A McDonald's gift certificate signed by Ray Kroc, redeemable for 50 cents toward the purchase of any McDonald’s product, sold for $2,200 on Wednesday afternoon at University Archives.
The gift certificate, which has an expiration date of Nov. 30, 1974, was given a pre-sale estimate of $500 to $600. Croc’s signature is graded a 9 by PSA.
Croc, the businessman who is considered responsible for the rise of McDonald’s as a global brand and franchise following his takeover of the company in 1954, is among the most collectible entrepreneurs of his era.
A booklet of six gift certificates, the first of which is signed by Croc, previously sold at University Archives for $6,000.
RR Auctions sold a rare autographed copy of his business card for $5,294 in 2024.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.