Can Abbreviations
AL Aluminum CS Crimped Steel ES Extruded Steel SS Straight Steel
Most Collectors would like to have their cans bottom opened. Not many collectors collect their soft drink cans full of soda because the soda will, over time, eat its way through the can. To bottom open your cans, use an awl or ice pick to punch two opposing holes in the bottom of the can. Be careful when pushing the tool though the bottom on the first hole as the soda is under pressure. Also, using to much pressure when making the holes could crinkle an aluminum can. You can then pour the soda into a glass or insert a straw to drink it. Rinse the can with water, dry it and add it to your collection.
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Soft Drink Can Lid Types
Cone Top Flat Top Juice Top Slide Back
Zip Top Pull Ring Push Button Tab Top
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Helping Date Your Soda Cans
Cone Top's were discontinued in the mid 50's.
In the canner's address, Zip Code's were introduced in 1963 but were not mandatory until 1966.
Universal Bar Code's were first used in 1973.
Metric Measurement's were added to the can's size in 1976.
Nutritional Panel's were added in 1994.
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Many different date codes have been used over the years by different canners and beverage companies. Please check back as I research and publish more codes and how to read them.
The code printed on the bottom of a Pepsi can.....
Aug 01 05
2112WT102543
Aug 01 05 - Best Used By Date 2112 - [9:12 PM] Time Of Day Canned WT - Canner Watertown WI
10/25/4 - Actual Date Canned 3 - Plant Shift When Can Was Made