You may have noticed the glint of metal in someone’s hand or the heft of a coin clutched tightly around an officer’s neck. This is a challenge coin, a rich tradition with roots in military history.
One legend traces the origin of the coins back to World War I when an OSS pilot kept his bronze medallion handy, showing it to French soldiers to help prove his identity during an interrogation and saving his life.
Collecting challenge coins is a popular hobby and a unique way to commemorate various achievements, events, and experiences. Challenge coins have a rich history, often associated with military traditions, but have expanded to various organizations and industries.
Symbolism
It’s hard to trace the exact origin of challenge coins, but their significance goes far beyond carrying a coin around. They are symbols of comradery and unity that honor the actions and accomplishments of their recipients. They stand in place of medals and ribbons as a more informal way to show appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Many military branch-specific units have created unique challenge coin designs worn as a sign of pride in their service. Still, they have also spread to other organizations such as police departments, fire stations, and even civilian government agencies like the ones that comprise the Defense Department. They often serve as mementos of special events, such as a conference or meeting with a high-ranking official.
It is a common practice for challenge coin recipients to carry their coins at all times. A code of etiquette dictates that when asked for their credentials, they must produce their challenge coin. If they cannot, they must buy the next round of drinks at the bar.
Community
One of the best parts about custom challenge coins is the community that develops among those who do. Whether through shared experiences like deployments or training, the coin brings those with similar backgrounds together and strengthens bonds of brotherhood and camaraderie. This is particularly important for police officers, who often put their lives on the line without much recognition outside of a paycheck. The tradition of challenge coins is an easy way to connect past, present, and future members of a law enforcement agency and reinforce the importance of continuing to protect and serve our communities.
It’s not uncommon for people to carry around extensive collections of challenge coins. Several military units will award their soldiers with challenge coins to show appreciation and recognition for a well-done job. Groups also use them to commemorate sobriety.
While the history of challenge coins traces back to the military, they’ve become a symbol of unity for first responders and other civilian groups. Some businesses are even starting to use challenge coins in their organizations, helping build morale and teamwork and linking employees with the same interests. They’re a great way to celebrate achievements and create lasting bonds that will last a lifetime.
Recognition
The military has a long tradition of giving challenge coins to soldiers, and the custom has spread to other organizations, including first responders. A personalized challenge coin can be a symbol of pride and a way to connect with others who share similar experiences, values, and goals.
A challenge coin is a small metal medallion bearing an organization’s insignia or logo, and it’s typically worn on a necklace chain around the wearer’s neck. It’s a more informal version of a unit’s official medal, and the coin can serve to commemorate special events, such as reunions or service awards.
The exact origins of the challenge coin are only partially known, but it’s thought the Army first used them during World War I.
It is considered an honor to be given a challenge coin, and it’s generally understood that the recipient will display it with pride. It is also common for recipients to treat the coin with care and respect, as per challenge coin etiquette.
Connections
When a challenge coin is presented to an individual, it serves as a way for them to connect with others who share the same experience. It can symbolize connection and camaraderie, essential for military personnel and other first responders.
The origin of challenge coins is unclear, but several exciting stories are associated with them. They used challenge coins to identify themselves during covert missions and to inspire a sense of honor, unity, and brotherhood amongst their team.
Regardless of how they originated, challenge coins are now used by various organizations and groups, both military and civilian. Police and fire departments use them to recognize their members, as do many businesses. They are also commonly given out to boost morale or celebrate milestones.
People often show off their challenge coins to connect with others with the same interests. This can lead to conversations and even new friendships. For example, if you meet another person wearing their Air Force challenge coin, it can be an instant conversation starter! It’s no wonder that challenge coins have become so popular across the globe.
