When Kerang resident, and former Bridge production manager, Michael Douthat, listed a Coke can on eBay he never thought it would be heading back to corporate HQ.

“I sold an empty Coca-Cola can, which I had with me since I was a kid.” said Michael.

“It was created in collaboration with Columbia Pictures and Coca-Cola to celebrate the release of the 1989 Ghostbusters II.”

“When I prepared the international shipping label, I thought perhaps I should Google the address. Turns out, the can was heading to the Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.”

“Seems as though the buyer, Sarah is “Senior Director, Archives at The Coca-Cola Company” in the US.”

I asked Michael what made him keep the can so long?

“Not sure really: I always thought an empty Ghostbusters II Coke can (and marketing concept) was a bit bizarre.”

“I’ve seen a handful of the exact same on eBay for sale. I have no idea how it was distributed for the film, or how our family came to have it. I’m not even convinced the can was mine – probably one of my siblings.”

“I’m interested if my note in the parcel will be responded to: It would be great to hear more about the Coca-Cola Museum. A Facebook friend has indicated she has been to the Museum and it’s quite the place.”

I asked Michael if it was the coolest thing he had ever sold on eBay?

“For the time being, yes, I guess it is.”

“Previously the coolest was in 2023: on behalf of a local church, I sold some old UHF wireless audio microphones which, due to Digital TV introduction meant it could no longer be used in our area.”

“It sold to a budding church in Venezuela. Another set was sold to someone in Sri Lanka. That was satisfying.”

Michael said he was inspired to get into eBay following the sale of an old computer.

“I privately sold a vintage Apple Mac Plus (with original packaging) for $100, which now I have seen fetch over AUD$1000.”

“After that, I thought ‘perhaps I should get onto this a bit more seriously’.

The eBay fees are steep, but it takes the pain out of chasing your money and having to maintain the listing.”

When asked if he had a stash of cool Coke cans, Michael responded:

“Nope – no more cans – apart from the ones with “10¢ refund” printed on the side! I did keep the empties from the “Barham Pale Ale” and “Barham Lager”, which I do recall were interesting and delicious.”

“You forget about the things you have collected over the years, until they reappear and awaken nostalgia.”

“I’m a bit of a bower-bird and I’ve finally come to understand that isn’t healthy. At least by selling things off, someone else can continue to ponder over what I have, and the cycle moves along and perpetuates. Plus, the pocket money from selling this tat is great for my coffee fixation.”

What treasures do you have lurking in your cupboards?

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 3 July 2025.