?

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Among vintage beer can collectors, cone tops are some of the most distinctive and sought-after formats. Produced primarily between the 1930s and early 1960s, these cans were a transition between bottles and the flat-top beer cans we recognize today. Within this category, Fitgers cone top beer cans stand out for their design, regional roots, and scarcity—making them a notable item in the breweriana world.

But just how much are Fitgers cone top cans worth in today’s market? The answer depends on several factors, including condition, rarity, and design variation.

A Quick Look at Fitgers Brewing Company

Fitgers Brewing Company, based in Duluth, Minnesota, was established in the late 1800s and remained active until the early 1970s. During the 1930s and 40s, Fitgers began packaging beer in cone top cans—many of which now exist as collectible relics of regional American brewing history.

Because Fitgers was a smaller, regional brand, their cans were not produced in the same volumes as those from larger breweries. As a result, surviving examples tend to be harder to find—especially in clean condition.

Typical Values for Fitgers Cone Top Cans

As of 2025, the market for vintage beer cans remains active, particularly for pre-1960s examples. Fitgers cone tops fall into a mid-to-high value range for regional brands, with some commanding serious attention from dedicated collectors.

General price ranges include:

  • Common designs in fair condition (rust, fading, dents): $50 to $150
  • Good to very good condition examples: $200 to $400
  • Rare variations in excellent or near-mint condition: $500 to $1,500+
  • Extremely scarce advertising or low-production designs: $2,000 or more, depending on demand and provenance

Condition has a major impact. Even a rare can may see a steep drop in value if it’s heavily rusted or damaged. Conversely, a more common version in near-perfect shape may bring top dollar.

Key Factors That Influence Value

  • Condition: Collectors look for cans with minimal dents, strong color, and clear branding. Clean seams and intact paint significantly increase value.
  • Variation and design: Fitgers issued several label designs over the years. Some styles or fonts are harder to find, especially those tied to short production runs.
  • Top style: While all cone tops share a similar shape, slight differences (low-profile vs. high-profile cones, for example) can matter to collectors.
  • Presence of the cap: Intact caps—especially with branding—are often more desirable, particularly for shelf-display collectors.
  • Geographic demand: Regional collectors, especially those with ties to Minnesota or the Upper Midwest, often place higher value on Fitgers cans due to local pride.

Where They’re Bought and Sold

Fitgers cone tops are traded on collector platforms, vintage beer can forums, estate sales, and auction sites. Listings with clear photography, detailed descriptions, and known provenance tend to attract the most interest.

Shows like the CANvention or regional breweriana meetups often surface rare examples, and private sales between longtime collectors continue to set high benchmark prices for top-condition pieces.

Final Thoughts

Fitgers cone top beer cans are highly collectible pieces of American brewing history. While not every can is worth thousands, many hold strong value—especially when well-preserved or tied to rarer designs.

For collectors or sellers, identifying the exact variation and assessing the condition honestly are key steps to understanding true market worth. And for those passionate about vintage beer memorabilia, Fitgers cans continue to represent a charming and valuable link to a bygone era of regional brewing.

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