What is a Mardi Gras doubloon?

Mardi Gras doubloons are large metallic coins with no real monetary value that are manufactured to be handed out during Mardi Gras parades and celebrations. The doubloon is one of the traditional 'throws' that are tossed to parade audiences and other revelers; other throws include beads and small trinkets.

Thanks to their size, which is typically larger than an American silver dollar, Mardi Gras doubloons are named after the Spanish gold doblón. Each Mardi Gras krewe may order their own doubloon that is imprinted with special information, such as the year of the parade and the name of the krewe that throws them, making this a prized souvenir for parade attendees.