One of the most notorious fast food burgers is turning 50 this week — and everybody is invited to join in on the celebration.
The Big Mac has officially been around for half a century, and McDonald’s is marking the anniversary by rolling out “MacCoin,” a “global currency” redeemable for a Big Mac. In order to receive a MacCoin, you must first purchase a Big Mac at any McDonald’s location. Starting at lunch time on Aug. 2, you will receive one MacCoin with the purchase of a Big Mac. Once purchased, you can redeem your MacCoin for a free Big Mac the very next day.
This promotion isn’t limited to certain locations or even confined to the U.S. People can receive and redeem their MacCoin at any McDonald’s location in more than 50 countries. And, though the name “MacCoin” resembles cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, the coin will be physical — so you don’t need a special app or website code to get your free Big Mac.
Fast food chains are constantly updating their menus to keep customers’ interests piqued, but the Big Mac has withstood the test of time to become McDonald’s signature burger. The Big Mac was created by McDonald’s franchise owner Jim Delligatti and launched in 1968. Since then, the two-patty burger has remained relatively unchanged and continued to be a popular menu item. Aug. 2 also happens to be Delligatti’s birthday, so this promotion is a dual-celebration of sorts.
“It’s not often that any food item is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago,” McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook told Business Insider.
There will be five different MacCoins distributed, each representing a decade of the Big Mac. Over six million MacCoins will be distributed worldwide. But if for some reason you can’t take advantage of this deal and get to a McDonald’s this Thursday, the fast food chain is still offering $1 Big Macs on their app until the end of September.
