Coca-Cola Museum Exhibit First Coca-cola Bottle luis Duarte, feedback before grading. The first bottles were created in 1899 and had metal stoppers. Before then, Coke was sold exclusively at soda fountains. Coca-Cola Inventor John Stith Pemberton (July 8, 1831 – August 16, 1888) was an American pharmacist and Confederate States Army veteran who is best known as the inventor of Coca-Cola. The first Coca-Cola mural is a testament to longevity: a beverage that's been around for 130 years and a pharmacy that's been in operation for 122 years. First Coca-Cola ad First Coca-Cola Coupon This coupon was first offered in Atlanta, Georgia in 1888 this coupon was one of the first tactics to popularize the drink.