Antiques have always been fascinating to people. They are items of historical significance that remind us of the past and are often sought after by collectors. One such antique that has captured the attention of many is the Coca Cola bottle. These bottles have a rich history and are highly valued by collectors. In this article, we will explore how much antique Coca Cola bottles are worth and why they are so highly valued.
History of Coca Cola Bottles
Coca Cola was first introduced in 1886 by a pharmacist named John Pemberton. In the early days, the drink was sold at soda fountains in glasses. However, in 1899, the first Coca Cola bottle was introduced. This was done to ensure that the drink could be consumed on the go and would be available in areas where soda fountains were not present.
The first Coca Cola bottle was called the Hutchinson bottle, named after its inventor, Charles Hutchinson. This bottle was a blob-top bottle with a wire closure. However, due to various issues with the wire closure, the Hutchinson bottle was eventually replaced by the crown-top bottle in 1900.
How to Identify Antique Coca Cola Bottles
To determine the value of antique Coca Cola bottles, it is important to first identify them correctly. There are several key features that can help identify an antique Coca Cola bottle:
- The Brand Name: Coca Cola bottles will have the brand name embossed or printed on them.
- The Shape: Coca Cola bottles have a unique contour shape that is easily recognizable.
- The Color: The color of Coca Cola bottles has changed over the years. Antique Coca Cola bottles are typically clear or aqua, while newer bottles are green.
- The Closure: Different types of closures have been used over the years. The Hutchinson bottle had a wire closure, while the crown-top bottle had a metal cap.
- The Mold Number: The mold number is usually located on the base of the bottle and can help identify the age and rarity of the bottle.
Factors that Affect the Value of Antique Coca Cola Bottles
Several factors can affect the value of antique Coca Cola bottles:
- Age: The older the bottle, the more valuable it is likely to be.
- Rarity: If a particular bottle is rare, it will be more valuable.
- Condition: Bottles that are in good condition will be more valuable than those that are damaged.
- Historical Significance: If a particular bottle has historical significance, such as being used in a specific event, it will be more valuable.
Value of Antique Coca Cola Bottles
The value of antique Coca Cola bottles can vary greatly depending on the factors mentioned above. Some antique Coca Cola bottles are worth only a few dollars, while others can be worth thousands of dollars. Here are some examples:
- Hutchinson Bottle: The Hutchinson bottle is one of the rarest Coca Cola bottles and can be worth anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000.
- Straight-Sided Bottle: The straight-sided bottle was introduced in 1900 and can be worth anywhere from $400 to $3,000 depending on the age, condition, and rarity.
- Hobble-Skirt Bottle: The hobble-skirt bottle was introduced in 1915 and is one of the most recognizable Coca Cola bottles. These bottles can be worth anywhere from $10 to $200 depending on the age, condition, and rarity.
Where to Find Antique Coca Cola Bottles
Antique Coca Cola bottles can be found in a variety of places, including antique stores, flea markets, garage sales,
