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Elvis' Iconic 50-Cent McDonald's Gag
5 Oct
Summary
- Elvis Presley pranked his entourage with 50-cent McDonald's gift certificates.
- The prank occurred during the Christmas season of 1971.
- A certificate from this prank later appeared at an auction.
Elvis Presley, known for his generosity, also had a playful, prankster side. One memorable holiday season, specifically Christmas 1971, he surprised his inner circle, the Memphis Mafia, with a unique gag gift. Instead of the expected opulent presents or holiday bonuses, Elvis distributed 50-cent McDonald's gift certificates.
These inexpensive certificates, a far cry from the lavish gifts Elvis typically bestowed, were purchased near his Graceland home. A McDonald's president later acknowledged the prank in a letter to the King. The modest value of 50 cents in the 1970s could still buy a burger or large fries.
Decades after his passing, one of these specific 50-cent McDonald's gift certificates, given to his cousin Billy Smith, was auctioned alongside other personal items. Despite its humble origin as a prank, the certificate garnered significant interest, underscoring Elvis Presley's enduring legacy and eccentricities.
