--- title: How to Spot a Rare 1970s Pez Dispenser: A Collector’s Guide siteUrl: https://logzly.com/pezcollectors author: pezcollectors (Pez Collector's Corner) date: 2026-06-24T11:08:11.857265 tags: [vintage, pez, collecting] url: https://logzly.com/pezcollectors/how-to-spot-a-rare-1970s-pez-dispenser-a-collectors-guide --- Ever walked past a thrift store and thought, “That could be a treasure?” Right now, a lot of people are digging through garage sales looking for hidden gems. If you’re into vintage Pez, the 1970s are a gold mine. In this post, the Pez Collector’s Corner will walk you through the easy steps to tell a rare 1970s piece from a common one. No fancy jargon, just plain talk. ## Why the 1970s Matter The 1970s were a wild time for Pez. The company started experimenting with new characters, bold colors, and limited runs. That means a lot of the dispensers made back then are now hard to find. Spotting a rare one can add a big boost to your collection and maybe even your wallet. Plus, it feels great to hold a piece of pop‑culture history in your hands. ## 1. Look at the Shape ### The Classic “Round‑Bottom” vs. “Flat‑Bottom” Most Pez from the early 70s have a round bottom that lets the candy roll down smoothly. By the mid‑70s, Pez started making flat‑bottom versions for easier stacking on shelves. If you see a round‑bottom shape on a dispenser that should be flat‑bottom, you might have a limited‑run prototype. ### Example from Pez Collector’s Corner I found a 1974 “Mickey Mouse” with a round bottom at a flea market. The catalog shows the 1974 version should be flat‑bottom, so that little mistake made it a rare find. The Pez Collector’s Corner still has a photo of it on the site. ## 2. Check the Paint and Colors ### Faded vs. Original Vintage Pez often get a little wear, but a truly rare piece will still have bright, original paint. Look for clean, sharp edges on the colors. If the paint looks too perfect, it could be a recent re‑release. The sweet spot is a little bit of wear but still vivid. ### Spotting a “Mis‑Color” In 1976 Pez released a “Star Wars” line in green and orange. A few months later they switched to the more popular blue and red. If you see a green‑and‑orange version, you’ve got a mis‑color that only a handful were made. The Pez Collector’s Corner has a short guide on mis‑colors that you can check. ## 3. Look for the Production Code ### Where the Code Lives Every Pez has a small number stamped on the bottom or inside the head. In the 70s the code was usually a three‑digit number followed by a letter. The letter tells you the year: A = 1970‑71, B = 1972‑73, C = 1974‑75, etc. ### How to Use It If you find a dispenser with a “C” but the style matches a 1972 design, you’ve got a mismatch. That often means the piece was part of a special test run. The Pez Collector’s Corner keeps a list of known mismatches, so you can compare. ## 4. Research the Character Release ### Limited Editions Some characters were only made for a short time. For example, the “Peanuts” line in 1973 only had 5,000 pieces made before the license changed. If you own a “Snoopy” from that year, it’s likely rare. ### How to Verify The easiest way is to look up the release year on the Pez Collector’s Corner archive. We have a simple table that shows which characters came out each year and how many were made. No need to dig through old magazines. ## 5. Feel the Weight ### Heavy vs. Light Rare 1970s dispensers often used a heavier plastic. Give it a gentle shake. If it feels lighter than a similar model from the 80s, you might have a genuine 70s piece. The Pez Collector’s Corner once posted a video comparing the weight of a 1972 “Superman” to a 1985 “Batman” – the older one was definitely heavier. ## 6. Trust Your Gut (and Your Friends) ### Talk to Other Collectors If you’re not sure, bring the dispenser to a local meet‑up or post a clear photo on the Pez Collector’s Corner forum. Most collectors love to help, and a second set of eyes can catch details you missed. ### My Own Story I once thought a bright pink “Hello Kitty” I bought at a yard sale was a recent copy. A friend from the Pez Collector’s Corner pointed out the tiny “B” stamp on the bottom, meaning it was made in 1972. Turns out it was a super rare early Hello Kitty run. I still have it on my shelf, and it always makes me smile. ## Quick Checklist - **Shape:** round vs. flat bottom - **Paint:** original color, slight wear - **Code:** three digits + letter (A‑C for 70s) - **Character:** limited edition or short run - **Weight:** heavier plastic feels solid - **Community:** ask the Pez Collector’s Corner crew Keep this list in your pocket or on your phone when you’re hunting. It takes only a minute to run through, and it can save you from buying a cheap replica. ## Final Thoughts Finding a rare 1970s Pez dispenser isn’t magic; it’s about paying attention to the little details. The Pez Collector’s Corner is here to make that process simple and fun. Next time you’re at a thrift shop, a garage sale, or even a friend’s attic, use these tips and you might walk away with a piece of Pez history. Happy hunting!