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.

Celebrities have also played an important role in selling Coca-Cola to the people of the world. From Charlie McCarthy to the celebrities of today, spokespeople (or animals) have appeared on many billboards for the company. Today’s well-known spokes-animals are the polar bears. Introduced in 2003, the public fell instantly in love with the furry winter bears.

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 is known world wide as an icon meaning refreshment. The company’s advertisement signage has been used throughout its history to denote the good feelings that its clients enjoy. No matter which sign, a collector will desire it because of the positive feelings and memories it brings back.

Soda-Pop-Collectibles.com features hundreds of items stemming from Coca-Cola history as well as Pepsi and other soft drink makers. Browse hundreds of Coca-Cola signs of every size, shape, and type.

- Dan Wright