COCA-COLA CHANGED ITS FORMULA 15 YEARS AGO (APR. 23)

COCA-COLA CHANGED ITS FORMULA 15 YEARS AGO (APR. 23)

LANEXA, Virginia (Wireless Flash) -- This Sunday (Apr. 23) marks the 15th anniversary of a day that left a sour taste in the mouth of Coca- Cola fans: The birthday of New Coke. On April 23, 1985, Coca-Cola announced it was changing its recipe for the first time in 99 years. The news freaked out Coke fans who began buying up cases of the old formula -- but within three months the "New Coke" fizzled out. These days, can collectors are just about the only folks who prefer "New Coke" over the old stuff. Virginia-based cola collectible expert Billy Bearden says a 1985 six-pack of "New Coke" is worth $120 while a six-pack of old formula Coke is worth $50 -- tops.