 This type of currency has been known for a long time in the form of customer incentive programs or loyalty programs.The first known coupon in history is probably from the US, attributed to Asa Candler, inventor of Coca-Cola and the free drink coupons in 1887, followed by C. W. Post's one-cent-off coupon in breakfast cereal boxes in 1895, both to drive sales.The business issuing the coupon functions as a central authority.