Manufacturing code on beer cans

Discussion in 'Breweriana' started by michael_cheritto, Jun 11, 2016.

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  1. michael_cheritto

    michael_cheritto Initiate (0) Jun 11, 2016

    Hello guys,

    Today I registered an account here, because I have a question about my beer can collection that I haven't figured out yet. I've searched online with different terms, but I struck out of luck. What better place to ask then here with so many beer experts/lovers.

    Every can that I have has a small, usually silver rectangle with inside of it a code. I've gotten as far as that this is probably the manufacturers code, but there are also similarities in different beers.

    Is there a way to decipher these codes?


    Best regards,
    MC
     
  2. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Many brewers have started putting a 'Canned on' or a 'Best by' date somewhere on the can, and I'm going to guess that some might be Julian dates, but other than those two categories I don't know of any source to explain any other codes. Sit tight though and wait for more info here because there are some can collectors who post in this forum.
     
  3. Jaycase

    Jaycase Grand Pooh-Bah (3,858) Jan 13, 2007 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Is the code similar to the one shown in this post? If yes, then it does appear to be the manufacturer's code which the poster there mentioned.
     
  4. jesskidden

    jesskidden Grand Pooh-Bah (3,145) Aug 10, 2005 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Call or otherwise contact Ball and Crown - the two largest beer can manufacturers in the US. Typically such manufacturing codes (they are also printed on or embossed onto bottles) will represent the day, shift and time at the specific plant, line/machine the can came from.
     
  5. DovGibor

    DovGibor Zealot (538) Sep 18, 2015 New York

    If you have a collection that goes back a while it might be more difficult to sort out the codes. While Ball & Crown are running the show today, that was not always the case. MCC has a long history as Anheuser-Busch's canmaking arm and you may have some cans from the many beers they produce. Rexam is in the process of being acquired by Ball right now, but they have had a serious presence in the US for a while. American National Can used to be around until Rexam acquired them. Alcoa is involved with producing some aluminum bottles and you'll see their seal pop up. And if your collection is international ... the list goes on.
     
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