When you have that thirst that only a fizzy drink can satisfy, €1 seems like a small price to pay for refreshment. Those loyal to their soda brands however are willing to pay a bit more for branded merchandise, so much so that we bet some of these prices may surprise you. Keep reading to discover the 5 most expensive Coca-Cola merchandise items ever sold.
5. Girl On Hammock – € 78,311
While this festoon was meant as a festive decoration and advertisement, today it is seen as a piece of art. The incredibly detailed picture of a girl in a hammock drinking Coca-Cola is one of the best preserved examples of early lithography; it gives us an insight in early advertisement and art forms in the beginning of the 20th century. The 'Girl On Hammock' is from around 1913 when festoons like these decorated public places, hanging on two ribbons. This particular item was in near-mint condition, which is part of the reason it sold for such a great amount.
4. Victorian Girl Tray – € 93,082
The 1897 Victorian girl tray is believed to be the first lithographed tin tray ever used by the Coca-Cola Company for advertisement. Only few of these trays exist, holding historical value today. The image is highly iconic for the 1900s.
3. Leaded Globe Soda Dispenser - € 97,922
One of the most rare and desirable Coca-Cola collectibles on earth; only few of these leaded-globe soda dispensers are known to exist. The globe is all stained glass with the Coca-Cola brand name in the middle. It is a variation on our number 1 in this list… The globe was mounted on a soda dispenser, and one particular near-mint condition version with a marble base sold for almost €98.000.
2. Cameo Paper Sign - € 102,932
There are very few pre-1900 posters left, which is one of the reasons this Coca-Cola Cameo Paper Sign is so incredibly valuable. It used to hang over a soda fountain in a small theatre near Times Square in New York, and was found years later - in the mid-1970s - in the attic by the daughter of the theatre custodian who took it home. The poster was restored and is now one of the most valuable Coca-Cola collectibles in the world. The 40 x 30 inch poster from circa 1896 shows a woman holding a glass of Coca-Cola, lettered “Drink Coca-Cola; Delicious, Refreshing; Cures Headaches, Relieves Exhaustion; at Soda Fountains 5 dollar cents”.
1. Early Glass Globe - € 132,278
The most expensive Coca-Cola collectible is a real piece of art. A 13-inch orb covered in a mosaic of green, red, white and ivory stained glass with great detail. A chandelier with great historical value, for it was created somewhere in the beginning of the 20th century. There are more Coca-Cola hanging glass globes around the world, but this one in particular is very rare and valuable thanks to its exquisite detail and small glass pieces.
These might be the most expensive Coca-Cola merchandise items ever sold, but there are many more vintage collectibles that are highly valuable and highly fascinating, beautiful or special. Find your own vintage Coca-Cola advertising sign, tray, early bottle, mirror or decorative light on our Coca-Cola Advertising Sign auction. Discovered an old Coca-Cola poster on the attic? It might be worth a lot… find out and register here.