| Color Variations | Stem Variations | Head Variations | Download PDF |

Introduction

PEZ variations can be a pain or a blessing. Some collectors ignore them, others absolutely crave them! In the hobby of PEZ collecting, dispenser variations are everywhere. From subtle molding variations to color differences, each variation can greatly determine the overall value of a dispenser. In fact, hard to find PEZ variations can increase the value of a dispenser by several dollars to a couple hundred dollars!

PEZ variations have existed ever since the first PEZ came out of the presses. Many of the vintage PEZ dispensers have more unique, and as a result, sought after variations. For die-hard collectors, it is important to find every one of them. Even new PEZ have variations and are becoming quite a trend in PEZ collecting. Several years ago, for instance, the monochromatic (single-colored, including inner cartridge) Regular dispensers became very popular. Although most variations on new dispensers occur on the head of the dispenser, there are also many stem variations-so be sure to check out everything when inspecting your PEZ! Since the number of PEZ variations is undoubtedly indefinite, I have listed some of the most popular and prevelant varieties on this page. I encourage you to email me any questions you might have about PEZ variations, or even better, email me photos of your unique variations that aren't listed here.

Color Variations (top of page)

Among the most notorious, and surely most prevalent variations, are color-related. These variations occur on countless vintage and current dispensers, from the Raven's red and yellow beaks, to the multitude of combinations of the Chick with Flower (some variations pictured to the right). Even current dispensers have many color variations, like the various stem colors of infamous Peter Pez dispenser, for example. Color variations can occur practically anywhere on the dispenser, from head to foot.

Most of the time, these variations are solely introduced to give the collector a fun (and frustrating) time completing his or her sets. Sometimes, however, these color variations can be linked to rarity. Take the Vintage PEZPal Knight, for example. This dispenser was released in three colors; namely, white, red, and black. The white and black variations are far more valuable than the red. Another example would be the two stem variations (brown and yellow) for the Bullwinkle dispenser. Visually, both colors suit our friend Bullwinkle, but the brown stem is much harder to come by, and worth a tad more than the yellow variation. For this reason, it is a good idea to be familiar with all the color variations of a dispenser.

As mentioned above, color variations can occur on virtually any part of a dispenser. While most color variations are found either the head or the stem of a dispenser, it is possible to find variations on the inside, too. Candy cartridges, and all those small pieces inside of a dispenser often vary in color. The spring-loaded candy pusher (the small piece the candy sits on over the spring) often comes in red, white and variations in between. The cartridges, too, follow a similar color scheme. Although most collectors don't collect different color variations of these particular pieces, it is always a good idea to know that they exist, and that if you ever do run across a monochomatic dispenser (where all inner pieces and stem are the same color) it is a valuable find.

Stem Variations (top of page)

Even stems themselves can have many variations. Usually, these variations occur on vintage dispensers, but some do exist on current dispensers. There are a couple types of variations that can occur on a dispenser stem: Transparent & marbleized, molding, hinge, and feet.

Transparent & Marbleized. These variations are often associated with transparent/translucent and marbleized stems, where the molding process reared either a see-through (transparent) or swirled (marbleized) style. (A blue transparent and marbleized regular pictured to the right) The different densities and intensities of the plastic of a stem can vary and create a very unique final product. Typically speaking, these variations are more desirable than normal finishes.

Molding. These stem variations often include typographical differences in IMC numbers, country of manufacture, blank cartridge sides, patent numbers, and "P-E-Z" shadow lettering. These molding variations can sometimes have an effect on value, but often these nitty gritty details only interest a particular PEZ enthusiast. Perhaps the most popular of these variations is the patent number, where a collector may have, say, three of the same Mickey Mouse dispensers, each with a different patent number. There is also one more variation worth mentioning known as the "PA_ENT" variation, where the word, Patent on the stem is missing the first letter "t," making it read, "PA_ENT."

Hinge. PEZ either have a plastic pin hinge or a metal pin hinge. Plastic hinges started showing up during the mid-1960s, and the older metal pin hinge design continued to be produced a few years after that. Some dispensers were released with both styles for spring-action, and collectors usually desire the older, slightly more valuable, metal pin hinge.

Feet. One of the first dilemmas that often faces a novice PEZ collector is the issue of feet. As discussed in PEZ 101 section of this web site, feet are plastic tabs on the bottom of a dispenser's stem to help it stand up. These additions to dispensers arrived along with the 4,966,305 patent number, and usually do have a considerable impact on a dispenser's value. Many dispensers were manufactured with and without feet, so a variation can in fact exist. Generally speaking, dispensers without feet are more valuable, and represent the era of PEZ dispensers deemed "vintage."

Head Variations (top of page)

If color variations are the most popular to collect, head variations would be a close second. These sometimes subtle variations occur on both vintage and current dispensers. In fact, current dispensers are beginning to show more and more as the years pass. Simple design, mold or even copyright variations can show up on the head of a PEZ dispenser (and sometimes on stems), and most of these types of variations have a dramatic impact on a dispenser's value.

Copyright. Most dispensers have a trademark, or copyright logo affixed somewhere on the head of the dispenser. For instance, Disney licensed dispensers like Thumper (pictured below) have "Walt Disney Productions" molded right onto the head. Some versions of these dispensers actually lack the trademark or copyright stamp, and many collectors don't rest until they have both versions. Thumper is pictured below, but even current dispensers have variations of this kind, like the Jack-In-The-Box premium which has two types of trademarks on the back of his head (one reading "Jack In The Box, INC" and the other "Foodmaker, INC.")