Honestly, there is something about that specific shade of burgundy. If you grew up in the eighties or nineties, seeing a Cherry Coke old can probably triggers a very specific sensory memory. You can almost hear the snap of the aluminum tab and smell that distinct, medicinal-yet-sweet syrupy aroma hitting the air. It wasn't just a soda. It was a vibe.
The mid-1980s were a weird, experimental time for the Coca-Cola Company. They were dealing with the "New Coke" disaster and trying to figure out how to keep people excited about a brand that had been around since the nineteenth century. Then came 1985. That was the year they officially launched Cherry Coke in cans and bottles across the United States. Before that, if you wanted a cherry-flavored cola, you usually had to hope a soda jerk at a local pharmacy would pump some syrup into your glass.
People loved it.
The design that defined an era
The original Cherry Coke old can from 1985 is a masterpiece of eighties graphic design. It didn’t look like the classic red Coke can. It used a deep, rich maroon or burgundy base. The "Cherry" text was written in a stylized, almost neon-looking script that felt very "Miami Vice." It had these horizontal pinstripes or "speed lines" that made the can look like it was moving fast, even while sitting on a grocery store shelf.
Collectors today hunt for these specific "straight steel" or early aluminum versions. Why? Because the branding changed so drastically every few years. By the early nineties, the design shifted to a more chaotic, "extreme" look with splash graphics and tilted logos. It lost that sleek, synth-wave elegance of the original.
✨ Don't miss: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Superstition Springs Menu: What to Order Right Now
What collectors are actually looking for
If you find an old can in your grandma’s attic, don't just assume it's worth a fortune. Value is tricky. Most hobbyists, like those you'll find on the Can Museum or specialized soda forums, look for "bottom-opened" cans.
Wait, why the bottom?
Basically, if you drain the soda through two tiny holes in the bottom, the top tab remains intact. This makes the can look "full" and unopened on a display shelf, but you don't have to worry about the acidic soda eventually eating through the aluminum and leaking all over your collection. It happens. Trust me, "soda leakers" are a nightmare for collectors. An original 1985–1988 Cherry Coke old can in pristine, bottom-opened condition can fetch anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on the specific regional markings.
There are also the "test market" cans. Before the national rollout in '85, Coke tested the flavor in cities like Knoxville, Tennessee. Cans from those specific test runs are the "holy grail" for serious enthusiasts. They often have slight variations in the ingredient list or the placement of the "Coke" logo versus the "Coca-Cola" script.
🔗 Read more: Bird Feeders on a Pole: What Most People Get Wrong About Backyard Setups
The psychology of the "Vintage" taste
Is it just nostalgia? Maybe. But there is a technical reason why people swear the soda in the Cherry Coke old can tasted better. Back in the mid-eighties, the transition from cane sugar to High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) was still messy. Some regional bottling plants were using different sweetener blends.
Also, the lining of the cans was different. Modern cans have a very thin polymer lining to prevent the liquid from touching the metal. Older cans had a different composition, and some purists argue this changed the carbonation retention. It probably didn't taste objectively better, but our brains are powerful. That burgundy aluminum makes the sugar hit harder in our memories.
Notable design shifts through the years
- The 1985 Original: Deep burgundy, slanted white "Cherry" script, classic Coca-Cola ribbon.
- The 1990s "Splash": The background became brighter, almost a pinkish-red, with a graphic that looked like a cherry was being dropped into liquid.
- The 2000s "Psychadelic": Coke went through a phase of using wavy, swirling lines that felt very "Y2K aesthetic." It was polarizing.
- The Modern Minimalist: Today’s cans are clean, but they lack the soul of that first Cherry Coke old can.
How to spot a fake or a reproduction
You wouldn't think people faked soda cans, but with the rise of "retro" decor, it happens. Companies often release "Heritage" editions. These are brand new cans with old-school graphics.
How do you tell the difference? Look at the UPC code and the "Nutrition Facts" panel. If the can has a modern, detailed nutrition grid with "Total Carbs" and "Added Sugars" broken down in the modern FDA format, it’s a reproduction. Original cans from the eighties had much simpler nutritional information, often just a few lines of text near the seam. Also, check the "Stay-Tab." Older cans had a slightly different shape to the opening mechanism than the ones we use in 2026.
💡 You might also like: Barn Owl at Night: Why These Silent Hunters Are Creepier (and Cooler) Than You Think
Why we still care
We live in a world of "flavor of the week" releases. We have Oreo-flavored Coke and "Starlight" Coke that tastes like space (whatever that means). In that sea of gimmicks, the Cherry Coke old can represents a time when a new flavor was a massive, culture-shifting event. It wasn't just a line extension; it was a permanent addition to the family.
For the Gen X-er or the Millennial collector, that can is a time machine. It represents summer break, arcade floors, and the local pool. It’s a piece of pop art that you could buy for fifty cents.
Actionable steps for aspiring collectors
If you're looking to start a collection or find a piece of your childhood, stop looking at big retail sites first. Start with local estate sales in older neighborhoods. People often left "six-packs" of soda in basements or garages, forgetting they existed for forty years.
- Check for "Pinhole" Leaks: Always inspect the bottom rim of a Cherry Coke old can. If you see white crusty residue, the aluminum has been compromised. The can is "dying" and will eventually collapse.
- Storage Matters: If you find a full old can, drain it. Seriously. The acidity in 1980s Cherry Coke is high enough that it will eventually eat through the can. Use the "bottom-drain" method with a small drill bit or a heavy-duty needle to preserve the top aesthetic.
- Verify the Year: Look for the small print. Copyright dates on the can (like ©1985) usually indicate the start of that specific design run, not necessarily the day it was canned, but it gets you in the right ballpark.
- Join the Community: Before overpaying on eBay, check out groups like the Worldwide Coca-Cola Collectors Club. They have chapters globally and can help you verify if a "test market" can is legitimate or just a common regional variant.
The market for vintage soda ephemera is growing because, unlike digital assets, these are physical touchstones of a shared cultural moment. That burgundy can is more than trash—it's a design icon.