ABOUT US Heritage Coke Lore Coca-Cola Stories Collectors Column The Collecting Boom You Never Know A Word Of Caution

Collecting these pieces of history from the world's best-known brand caught on with the public during the nostalgia craze of the 1970s and stimulated the formation of a group of collectors of Coca-Cola merchandise, independent from The Coca-Cola Company, called The Coca-Cola Collectors Club, in 1974. Today the club has more than 5,000 members all over the world, who hold a number of conventions and meetings each year.

Former Club president Karleen Buchholz offers this advice: "Educate yourself. And buy mint or good quality, instead of quantity. Read collectors books and get to know other collectors." The club is family-oriented, and Karleen says she and other members have made friends around the world through their common interest.

Today's collectors generally fall into two distinct groups: vintage collectors who are willing to invest large sums of money for the rare old items, and hobbyists who collect for the sheer fun of it. No matter which group you're a part of, you'll find an astonishing variety in the value and type of collectibles available. I can honestly say that I have never been to a Coca-Cola collecting convention where I have not found something I've never seen before. Coca-Cola collecting is always full of surprises.

If you are just getting started as a Coca-Cola collector, joining the Club is a good first step. Getting a copy of the independent Petretti guide is another important move. The 614-page guide, authored by Allen Petretti of Hackensack, N.J., is richly illustrated with black-and-white and color pictures. The guide provides historical summaries and offers valuations on thousands of pieces. Even a quick glance through Petretti will provide you with a glimpse into the virtually unlimited number of collectible items. The 11th edition of Petretti's guide is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2001.