Stop the press! McDonald's have officially created their own currency, and I have to say I am lovin' it.
From tomorrow, in the US, you can head on down to your local Maccie's and grab a limited edition MacCoin in five different designs to reflect the five decades of the Big Mac. You can then redeem them until the end of the year for a delicious Big Mac.
McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook spoke to USA Today and explained that the release date would’ve been the 100th birthday of Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee in western Pennsylvania who invented the Big Mac.
The coin idea sprung from the role that the Big Mac has played in measuring purchasing power.
In 1986, The Economist started using the Big Mac Index as a way of measuring the purchasing power of international currency. "They use it to this day,” Easterbrook said. “Why not have some fun with it? Create our own currency.”
For me the idea works on multiple levels, presenting an iconic McDonald's menu favorite in a way that is nostalgic yet reiterates it's ongoing relevance to the present day consumer. The conversation is already in full force on Twitter and that's not including the pictures that will flood through upon the launch and social sharing:
Wow can’t wait to get my hands on some of that #maccoin. Sounds about as valuable as my Beanie Baby collection!— Eliza Becker (@pam_finklestein) July 30, 2018
— Hannah (@Wisemaha) July 30, 2018
Move over @BitCoin, MacCoin (a physical coin) is making an appearance for Big Mac’s 50th birthday this Thursday. 🍔#MorningsOn1 pic.twitter.com/gfdOnhd13f— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) July 30, 2018
It will certainly be a keepsake that die hard McDonald's fans will treasure or that everyday customers will have fun redeeming and with 1.3 billion Big Macs sold last year it looks like a favourite that will remain both in our hearts and bellies for the forseeable future.
Long live the Big Mac!
Long live the Big Mac!
