Ever since Joseph Biedenharn bottled the first Coca-Cola in 1894, people have fallen in love with the drink and with a multitude of collectibles associated with this popular beverage. Everything from bottles to signs or just about any item you can imagine has been associated with the Coca-Cola or Coke trademark and Coca-Cola memorabilia is one of the most popular kinds of collecting. If it is a vintage Coca-Cola item of any kind, there is likely a collector who will buy it.



Some of the most collectible items of Coke memorabilia are the early bottles. In the beginning, the glass bottles were hand-blown and irregular in their color, shape, and volume that they could hold. The very first bottles had a wired-out cap with a rubber seal. However, the rubber changed the flavor of the soda and cap only lasted a few weeks. Later, the bottles were machine made and became more standardized in 1910. By 1916, the now familiar shape was adopted and has been used for Coke bottles ever since.

Bottles become valued Coca-Cola memorabilia not only by being old, but also because some commemorate special events. When aluminum cans came into use in the 1960's, commemorative and vintage cans also became collectibles. Often, unopened cans and bottles are quite a bit more valuable.

The cartons and cases for Coke products are also prized by many Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors. The once common six-pack cardboard holder was introduced in 1928 and one of these early packages would be greatly desired. Wooden cases have also be a desirable item for some collectors. Pairing bottles with contemporary packaging is even better.

Even Coke caps can be valuable, since these also have been used in promotions and special additions. Once, a contest awarded free cases of Coke by collecting a cap for each of the states in the US, and a complete set of these caps would today thrill a Coca Cola collector. Even within Coke collectors there are some who have very narrow specialties.

The collectors of official Coca-Cola memorabilia aren't limited to glasses and bottles. Coke has also licensed its logo for use on key chains, articles of clothing, Coca Cola polar bears, napkin dispensers, toothpick dispensers, salt and pepper sets, thermometers, change trays, and wallpaper. There is something for every style and every room in the house.