Contrary to popular belief a Coca-Cola bottle, even if it is decades old, is only worth a few dollars at most. The Coca-Cola contour bottle was introduced in 1915. Because of its durability, there are still many bottles around, reducing its rarity and value. Age does not play a large part in determining a bottle's value. The noncurvy bottles are more rare and could bring a higher value.
Assess the value of your old Coke bottle by visiting online auctions such as eBay to gauge how much collectors will pay for it. Search for "Coca-Cola" items to compare your bottles to the photographs and the description of the items displayed. Note the length of time it has been on the auction to assess if the price is realistic. Recognize that collectors may estimate its value at a higher price than its actual value.
Become a member of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club, which you can join online. Place free advertisements in the club's online newsletter to reach its membership of more than 3,000. Attend Coca-Cola events and conventions for opportunities to personally sell your old Coke bottles. Value your bottles based on the price you can negotiate.
Contact experts of collectibles at auction houses such as Morphy, James Julia and Allan Petretti who feature Coca-Cola collectibles if you believe you have a rare collectible in good condition. Be prepared to pay a fee for their service of expert hosting as a percentage of the sale. Receive an estimated value by completing a form and providing photos of your Coke bottles if you are sending your application online. Allow a few days for their valuation based on their opinion which is based on knowledge of the Coca-Cola products and market trends.
Warnings:
- Be aware of fake bottles. For example, since the contour bottle was not introduced until 1915, if you see it on an 1890's calendar it is safe to assume it is fake.