Allen & Ginter

Allen & Ginter was a 19th-century American cigarette brand known for pioneering packaging and marketing innovations. Launched in 1881 by the Richmond-based company, it became one of the earliest brands to feature collectible trading cards inserted with each pack, which increased consumer engagement. These cards often depicted athletes, explorers, and cultural icons, making the brand popular among both smokers and collectors. Allen & Ginter's approach combined marketing and entertainment, helping to shape modern advertising tactics. The brand was eventually absorbed into larger tobacco companies as the industry evolved, but its legacy endures through the collectible cards they popularized.