Some quintessential American brands continue to stand the test of time, and Coca-Cola is one of collectors' favorites. From metal advertising signs to old bottles, there's more than a century's worth of collectibles to hunt down. While a few special Coca-Cola collectibles rise to the top of the auction block, there are enough common trinkets to go around.
Coca-Cola Collectibles That Pop at Auction
The Coca-Cola Company is one of America's most recognizable brands, which makes their collectibles covetable pieces of Americana. If Harley Davidson t-shirts and original Levi's are anything to go off of, Americana is a shoo-in at auction. While they might not always bring in thousands, pieces will find their audience. When it comes to the Coca-Cola audience, these are the ones that always perform well.
| Coca-Cola Collectibles | Recent Sales Price |
|---|---|
| 1915 Prototype Bottle | $105,000 |
| Pete Hawley Coca-Cola Advertisement | $27,500 |
| 1940s Coca-Cola Vending Machine | $6,000 |
| Hutchinson Bottle | $621.77 |
Unique Coca-Cola Collectibles
Coca-Cola has a robust marketing history and these are some of the more unique collectibles to hit the market:
- 1915 Prototype bottle - During the early 20th century, Coca-Cola underwent a few redesigns to land on its now iconic bottle shape. Yet, very few of these prototype bottles are known to exist, and one recently went to auction. This Roots Company prototype bottle from 1915 is thought to be the only one of its kind that's survived and sold for $105,000, making it one of the most valuable Coke products ever sold.
- Hutchinson bottles: Prior to 1900, a special bottle shape called the Hutchinson bottle transported Coca-Cola to thirsty consumers. While vintage Coke bottles aren't particularly rare, the Hutchinson bottle is an exception. Such a bottle in excellent condition may sell at auction for $500-$2,000. For example, one recently sold for $621.77 on eBay.
- Lillian Nordica advertising: Lillian Nordica was a famous American opera singer in the late 19th century. She was the pop icon of her day, and her image adorned advertisements, calendars, trays, and even bookmarks advertising Coca-Cola. This was a revolutionary approach to advertising and branding, and collectibles featuring her image as much sought-after by those collecting opera memorabilia, advertising collectibles, and, of course, Coca-Cola collectibles.
- Pin-Up advertisements: Coca-Cola ads got a little saucy in the 20th century with their pin-up styles. These can sell for big bucks with the right crowd. For example, this comparatively tame ad by Pete Hawley sold for $27,500 in 2012.
- Coca-Cola vending machines: Even in states of decay or in non-working order, Coke vending machines can be worth a lot. While Vendo brand machines from the 1950s are by far the most desirable, you can routinely find all kinds of Coca-Cola licensed vintage vending machines for sale between $1,000-$10,000. For example, a fully restored machine from the 1940s recently sold for $6,000 online.
- Decorative Coca-Cola trays: In the early 20th century, Coca-Cola became known for its decorative tin trays. These serving trays usually featured an idyllic scene of a young woman or man drinking a bottle of coke. While there are reproductions abound of these quaint trays, the originals are by far the more valuable of the two, with those in the best condition selling anywhere between $50-$100 to the right collectors.
While Hutchinson bottles draw the most interest at auction, slab sided, straight-sided, and uniquely colored bottles like aqua and blue can also do quite well. Other Coca-Cola bottles won't accrue much value over time.
Related: 9 Most Valuable Vintage McDonald's Glasses Worth Toasting To
Common Coca-Cola Collectibles
Gatorfan252525 Wikimedia Commons Coca-Cola artifacts from the 19th, 20th & 21st century
Coca-Cola launched its now infamous holiday advertising around 1935, and they've become a highly sought-after collectible since. Other common collectibles such as ration cards, vinyl records, sheet music, and even games and toys, joined the growing array of products that stand the test of time.
- Holiday collectibles: Starting around 1935, Coca-Cola featured the image of a jolly, plump-cheeked Santa Claus in his trademark red suit created by artist Haddon Sundbloom. Collectors Weekly notes that the most valuable Holiday collectibles feature Sundbloom's iconic artwork. Look for advertising prints, tree ornaments, and other holiday-themed collectibles dating from the late 1930s-now.
- Calendars: Coca-Cola calendars continued to grow in popularity, but around the 1940s the company began to use photographs rather than drawings or paintings.
- Games and toys: In the 1940s, Coca-Cola partnered with Milton-Bradley to produce several games and toys with a Coca-Cola theme. Many of these items remain an affordable collectible. For example, a dart game from the 1940s featuring the Coke logo sells for around $30 today.
- Military items: During WWII, Coke included military themes in its advertising at home and provided Coke to American troops overseas. Items to look for include matchbook covers with the Coke logo as well as ration cards for Coca-Cola.
- Vinyl records and sheet music: Many people remember the iconic "hilltop" commercial with the unforgettable jingle I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing advertising Coca-Cola in the 1970s. Records and sheet music from this golden era are highly sought after, but older songs mentioning Coke, such as the Andrews Sister's original recording of Rum and Coca-Cola from 1944, are also worth finding.
How to Identify & Value Coca-Cola Collectibles
Perhaps you found an old Coke bottle in your grandma's basement or an old-looking serving tray with the Coke icon in the attic. Is it worth anything? Is it even a genuine Coke item or a copy?
Coke continued to produce everything from wastebaskets emblazoned with its old advertising images to holiday ornaments, so it's important to confirm how old something is and if it's authentic to ascertain how much it might be worth.
A good collector's guide, such as Petretti's Coca-Cola Price Guide and Encyclopedia, can help you correctly identify your item and estimate its age and value. Note the condition of the item, too; scratches, dents, fading, and damage significantly decrease the value of potential collectibles.
Find Community With the Coca-Cola Collecting Clubs
Today, many Coca-Cola collectors enjoy belonging to the Coca-Cola Collector's Club. With more than 40 local chapters throughout the country, the organization also hosts regional and national events and conventions, as well as regular and silent auctions. The Coca-Cola Collectors Club also publishes a monthly newsletter and their website includes articles about featured collectors.
Crack Open a Cold One of Coke
With so many vintage and modern items to collect, things can get overwhelming, fast! Whatever you choose, Coca-Cola's enduring legacy and fun collectibles make these items a treat to find.
