Product Details

Beautifully engraved antique specimen stock certificate from the Coca-Cola Company dating back to the mid 1900's. This document, which carries the printed signatures of the company Chairman of the Board and Secretary, was printed by the American Bank Note Company and measures approximately 12" (w) by 8" (h).

This certificate's vignette features a reclining allegorical figure with a genii's lamp.

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Historical Context

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In 1886, pharmacist John Pemberton from Columbus, Georgia invented the original Coca-Cola soft drink and sold it as a medicinal beverage. Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, is credited with naming the products and creating its logo. Robinson chose the name Coca-Cola because of its two main ingredients (coca leaves and kola nuts) and because it sounded like an alliteration. John Pemberton had taken a break and left Robinson to make and promote, as well as sell Coca-Cola on his own. He promoted the drink with the limited budget that he had and succeeded.

In 1889, American businessman Asa G. Candler completed his purchase of the Coca-Cola formula and brand from Pemberton's heirs. In 1892, the Coca-Cola Company was formally founded in Atlanta by Candler. By 1895, Coca-Cola was being sold in every state in the union. In 1919, the company was sold to Ernest Woodruff's Trust Company of Georgia.

Coca-Cola's first ad read "Coca Cola. Delicious! Refreshing! Exhilarating! Invigorating!" Candler was one of the first businessmen to use merchandising in his advertising strategy. As of 1948, Coca-Cola had claimed about 60% of its market share. By 1984, The Coca-Cola Company's market share decreased to 21.8% due to new competitors, namely Pepsi.