Coke's international Olympic cans
Last week, I told you about Coke’s new “West meets East” WE8 Olympic collectible bottles. They’re just one part of Coke’s Olympic activities.
This week, limited-edition Olympic collectible cans will begin appearing across the U.S. Individual cans and 12-packs feature the
New designs will appear every two to three weeks. At the same time, you’ll also see 20-ounce Coke bottles with labels in multiple languages, including from these countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the U.S.
A “Six-Pack” of Athletes
Also in the U.S., a special
You’ll also be able to see members of this “Six Pack” in NBC vignettes that will air during the summer.
Want to see more? On MyCoke.com, you can get an inside look at the athletes, see videos and even design your own digital Coke bottle. You can also see the different WE8 bottles.
Do you have an Olympic collection? If so, tell me about it!
My name is Phil Mooney, and I've served as the historian/archivist for 
Great post!
New designs arrives to Argentina ? or only for Europe?
Thanks!
Santiago
Posted by: cacique | May 20, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Santiago - These Olympic cans with the international Coca-Cola logos on them are being introduced in the U.S. and are not scheduled to be launched in other countries. However, the special Olympic WE8 aluminum bottles will be introduced in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Great Britain, Greece and New Zealand. So not Argentina this time! -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | May 22, 2008 at 03:26 PM
have full set of oylmpic cans from the la games
sealed and never filled
anyone have a concept of value?
Posted by: wclunen | May 23, 2008 at 04:35 PM
wclunen - Commemorative Coke cans -- from the Olympics or other events -- are not as popular as commemorative bottles. However, Olympic collectibles are certainly popular right now as we near the Beijing Games, and Olympic cans are selling well. I've seen some Olympic commemorative cans sell lately on eBay for up to $5 a can, which generally is quite high for cans. Thanks -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | May 23, 2008 at 04:52 PM
i have the entire set of 5 of the cans with the logos from other countries. also a unopened tshirt, a dvd, and one of those soft lunch boxs. i know the series isnt even all out yet. so im very curious to its value. im a huge coke fan, and a customer of mine gave it to me as a tip..
Posted by: quecke | June 01, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Quecke - What a nice customer! You're right, the entire series of cans is not out yet, so you do have an early item that a collector may want. Because you have an early item, I haven't seen any of the cans sold yet, and don't know the value the cans or the set (with the shirt, DVD and cooler). The best way to get an idea is to check eBay or other auction sites, or offer the set you have and see the price it brings. Thanks -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | June 02, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Thanks for the info! Can multiple languages appear in one 12 pack? (cans)
Posted by: Jakeorch | June 08, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Jakeorch - Each language will appear in its own 12-pack. The languages won't be mixed before being sold. Thanks -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | June 09, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Hi Phil - Are all the countries who are playing in the Olympics this year going to be in the can and/or bottle series? Thanks.
Posted by: Cathy | June 20, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Cathy - Over 200 countries usually participate in the Olympics, therefore our Olympic-themed collectible cans will not cover them all. The countries you will certainly see on shelves in the U.S. are Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, China, and of course, the United States. - Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | June 23, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I am Very happy to see my Mother land Ethiopia's Language Amharic being used as the best logo of coca cola for the Olympic 08
Posted by: Yony | June 23, 2008 at 05:22 PM
When will the Ethiopia cans be issued?
Posted by: Jany | July 01, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Is there a list of stores
in different areas/states/cities, where these special olympic cans can be brought.I think this is so cool!!!
"BJ"
Posted by: silverfrazier | July 02, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Jany, We do not have a specific launch date. The new designs of the Olympic-themed collectible cans that began to appear on May 19th are scheduled to be released every two to three weeks. Of course, the slated languages include Ethiopian, Russian, Thai, Mandarin, and English so you'll have to continue to keep track to catch the release of the Ethiopian cans! The individual language cans are hitting different markets at different times. Be sure to check with your local retailer regularly. -Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 02, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Why was Ethopia, Russia, Thailand, China and US (and their respective languages: Ethiopian, Russian, Thai, Mandarin, and English) chosen? We figured 5 designs because of the olympic rings. But these aren't countries from each continent.
Posted by: a0emouse | July 02, 2008 at 04:28 PM
"BJ" - The Olympic cans featuring Coca-Cola in different languages are available all throughout the U.S. where Coke in cans are sold. There is no set list of locations. -Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 02, 2008 at 04:40 PM
a0emouse - The different languages represent the diversity of nations that compete in the Olympic Games. One of the most evident ways to express that diversity is through the representation of Coca-Cola, aproduct that is available in almost every country in the world.You recognize the familiar script even though it appears in languages that may be unfamiliar. - Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 03, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I thought I had all 5 cans in the series, when I spotted different #5 cans. There is the one colorful one that I see on the coke site for China #5, it has yellow on the can too, and I bought a 12 pack and have one labeled Olympic Games Collector Series 5 of 5, and says : In Mandarin Coca-Cola means "delicious happiness" then it is written small in Mandarin beside it. Large on can front and back says Coca-Cola in English, and has less color coming diagonal from the top of can and sideways off the beijing bottle like rays of light, colors and patterns, then I have a can labeled Olympic Games Collector Series 5 of 5, and it says "In China, Coca-Cola uses this logo, inside enjoy the same great taste" , same colors/patterns as the other can I have, but it says China above where it is written in Mandarin .
So, this is 3 that I know ?
Can you tell me more about this, and if one is more rare than the other? and are there any other versions?
Posted by: Joe | July 04, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I have a 1988 Seoul Olympics Coca-Cola can measuring 5 1/4" tall x 2" diameter. There are numbers on the bottom: 880824 B. The can is empty, although the top has not been popped. It appears there may be two almost undetectable pinholes on the bottom edge that drained the contents. I have not seen this can offered on Ebay or any websites. Does anyone have any input or value? Pictures available.
Posted by: greenvalley | July 07, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Greenvalley - I have seen cans and bottles from Seoul sell on eBay from time to time. Perhaps Olympic cans are selling for a bit more right now because the Beijing Games are about to start, but I've seen cans from Seoul sell from $5 to $15 on eBay. That may not be the exact can you have, but that should give you an idea. You also could try this Coca-Cola links page, with links to a variety of pages about Coke bottles and cans. (And it's common for people to drain cans before they display them -- through pin holes such as those you mentioned. Cans tend to leak if kept for years, so many collectors empty them before the cans empty themselves!) Thanks -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 07, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I am perplexed by the '08 Olympics Collector Series Cans, I have 2 cans that are different, labeled can 5 of 5
oneit's logo is in Mandarin and has China written over the Logo,(and says "In China, Coca-Cola uses this logo, inside enjoy the same great taste" the other has an english logo, and says In Mandarin coca cola means delicious happiness.
Both say 5 of 5, and both were bought in the US in 12 packs.
I can't find any information online about this.. and see both for sale as can #5 on ebay.
Posted by: butterfly | July 08, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Joe and Butterfly - Thanks for your questions about the different versions of the fifth can in the series -- China. I've learned there are actually two versions of that can (not three versions, though, Joe). One version has the large Coca-Cola script written in English with a smaller Mandarin version of the script underneath it, with the different colors coming across the can. That's the version Joe mentioned seeing online. The other version has the script in Mandarin as the large script on the can. This is the more limited design of the two. (For those of you collecting the cans, I'm sorry, but I don't know where to find the limited can!) The notation about "delicious happiness" is actually appearing on cans throughout the world -- in nearly 200 countries -- as a way to share the fact that the meaning of the Coca-Cola name in Mandarin actually does mean "delicious happiness"! Hope that helps! -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 08, 2008 at 06:14 PM
thank you phil, i thought i would never have figured it out. no one would seem to know the amswer.. joe
Posted by: dragonflyjoe | July 09, 2008 at 04:57 AM
hey,
today i just purchased a 1993 florida marlins inaugural season autographed coke bottle, signed by gary sheffield is there anyway of telling me the value of this bottle...
Posted by: joe | July 19, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Joe - The value of commemorative Coke bottles (those made for special sporting or other events) varies greatly. The value is highest for the rare bottles -- those in which only a handful were produced. Generally speaking, a Marlins bottle from 1993 might be worth only a few dollars, but having an original autograph on it would certainly increase the value, and would bring the bottle into a second group of buyers -- not just those who like Coke bottles but those who like the Marlins (or the person who has signed your bottle). I have not seen a Marlins bottle sell recently. To get an idea for value, I'd suggest you look on eBay, check out the Coca-Cola Coca-Cola Collectors Club auction results area
or contact someone who specifically collects Coke bottles. Thank you -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 22, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I have a question about the
20-ounce Coke bottles with labels in multiple languages. I found the ones from these countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Korea, Nepal and Sri Lanka. But I am unable to find the one for the U.S. Is its design different?
Posted by: CocaFan | July 24, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Hello CocaFan...on the 20 oz. Coke bottles the US design is a bit different, it has a us flag on the left side of the Coca-Cola logo and where the differnt scrip is on the other bottles it has the olympic rings and says "Worldside Partner". I almost missed this one also as it looks so similar to the regular bottles.
Posted by: Travis Spiva | July 24, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Travis - Thanks for answering CocaFan's question! I was actually checking with someone in Marketing to make sure the 20-ounce U.S. bottle had the same flag look as the can. Glad to you could help, and thanks for reading! -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 24, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Phil....I'm having trouble finding the Coke Can with the Chineese Logo can 5 of 5. I've found the 5 of 5 with the Coca-Cola logo and below that it has the Chineese logo but I thought there was also a can that had the Chineese script logo and labled 5 of 5. Are these available in the US and might you know where I can find them?
Posted by: Travis Spiva | July 25, 2008 at 11:04 PM
How many different 20-ounce contour bottles will be issued in the Olympic Games Collector Series?
Posted by: PlaysInPeoria | July 27, 2008 at 01:26 AM
Travis - Yes, there is a can with a larger version of the logo in Mandarin -- in addition to the can you've found (with the English script and the smaller Mandarin version under it). I know that the cans with the larger Mandarin logo were introduced in limited areas of the U.S., but unfortunately I don't know which cities or states. In fact, I haven't even gotten one yet for the Archives! Sorry I can't be of more help. -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 28, 2008 at 01:53 PM
PlaysInPeoria - The 20-ounce bottles with the international labels are companions to the cans featuring 5 languages. The bottles, though, feature the Coca-Cola script from additional countries. The bottles represent: the U.S., Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Korea, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Thanks -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 28, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I love the cans
Posted by: cokefantastick | July 30, 2008 at 09:16 PM
why have the large mandarin logo coca-cola cans only come out in certain areas of the united states?
Posted by: cokecrazy | July 31, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Cokecrazy - Because the final can was to be available during the Olympic period, we wanted a design that highlights the brand, the Olympics and the host country of China. We did consider several designs, even producing a limited run of the can with a larger Mandarin logo. However, we concluded that design with the large Coca-Cola logo, the smaller Coca-Cola logo in Mandarin and the Olympic logo best achieved our vision, so that can is the overwhelmingly predominant version available in the market. Thanks -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | July 31, 2008 at 02:58 PM
-I just saw a link of "olympic coca-cola country cans" on the nbc olympics, and attempted to go to the site directly on my sidekick-however, the page wasn't supported, and it'd made me curious as to what they were. Long story short, I want one! Is it too late to get the cans even though they were released in May, and it's mid-Aug?
Posted by: kendrat199 | August 12, 2008 at 02:55 AM
kendrat199 - Sorry you had trouble with the site. The cans are still in stores. They are in the 12-packs marked with our Olympic graphics (and images of the international cans). You're not too late! If by some chance you can't find the cans, though, they are quite popular on eBay! -- Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | August 13, 2008 at 09:27 AM
hey,
i have been lucky to get the big mandarin logo cans actually have 1 twelve pack and 3 six packs, they are avail in florida but now are very scarce extremely hard to find anywhere anymore.
Posted by: joe | August 15, 2008 at 08:16 PM
hello,
i have been lucky enough to get some of the big mandarin writing #5 olympic can here in south florida but they have started becoming more and more scarce very hard to find lately, but i do hav 12 pf them for my collection. these cans are by far the coolest yet!!!!!
Posted by: joe | August 17, 2008 at 05:01 AM
Mr. Phil Mooney,
I currently have 12 cans of the series 5 of 5, with the Coca-Cola logo and below that it has the small Chineese logo. The color bans running around the can seem to be different than what I see on your web site. Mine are missing the ORANGE band, so it only has the top GREEN, then the BLUE, and last the RED. Is this a misprint?
Posted by: Kruzy294 | August 27, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Kruzy294 -- Your cans are not misprints! The cans don't have the same strong orange color seen in the pictures in my post -- in the design on the back of the race car. The graphics for the car could be different for a few reasons: The graphics were done before the cans were printed, and could have been based on an earlier design, or the colored ribbons on the can were enhanced a bit to make the can pop more from the red car and background. Thanks for your question, and I'm glad you've caught the collecting bug! - Phil
Posted by: Phil Mooney | August 27, 2008 at 05:12 PM