The world’s second largest entertainment conglomerate Disney actually printed its own currency and is now benching it, sparking a run on the remaining bills amongst collectors. The Disney dollar bill, featuring Mickey Mouse, is currently going for $10, for example. Yes, this is a real thing that is really happening. For more on this, here is the AFP report on it.

The iconic home of Mickey Mouse announced May 14 it would no longer print and sell its beloved currency, the Disney dollar, ironically inflating the value of the now limited edition notes.

The distinctive bills, each featuring iconic characters and signed by treasurer Scrooge McDuck (who did you expect?), have been a legitimate form of money within the Disney universe since they were put into circulation in the 1980s.

Mickey was featured on the dollar bill while Goofy was on the $5 and Minnie Mouse was on the $10. The cash also featured many other cartoon favorites, including Cinderella, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.

The iconic home of Mickey Mouse said last week it would no longer print and sell its beloved currency, the Disney dollar. © AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND GUAY

Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the decision had been made in light of the increasing popularity of the company’s gift card scheme, adding that Disney dollars still in circulation would be honored indefinitely.

“It’s a testimony to the enthusiasm and heart of Disney guests and collectors that Disney dollars remain collectible today,” she told AFP, revealing that the company had stopped minting the bills on May 14. “We continue to offer many ways to collect cherished Disney memories in tangible ways.”

Already a sought-after collectible, the Disney dollar’s value is set to rocket, with shrewd entrepreneurs rushing to online auction site eBay to offer their stashes at hugely inflated prices. There were hundreds of bids for various versions of the one dollar bill, ranging from around $10 to more than $50.

Special edition 50 dollar bills celebrating the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005 were being offered for $3,798 while one seller was asking $15,000 for 54 mint condition one dollar bills still in uncut sheets.

The notes were introduced in 1987, each with anti-counterfeiting security features similar to those used on real currency, and a unique serial number.

“The Disney dollar failed because it was pegged to the US dollar. Floating on the forex market could have saved it,” wrote one Twitter user.

“What a shame. This Disney dollar still holds more value than some real currencies like Iraq’s dinar,” quipped another.