Coca-Cola Signs: A Popular Collector's Niche

by Daniel Wright

When Dr. John Stith Pemberton created a cool and refreshing drink in Atlanta, Georgia on May 8, 1886, who would have known that he was producing one of the most well-known products in the world? When he sold his creation at his soda fountain, he named it because he thought the two C's would look good together, thus giving birth to Coca-Cola signs.

Coca-Cola history is rife with advertising slogans, campaigns, and artwork. Each generation added their own twist to the beloved drink's marketing story. From the original sprightly delivery boy to Santa Clause, from celebrities to polar bears, Coca-Cola has created a world of highly prized collectibles that are sought around the world.

Haddon Sundblom originally created the iconic image of Santa Claus drinking from the trademarked Coca-Cola bottle. This image was used regularly from the 1930s through the 1960s. But it wasn't retired as the legendary Santa image still appears regularly at Christmas on ornaments, marketing items, and Coca-Cola billboards and signs.

The Coca-Cola brand has had a variety of slogans that have appeared on Coca-Cola signs throughout its long career. The song "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke," "Have a Coke and a Smile" and "The Friendliest Drink on Earth" are just a few of the campaign phrases that have appeared in advertising over the years.

From time to time different famous celebrities have been associated with the Coca-Cola campaign. Their contribution in making this drink popular among the masses cannot be overlooked. Spoke-animals also had a major role to play. In 2003, polar beers were introduced in the campaign and the concept was a big success. People just loved them.

The vast amount of advertising that the company produced over the years has led to a huge amount of collectible material being available. Coca-Cola has become a product which transcends generations and has inspired many collectors. Die-hard collectors insist on signage from all eras to be in mint condition. There are even books published on the values of these hot collectibles.

If you are thinking about starting a new hobby, find a corner that interests you first. Consider all of the pieces from a single year or location. Consider using the web and established local collectors for assistance. Be diligent! You never know what you will find until you look through local scrap shops and second hand sales.

Coca-Cola has become a worldwide symbol of refreshment. The signs the company has used throughout its history represent the happy feeling that its loyal customers feel. Whatever the sign, it will be worth something to someone because it inspires happy emotions of friendship and refreshment.

Soda-Pop-Collectibles.com features hundreds of items stemming from Coca-Cola history as well as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7UP, and many other soft drink makers. View our huge selection of Coca-Cola signs with new inventory daily!

Published December 6th, 2007

Filed in Advertising, Food, Marketing


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