1972 Disney Paper Currency Note PMG 65

Prototype Mickey Mouse Money Released 16 Years Before First Disney Dollar

When Walt Disney World© opened its doors on October 1, 1971, in Orlando, Florida, guests were treated to their childhood dreams brought to life. Among the rides and attractions that are still in operation more than a half century later are Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Hall Of Presidents (which has since added 9 more presidents), the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Swiss Family Treehouse, and Grand Prix Raceway, which has since been rebranded as the Tomorrowland Speedway. Of course, the iconic Cinderella's Castle still stands tall in the Magic Kingdom, but the price of admission has changed drastically, rising from $12 in 1971 to ticket prices that start today at $109 for adults and $104 for kids aged 3 to 9.

A Real Piece Of Disney History

Here we have a real piece of Disney history from those early theme park days with a prototype Disney Dollar from 1972 that has been authenticated in Gem Uncirculated 65 condition by Professional Currency Grading (PMG), one of the world's leading third-party grading services. It would be another 16 years before "Disney Dollars" appeared at Disney World. Designed to look like the paper currency of the United States, most bills bore the image of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, or other Disney character and were signed by "treasurer" Scrooge McDuck. Though Disney Dollars were discontinued in 2016, previously issued notes are still accepted at Disney theme parks and resorts.

Prototype Notes Were Available Only To VIPs And Special Guests

To test out the concept, Disney introduced these "Recreation Notes," that were available only to VIPs and Special Guests for two years, 1971 and 1972. These 1972 Notes are technically coupons in that they were nonrefundable, while Disney Dollars issued in the '80s could be exchanged for cash. The front features Mickey Mouse under the words "Walt Disney World," and the back shows a steamboat vignette on the left and Cinderella's Castle on the right. The central part of the back states: "This coupon may be used in lieu of cash for any of the recreational activities in Walt Disney World."

Availability is limited so if you want one of these Disney Coupons for your Disney collection, you need to act quickly!