Current:Home > reviewsSurpassing:Why the price of Coke didn't change for 70 years (classic) -Prime Capital Blueprint
Surpassing:Why the price of Coke didn't change for 70 years (classic)
Will Sage Astor View
Date:2025-04-09 12:21:00
This episode originally ran in 2012.
Prices go up. Occasionally,Surpassing prices go down. But for 70 years, the price of a bottle of Coca-Cola didn't change. From 1886 until the late 1950s, a bottle of coke cost just a nickel.
On today's show, we find out why. The answer includes a half a million vending machines, a 7.5 cent coin, and a company president who just wanted to get a couple of lawyers out of his office.
This episode was hosted by David Kestenbaum. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.
Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.
Always free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR One or anywhere you get podcasts.
Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.
Music: "I'd Like To Buy The World A Coke" by New Seekers and "Always Coca-Cola" by Joey Diggs
veryGood! (171)
Related
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- South Korea presses on with World Scout Jamboree as heat forces thousands to leave early
- Florida officials tell state schools to teach AP Psychology 'in its entirety'
- Officials warn of high-risk windy conditions at Lake Mead after 2 recent drownings
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Simone Biles wins 2023 U.S. Classic during return to competitive gymnastics
- 1 of 2 Fargo officers wounded in ambush that killed another officer is leaving the hospital
- How news of Simone Biles' gymnastics comeback got spilled by a former NFL quarterback
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- New York City high school student charged with hate-motivated murder in killing of gay dancer
Ranking
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- A timeline of the investigation of the Gilgo Beach killings
- NASA restores contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft after mistake led to weeks of silence
- A deadline has arrived for Niger’s junta to reinstate the president. Residents brace for what’s next
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- What to stream this week: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ Quavo, ‘Reservation Dogs’ and ‘Mixtape’
- Wolfgang Van Halen on recording new album in dad's studio: 'Feels like a rite of passage'
- Build the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe With 83% Off Deals From J.Crew
Recommendation
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Judge partially blocks Texas abortion ban for medical emergencies, fatal diagnoses
Teen in custody in fatal stabbing of NYC dancer O'Shae Sibley: Sources
Saints' Alvin Kamara, Colts' Chris Lammons suspended 3 games by NFL for Las Vegas fight
Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
Jake Paul defeats Nate Diaz: Live updates, round-by-round fight analysis
Niger’s junta isn’t backing down, and a regional force prepares to intervene. Here’s what to expect
Brush fire kills 2 and destroys 9 homes in suburban Tacoma, Washington