Coca-Cola Advertising Memorabilia


Coca-Cola advertising memorabilia is proving to be the real thing with many collectors these days. Although early Coca-Cola promotional material will always be the most desirable, prices for items from the 50s have been rising at a rapid rate lately. The enthusiast who buys a Coca-Cola piece from the 50s is not only buying a classic example of American advertising history - he might also be acquiring a fondly remembered fixture from his own childhood. A good example of this is the celebrated 'Drink Coca-Cola' advertising sign from the 50s - the classic design with the advertising slogan set in a red circle next to a full bottle of coke - this once common sight on our streets now retails for around $400! Similar examples from the 30s retail for about the same amount but expect to pay top dollar for earlier items. A 1914 31"x41" Coca-Cola 'Betty' sign - showing a beautiful Coke drinker dressed entirely in white - currently retails for about $2500.

Coca-Cola advertising is not just confined to signs and boards however. A novelty Coca-Cola thermometer from the late 50s usually sells for between $50-$75 whilst a 50s Coca-Cola golf flag on its original pole should make $400. From the same decade you can also get an ultra classy 'Airline' design picnic cooler in vivid fire truck red - expect to pay at least $750 for an example in excellent condition. Less pleasing to the eye but still a big draw to enthusiasts would be your very own Coca-Cola vending machine. A 1960s full size Vendo 63 machine would start at around $1500 - or how about a 30s ice-chest with the legend 'Serve Yourself -Please Pay the Clerk' - expect to pay the retailer between $2000-2500. Recent items are collected also - a 1986 non-circulated Coca-Cola 30s-style stained glass lamp will set you back about $750. These are top drawer items however - if you're a beginner how about tracking down a Coca-Cola toothpick dispenser - about $10 - straw jar - currently $25 - or napkin dispenser - a modest $15. And if you ever tire of your hobby - there's always a Coca-Cola trash can - yours for about $100!