ColaTreasures
A Celebration of Coca-Cola History and Collectibles

In the 1960s and 70s, my dad’s unique role at Coca-Cola placed him, or someone in his department, as the final stop for approving new marketing pieces. This meant he had direct access to the artists, vendors, and creative minds behind Coca-Cola’s iconic consumer-facing materials.

Many of these pieces were prototypes, test prints, or one-offs that were often destroyed after approval. Occasionally, however, he was allowed to bring home extra copies as mementos. While Dad wasn’t a collector by nature, he passed these treasures down to us—and more often than not, to me, as I had the greatest interest in them.

Dad used to joke that if Phil Mooney ever retired, I’d be a shoo-in to replace him as Coca-Cola’s historian. Now, I’m thrilled to share these rare pieces with you—each a tangible link to Coca-Cola’s rich creative history.

The magic of Coca-Cola isn’t just in the drink—it’s in the way it’s been presented to the world. My collection of classic Coca-Cola point-of-sale items offers a nostalgic glimpse into how the brand captured attention and hearts at every turn. From vibrant stickers, signs, and displays to unique t-shirts, bumper stickers, patches, drinking glasses, and flyers, this treasure trove is packed with the kinds of items Coke collectors dream about.

While some might see these as everyday marketing materials, true enthusiasts know the charm and history behind each piece. These items once adorned store windows, countertops, and shelves, telling the story of Coca-Cola’s unparalleled ability to make its mark.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect addition to your collection or simply want to relive the heyday of Coca-Cola’s creative marketing, this section is where the past comes alive.

Coca-Cola’s iconic bottle designs have captured the imagination of collectors for over a century. My collection primarily features collectible bottles released by various bottlers across the country—pieces that highlight regional pride and special events. While these bottles may not hold significant monetary value, they reflect the rich diversity of Coca-Cola’s branding and distribution.

I also have a couple of fascinating prototypes, such as a rare glass one-liter bottle that was never released due to its fragile construction. These unique items tell the story of Coca-Cola’s innovation and experimentation, offering a glimpse into the challenges and creativity behind its packaging evolution.

Not every piece of Coca-Cola history fits into a tidy category, and that’s what makes this section special. “Curiosities” is where you’ll find the unexpected, the rare, and the quirky—items that spark conversation and capture the creativity of Coca-Cola’s legacy.

This collection features everything from employee-only gifts and limited vendor prototypes to pre-production samples and unique memorabilia that never made it to market. Each piece tells its own story, offering a glimpse into Coca-Cola’s rich heritage and marketing innovation.

Whether you’re an avid collector or simply intrigued by the brand’s history, this section is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Welcome to the blog section of ColaTreasures, where history comes to life through personal stories and unique memorabilia. Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be sharing anecdotes from my dad’s time as a Coca-Cola marketing VP, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity and innovation that made Coca-Cola an enduring cultural icon.

From tales of the Coca-Cola hot air balloon traveling across the country to the invention of Cash Caps, these stories provide a glimpse into the golden age of Coca-Cola’s marketing magic. I’ll also highlight memorable pieces from my collection, diving into the stories behind prototypes, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures that connect us to Coca-Cola’s fascinating history.

Stay tuned—there’s so much to share, and I can’t wait to take you along on this journey through the sparkling past of Coca-Cola!