The world was a very different place in the 1990s. From questionable fashions and dial-up modems to pogs and Tamagotchis, even the business of selling fizzy sugar water feels like something from a bygone era. Sure, partnerships with pop stars and celebrities existed then, as did sweepstakes for instant cash and cruises. Prize giveaways usually included consumers sending in an entry form, perhaps with the requisite inclusion of a proof-of-purchase or a UPC cut out off the packaging.

Yes, life was more analog in those days.

For the summer season of 1990, Coca-Cola had big plans. Multi-million dollar giveaway all summer long? Sure. Sponsorship of a major concert tour of the hottest boy band in the country? The Atlanta-based company had that in the works too. But Coca-Cola also had a big surprise for the public that summer that no one had seen before—a packaging innovation that made winning cash prizes happen instantly.