How We Counted 7,099 Coca-Cola Items for Guinness

When people hear "7,099 items," the first question is usually: how do you even count that many? The answer is family, patience, and a lot of photos.

Step 1: Catalog Everything

Before Guinness World Records would review the collection, every item had to be documented. Our daughter Samantha handled all of the administrative work: the paperwork, the application and every message with Guinness World Records. She also built the workflow we used to count and document each item, then photographed and cataloged thousands of pieces for the inventory checklist, while Bardo looked up item details in collector reference books so each piece was described correctly.

Bardo and Samantha looking up item details in a Coca-Cola collector book — Looking up item details in a collector book.

Step 2: Prepare the Room

Bardo and Olga rearranged shelves and displays so every item could be seen and counted. Items were marked as they were documented, so nothing was counted twice.

Coca-Cola bottles and collectibles marked during the Guinness World Records count — Items marked during the count.

Step 3: The Official Count

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, members of the Lone Star State chapter of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club came to our home to witness the count. Bardo and Olga walked the group through every item and held each piece up for the camera as evidence. The club members spent hours enjoying the collection. Thank you to our Lone Star State chapter friends for helping us verify our collection.

"Sorry, but these photos do not do this well-displayed collection justice."
From the Lone Star State chapter visit

The Result

Guinness World Records verified the total: 7,099 items, the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in the world. Bardo calls it "a celebration of nearly three decades of collecting, curating, and preserving" Coca-Cola history.

Want the full story? Read how the collection began, or see the official Guinness World Records listing.

More Updates

Questions About the Collection?

Media, fellow collectors and curious visitors are always welcome to reach out.