Time to get out your McWallet, the fast food restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary by dropping the first ever "fully food-backed global currency". And don't start thinking these coins are something like cryptocurrency (honestly that kind of stuff is way over my head). Instead, it's something like a hefty free-burger coupon. Coupons, now that's something I understand.
Starting on August 2nd, customers can receive a MacCoin with the purchase of a Big Mac at participating McDonald's restaurants. On August 3 through the rest of 2018 customers can redeem their MacCoin for a free Big Mac at participating restaurants. Sounds like a great deal to me.
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Over 6.2 million MacCoins will be distributed across the globe to more than 50 different countries, making these coins a rare collector's item as well as a coupon. The coins will feature five different and unique designs, each representing the five decades of its history. The coin designs include:
- The '70s, showcasing the decade's flower power
- The '80s alluding to pop art
- The '90s defined with bold, abstract shapes
- The early '00s specifically focusing on the technology that was at the forefront of the turn of the century
- The '10s MacCoin calling attention to the evolution of communication
The coins will also feature seven languages which represent some of the countries included in the currency. These languages include Arabic, English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Portuguese, French and Spanish.
"Since it was introduced at a family-owned McDonald's restaurant 50 years ago, the Big Mac has traversed the globe and is enjoyed in cities from Shanghai to Chicago, providing delicious, feel good moments to people all over the world," said McDonald's President and CEO Steve Easterbrook. "So we wanted a global celebration as unique as the burger itself. The MacCoin transcends currencies to commemorate our global iconic burger while giving customers all over the world a chance to enjoy a Big Mac on us."
Please be aware the MacCoin has no cash value and is only redeemable for one free Big Mac at participating restaurants through December 31, 2018. But hey, it may be worth something in 50 years.
