"Coca-Cola" and "Coke" are among the most recognized brands in the world, in no small part due to the use of signs as part of their advertising. The company's signs have ranged from the common tin Coca-cola sign to the enormous electronic one seen today in New York City. But the red Coke sign is seen everywhere and has quite a history in varieties and types.

Tin Coca-Cola signs were affordable and many were made. As a result, these can still be found much less expensive than their porcelain counterparts.

While painted tin was reasonably durable, enameled signs held their color better and were sturdier than simple tin ones and a porcelain or enamel Coca-Cola sign is a prize. These often look just about as good as they did when brand new, while tin will show more weathering on average.

Wooden signs were also in use, and the older these are, the more collectible and expensive the pricing. Wood simply does not hold up as well as metal and a wooden Coca-cola is not as likely to survive and even less likely to be in excellent condition. A fortunate find is a sign that was put away in a barn or attic or storeroom and protected from light and the elements.

Some Coke signs were murals painted directly onto interior and exterior walls. Preserving and relocating this type of sign is problematic and not in the scope of most Coca-Cola sign enthusiasts. For them, smaller and more portable signs are more sensible. Fortunately, that still leaves many choices.

One of the interesting factors in these signs is the variety of shapes and designs. In the mid 20th Century, one of the most common and familiar was a round "button" sign about 16" in diameter with a large "Coca-Cola" script and "Drink" just above the logo and "In Bottles" below it. As common as they once were, one in good condition today is worth hundreds of dollars. Other signs were rectangular, square, or die-cut into shapes like vending machines, people, and six packs.

Some Coca-Cola signs reflect the times and their styles and events. Coke "went to war" and WWII era Coca-Cola signs reflect the war effort. Since its beginning, Coke advertising has reflected the history and culture around it. Coke also commissioned famous artists like Norman Rockwell to do sign art, so many are not just ads but artworks to cherish as well.

Soda-Pop-Collectibles.com features memorabilia from Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7UP, and many other soft drink makers.