A Few Thoughts on Collecting

Okay here are a few of my thoughts on collecting Coca-Cola items and memorabilia. First let me say that these thoughts are strictly my opinion and are not a general rule. Here I will express my views good or bad.

I must say that collecting Coca-Cola items is an extremely enjoyable hobby for me. I collect a variety of different items such as Coca-Cola phone cards, old checks, coupons/coupon cards, playing cards, post cards, pins, etc. Many collectors enjoy collecting strictly one type of item such as bottles or cans. So Coca-Cola collectors vary in many ways. Collecting vintage memorabilia is a favorite with some but unaffordable for most. I mean I don't know about you but I simply don't have that kind of money. A vintage tray or sign can easily cost you several weekly paychecks. I would love to have some vintage signs but I seem to look at it this way. I can get several Coca-Cola items or just one sign for my money. If you collect for investment purposes collecting vintage items is definitely the way to go. I'm easy to please when collecting. The release of a new Coke coupon card sends me all over town trying to find one for my collection. That is what is called collecting for enjoyment. The card probably won't ever be worth a lot of money but it's means a lot to me.

There are several things that annoy me about certain aspects of collecting Coca-Cola items. There are so many reproduction it gets very confusing to know what is what. The number of Coca-Cola tray reproductions grows steadily every year. Also lets face it, fake items are everywhere in the marketplace. Fakes or Fantasy items can take the enjoyment right out of the hobby if you are unfortunate enough to purchase them. I have been burned a few times, luckily they were not expensive items so I have tried to learn from the experience. The best weapon to have is knowledge. If you are in doubt about the authenticity of an item then don't buy it. Research the item if possible so that if you venture across it again you will be ready. Speaking of knowledge, another thing that annoys me is that you can't find information about more modern items. Most Coca-Cola price guides only show vintage or pre-1970 items. This makes it difficult to place a value on many collectibles. Who knows maybe someday I'll do a book to assist collectors but I think even I will need more collecting experience and much more knowledge before that happens. :o)

There is no right or wrong way to collect as long as you are enjoying it. So whether you collect a specific item or collect anything with the Coca-Cola logo, enjoy the hobby. I hope you enjoy my Coca-Cola website and visit often. I try to update it as often as possible. Well those are just a few of my thought for what they are worth. Happy Collecting!

Have a Coke and a smile! :o)
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