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Some of the best quality and most affordable merchandise can be purchased at Coca Cola collectors auctions where collectors understand the "real" pricing and are in it more for the thrill of the hunt and the history of the item - then trying to turn a fast buck.As a collector with a lot of early pieces - it is a bit disheartening that the value of my collection has really taken a hit - but the thrill of the hobby has returned as the ability to purchase at prices not seen for 25+ years makes me search even harder for that once-in a lifetime piece and that is what collecting is really about. But that is not all bad, as there has never been a better time for getting in the market as a COLLECTOR and a person that appreciates the heritage and sheer quality of vintage coca-cola memorabilia. My ending comments on the market collapsing and the price points being at those of the guides from the 70's has occurred. As for the "quality" reproduction sign garbage available on eBay that is meant to "fool" people into thinking they have vintage pieces - why purchase a knock-off when you get the real thing at the lowest prices seen in years and have a real piece that has value not only for its imagery but for its age and collectablity. As for the items below near-mint - those can typically be obtained at 20% - 30% of the guide prices. Perhaps the best thing that has happened is that everyone has come to realize that the "new" collector pieces are junk and they've become so plentiful that no one wants them.
So jump on in.Now for my thoughts on Allan's latest book. It is a GREAT time to join-in the fun of vintage Coca Cola memorabilia. First off - thanks Allan for re-issuing a new guide and helping to keep the vintage market going. This book continues to be the ONLY book on the subject, and Allan continues with his pattern of putting out the best collectors guide on any subject around. OK - so it's been almost ten years since my post on the last edition and a lot has happened to the Coca-Cola collectable marketplace. If you have a piece to sell - you'll be a bit disappointed if you think you can get anywhere near the prices in the guide. As always the mint and near mint items continue to maintain their value and in some instance can approach Allan's prices but in general even those items tend to be available at 50% - 60% of the prices in the guide.
As of January, 2010 - perhaps more than anything the tray market has really suffered. High quality signs seem to have retained their value the most - perhaps since they also have commercial value for restaurants and bars. For a reference guide - this is THE book you want. A lot of great pieces are surfacing at more affordable prices and hopefully many new people are getting into the hobby. There are great pieces still out there - so congratulations to those of you that love the hobby for the sake of the hobby - our time has returned.
Pictures are high quality and the coverage (though a bit less than prior editions) is still incredible. As a price guide - it is another story.Unfortunately - Allan's prices continue to be out of sink with the market - so first and foremost don't rely on them at all. For those who were in it for the investment - rest assured prices will continue to rise again but understand that they probably will never realize those prices of the late-90's. Remember there is nothing like the "Real Thing".Comments are always welcome so feel free to email me at conapt@hotmail.com
He was very impressed with the hardcover book. This book was purchased for my brother. He is an avid Coca-Cola Collector. The picture quality was also very excellent. Any collector would be proud to add this book to their collection.
I bought this book as a gift for my son. He tells me this is an awesome guide with so much information. He said it merits a very high recommendation.
If it's one big, definitive collector's 'bible' you seek on Coca- Cola collecting, make it the 13th updated edition of the classic Petretti's Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide. For over three decades it has proven its richness in providing Coca- Cola collectors with definitive details: this latest edition packs in more color photos, the latest prices, and keys to avoiding fakes and reproductions. All types of collectibles are covered, making this a 'must have'.
Alan Petretti has done a one up on his last Coca Cola Collectibles Price Guide. Easier to find items, more color pictures and just an overall informative guide. Each guide just gets better and better. These truly are the encyclopedia of Coca Cola collecting.
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