Sun Drop Soda Bottle Value Guide

The Sun Drop Soda bottle is a quintessential piece of Southern beverage history, originally formulated by Charles Lazier in 1949. These 1960s-1970s green glass examples are highly collectible for their vibrant Applied Color Label (ACL) graphics and unique 'Citrus Cola Type' branding.

What affects the value of Sun Drop Soda Bottle?

• Condition of the painted logo, as fading or 'dishwasher dullness' significantly reduces the $15-$25 market value.
• Presence of original regional bottling location marks, often found on the bottom of the bottle.
• Glass clarity and the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy 'case wear' from repeated commercial use.
• Rarity of the specific slogan variations used during the mid-century production era.

How to Identify Sun Drop Soda Bottle?

• Look for the specific 'Refreshing Pick-Up' and 'Citrus Cola Type' slogans printed on the glass.
• Verify the presence of the classic Sun Drop logo featuring the stylized sunburst design.
• Check the base of the green glass bottle for manufacturer date codes corresponding to the 1960s or 1970s.
• Ensure the paint is an Applied Color Label (ACL) rather than a modern plastic wrap or sticker.

History of Sun Drop Soda Bottle

Sun Drop, originally branded as Sun-Drop Golden Cola, was created in 1949 by Charles Lazier of St. Louis, Missouri. Its unique citrus flavor quickly gained popularity, especially in the Southern United States. The bottle design in the image with the 'Refreshing Pick-Up' and 'Citrus Cola Type' slogans is characteristic of its earlier production, making it a nostalgic piece for collectors of soda memorabilia.