Your old Coke bottle may be worth something, depending on its condition, rarity, and age. Bottles from more recent decades can trade for only a couple of dollars, while rare varieties and antiques can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The value of a Coke bottle depends on a variety of factors, such as whether it has a manufacturer’s mark, the style or type of bottle it is, and any special features or inscriptions. An authorized collectibles dealer, hobbyist forum, or online marketplace may be able to help you assess your bottle’s value.
If your Coke bottle is an antique, look on the bottom of the bottle to find any manufacturer’s information. Valuable bottles will usually have branding on the bottom, such as a logo or “– Bottle Maker’s Mark –”.
Check to see if the original cap and the paper or metal label is still intact. The shape, size, and label design will also help you determine its worth.
Collectible bottles from before and during the early 20th century may include embossing or lettering, or relevant pictures on the glass, such as with coca-cola bottles that include Santa Claus or the 1936 Olympics logo.
Always inspect the bottle for chips, scratches, and flaws as these can affect the price.
The age of a Coke bottle can also make a difference; bottles that are more than 100 years old are likely to fetch the highest prices. Your local library, historical society, or the Coca Cola Company’s archives can help you determine its age.
If you believe your Coke bottle is of significant value, it is wise to get a professional appraisal to determine its worth. With proper care and maintenance, your vintage bottle can continue to bring you pleasure and mementos of years past.
How can you tell if a bottle is antique?
Antiques are usually defined as items that are more than 100 years old, so one way to determine if a bottle is antique is to examine its age. If the bottle is over 100 years old and has not been altered in any way, then it’s highly likely that you’re dealing with an antique.
Additionally, certain types of bottles, such as beer or wine bottles, can often be dated by examining their embossed lettering for clues about the manufacturer. Embossed words, names, and dates can all point to when the bottle was produced, and this can be fairly telling in determining how old a bottle is.
If a bottle is missing such markings, there are still a few other ways to tell if it is antique, such as looking for tell-tale signs of wear, checking the color of the glass, or examining the condition of the bottle and its closure.
Lastly, researching the type of bottle may also offer clues as to whether or not it is an antique; certain types of bottles were only produced during certain periods of time, and this can be useful in providing further insight.
What do the numbers mean on old Coke bottles?
The numbers appearing on old Coke bottles refer to the bottle’s shape and type. Coke bottles from the early 1900s, for example, were marked with numbers that indicated the type of bottle, such as two-digit or four-digit numbers.
Two-digit numbers such as 10 or 11 indicated a squat style bottle, while four-digit numbers like 3269 or 108 indicated a standard straight-sided bottle. Numbers also indicated the type of bottle top, such as a crown or pry-off cap.
Over time, some of these numbers changed as company embossed other identifying marks on their bottles, such as trademarks.
Today, most Coke bottles are embossed with a logo showing a contoured Coca-Cola script. This logo has been used since the late 1950s. The logo and shape of the bottle indicate whether it is a regular bottle, a 1.
5 liter bottle, or a soda can.
For those looking to collect old Coke bottles, the numbers can help you identify and date the bottle. Sites such as Antique Coca-Cola Bottles offers a listing of old bottles, as well as their dates and values.
Knowing the numbers on an old bottle can also help collectors verify its authenticity.
What Coke bottles are worth money?
The collectible value of certain Coke bottles can vary tremendously depending on the rarity, condition, and other factors such as logos, colors, and logo embossments. Some of the most collectible Coke bottles can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
For instance, Hutchinson-style bottles which were the earliest embossed style of Coke bottle have been known to bring values of up to $3,000 in the rarest cases.
Bottles from 1916 are also collectible and contain original handwritten dates, hand-tooled logos, and distinctive bubbles, making them a sought-after item in the bottle collecting world. A rare 1916 Coke bottle for example could be worth up to $2,000, or even more depending on the condition.
Other highly sought-after Coke bottles include Hutchinson bottles from 1917 which are extremely rare, with prices reaching over $1,000 in some cases. Other examples of collectible Coke bottles are Key-Wind bottles, Hexagon and Ribbon 45 bottles which all date from the 1940s and 50s and have been known to fetch several hundred dollars.
In addition to embossed bottles, painted bottles can be quite valuable too. For instance, Original Art painted bottles featuring unique artwork, unique bottles with distinct packaging, and other unique stylistic traits have been known to be extremely valuable with prices reaching up to hundreds of dollars.
In conclusion, the collectible value of Coke bottles can vary tremendously based on the rarity, condition, and other characteristics. For some of the rarest Coke bottles, prices can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars and some of the most sought-after examples include Hutchinson bottles from 1916, Key-Wind bottles, Hexagon and Ribbon 45 bottles, and certain Original Art painted bottles.
Can you sell old Coke bottles?
Yes, you can sell old Coke bottles, but their value typically depends on their age, condition and rarity. Coke bottles from the 1900s, for instance, can be quite difficult to find and command a higher price from collectors.
However, if you possess a vintage Coke bottle from a certain era – such as the 1940s or 50s, or you have a bottle featuring a specific design – it may be worth more. It’s also important to remember that not all bottles have a significant value.
Some Coke bottles, like those with a standard label and a generic shape, are not sought after.
Realistically, it’s best to research past auction prices for your specific bottle and compare estimates to matches on eBay. Many collectors also search out antique stores, flea markets and auctions for vintage Coke bottles.
Ultimately, with some research and effort, you could be able to sell an old Coke bottle for a fair price.
How do I identify a Coke bottle?
Identifying a Coca-Cola bottle can be relatively simple if you know what to look for. The most recognizable feature is the design of the bottle, which features a contoured shape with a tapered neck and dimpled sides.
This design, which is referred to as the “hobble-skirt” style, was introduced in 1915 and is still being used today. The bottle will also feature the classic Coca-Cola script logo, which is predominantly red with a small white text separation between the words “Coca” and “Cola.
” On the base of the bottle, you will usually find the words “Atlanta, GA,” which signifies that the bottle is authentic. Additionally, some bottles will feature a patent number, which was also introduced in 1915.
Moreover, the weight and size of a genuine Coca-Cola bottle may vary slightly from other bottles, though the original design remains largely unchanged. To be sure, you can also look for the paper labels that often adorn the bottle and list common ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup and/or sugar.
What is a Hutchinson bottle?
A Hutchinson bottle is a type of early soda bottle that was widely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was named after its inventor, John L. Hutchinson, and was distinct from other soda bottles of the time due to its patented design which included a metal seal on the neck of the bottle and a raised rib running along the length of the bottle.
The Hutchinson bottle was made of glass and typically contained soda, beer, and mineral water, although it was also used with other liquids. It was popular because the metal stopper and ribbed design made it difficult for competitors to impersonate, thereby giving company a sense of security and allowing them to identify any bottles of their products that had not been purchased from them.
The Hutchinson bottle eventually fell out of favor and was replaced by crown-top and screw-top bottles, leading to its obsolescence.
What is the oldest Coke bottle?
The oldest known Coke bottle is believed to be from 1899. It was made of heavy green glass and embossed with the words “Coca-Cola Bottle Patent Applied For. ” The bottle is currently owned by a private collector in Texas, who obtained it from a long-time collector in Florida that acquired it in 1952.
This distinctive bottle stands out from other Coke bottles because of the handwritten number ‘1899’ on the bottom. The collector donated the bottle to the Heartland Coca-Cola Museum in Oklahoma City in 2017.
Another contender for the oldest Coke bottle is a green Hutchinson-style bottle from 1900, which was unearthed in a build site in south Georgia. The bottle features the words “Delicious and Refreshing” under the Coca-Cola logo and was donated to the Coca-Cola Museum in 2010.
Coca-Cola also has several other earliest known Coke bottles in its archives, all of which are believed to be from the early 1900s. They are regularly showcased in the company’s museum in Atlanta and remain pointing reminders of the soda’s long and storied history.
How much are Hutchinson bottles worth?
The value of Hutchinson bottles really depends on the condition and age of the bottle. Generally, bottles in good condition and of some age are more valuable than newly produced bottles. Bottles that are rare and unusual tend to be worth more as well.
Prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on these factors. Collectors should always check with an appraiser or antique bottle specialist to get an accurate assessment of the bottle’s value.
What do the numbers on the bottom of a glass bottle mean?
The numbers on the bottom of a glass bottle usually refer to two different kinds of information. The first is the manufacturer’s code. This is a unique number that identifies the manufacturer of the bottle.
It is usually comprised of letters or numbers, or a combination of both. Knowing the manufacturer can help you determine the age of the bottle, as well as the country of origin.
The second type of number on the bottom of a glass bottle is the recycling code. This code is used to identify the type of plastic the bottle is made from. The recycling code is composed of a number ranging from 1 to 7, and each number denotes a different type of plastic.
Some bottles may also have an imprint that reads PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, or other, which are all abbreviations for the different types of plastic. Knowing the recycling code can help you determine if the bottle can be recycled or not.
How do you clean old soda bottles?
Cleaning old soda bottles is an easy process that only requires a few supplies. Begin by gathering the bottle, a mild dish soap, hot water, an old cloth or sponge, an old toothbrush, and white vinegar.
Start by filling the bottle with 1 cup of hot water and adding 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap to the water. Swirl the liquid around to create suds. Take the cloth or sponge and scrub the inside of the bottle to remove dirt and grime.
Use the toothbrush to get into crevices, if necessary. Empty out the sudsy water and fill the bottle with equal parts hot water and white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before dumping it out, which will remove built-up mineral deposits.
Rinse with warm water, and the bottle should be clean!.
How do I know if my Coke bottle is valuable?
If you think you have a valuable Coke bottle, there are a few key factors to consider. First, bottles that are in their original packaging and have not been opened or altered in any way tend to be more valuable.
Secondly, the age of the bottle will impact its value. Generally, older bottles are more sought after and therefore more valuable. Next, consider any unique features that the bottle may have, such as a unique design, a special message or symbol, or a unique color.
Additionally, bottles with extra accessories, such as lids or labels, are also likely to be more valuable. Finally, consider what other people are willing to pay for bottles similar to yours. Doing some research and looking up comparable items on auction sites will give you a good idea of the value of your bottle.
How much is a 1923 Coke bottle worth?
The value of a 1923 Coke bottle can vary depending on several factors, including its condition and rarity. Generally speaking, an old Coke bottle in good condition could fetch anywhere from $20 to $200 or more depending on the bottle’s specifics.
Rarity is a major factor in determining the value of a 1923 Coke bottle, so any bottle with a unique embossing or numbering system or a particular design or shape can be worth significantly more than a standard bottle.
Collectors are willing to pay more for bottles that are particularly rare or have some connection to pop culture or historical events. Therefore, the value of a 1923 Coke bottle can range widely depending on its condition and other factors.
What year did Coke stop using glass bottles?
Coca-Cola started shifting away from its iconic glass bottles in the early 1960s, with the move largely completed by 1977. In December 1965, the company unveiled a new packaging design that featured the “contour” bottle, which was designed to look like a necked-in glass.
This allowed for a more efficient packaging process and made it easier for customers to recognize their favorite soda among a variety of options.
However, this move was met with some resistance in some areas, as customers had grown accustomed to the traditional glass bottle. Despite this, the new contour bottling system was such a success that Coca-Cola was able to stop using glass bottles entirely by 1977.
Plastic and aluminum cans, as well as multi-packs, became the primary method for buying Coca-Cola at this time.
Still, Coca-Cola continued to experiment with glass packaging in limited regions until 2013 when it discontinued glass bottles completely to focus on other forms of packaging. Coke’s iconic contour bottle design remains the same, only now it is manufactured with plastic instead of glass.
