Charles Koh
The Collectable MacCoin is First Fully Food-Backed Global Currency
SEATTLE. WA – To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac, McDonald’s unveiled the MacCoin, a limited edition global currency* backed by the internationally iconic Big Mac that fans in Seattle and across the world can get their hands on starting August 2. Beginning at lunch time on August 2, customers can receive a MacCoin with the purchase of a Big Mac at 14,000 participating restaurants across the U.S., while supplies last. Starting on August 3 through 2018, customers can redeem their MacCoin for a free Big Mac at participating McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. and in more than 50 participating countries.
More than 6.2 million MacCoins will be distributed globally in more than 50 countries while supplies last. These commemorative coins feature five unique designs, each representing a decade of the Big Mac. Each MacCoin design pulls in elements from that time in history, nodding to art, music and pop culture, while the front-side of the MacCoin celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac. The MacCoin highlights:
- The ‘70s, showcasing the decade’s flower power
- The ‘80s alludes to pop art
- The ‘90s are defined with bold, abstract shapes
- The early ‘00s specifically focuses on the technology that was at the forefront of the turn of the century.
- The ‘10s MacCoin calls attention to the evolution of communication.
Additionally, the seven languages featured across the various designs represent many of the countries participating: Arabic, English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Portuguese, French and Spanish.
Here is some trivia you may have not know about the Big Mac:
- Who created the Big Mac? Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s owner/operator from Pittsburgh, invented the Big Mac in 1967. The iconic burger would eventually be introduced to McDonald’s national menu in 1968.
- When was the Big Mac first introduced to the menu? When did it become a national core menu item? The Big Mac was invented in 1967 and by 1968 the burger was added to the national core menu.
- In 50 years, how has the Big Mac changed? Are the ingredients still the same? The same globally? The Big Mac has evolved in 50 years. Customers around the world have been able to enjoy the Mac Snack Wrap, Grand Big Mac, Mac Jr., Denali Big Mac (Alaska), Big Mac Bacon, Big Mac BLT, Double Big Mac or Sriracha Big Mac. Over the years, the Big Mac ingredients have changed. For example, the original Big Mac did not have onions.
- How many countries sell the Big Mac? The Big Mac is currently sold in more than 100 countries around the world.
“The legendary taste of the Big Mac has helped it achieve universal recognition and a lasting legacy. Over my 20 years as a local franchise owner first in Denver, and now Seattle, Big Mac fans have enjoyed two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun with a flavor that’s just as craveable and delicious today,” said David Santillanes.
The Big Mac has become such a global icon that The Economist even used the price of the Big Mac to create the Big Mac Index, an economic tool that compares the purchasing power of different international currencies year after year. This global connectivity of the Big Mac inspired thecreation of the MacCoin.
“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.”
“When my great-grandfather Jim Delligatti invented the Big Mac at his grill in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, he just wanted to make his local customers happy,” said Nick Delligatti, fourth-generation McDonald’s owner-operator and great-grandson of Jim Delligatti, the inventor of the Big Mac. “August 2 would have been my great-grandfather’s 100th birthday, and I believe he would be very proud knowing his humble sandwich has made such a lasting impression that people all around the world can enjoy it wherever they find a McDonald’s.”
*MacCoin has no cash value and is only redeemable for one free Big Mac at participating McDonald’s restaurants through 2018.
About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
