What Is a Challenge Coin?

By Sean McConeghy :

Challenge coins are a traditional symbol of membership in an organization or class, or participation in an event. They are symbols of a brotherhood, a fraternity that only members understand. In recent years, their uses have expanded well beyond their historical origins.

History of Challenge Coins

The predecessor of these types of coins has their origins in ancient Rome. In one case, special coins were given to members of the royalty and nobility to commemorate special events. Some military units also gave them to soldiers who excelled in battle on a particular day. Such soldiers were given a special coin in addition to their wages. These coins were often saved, as they were important honors, rather than be spent along with the rest of their salaries.

The modern usage of challenge coins is less certain. Some say that they originated in World War I. According to that telling, a lieutenant gave his men coins bearing the symbol of their unit. A pilot was shot down and taken hostage by the Germans, who stripped him of any military apparel that could identify him. The airman escaped and made contact with the French military. They were going to execute him because they could not identify him, but fortunately he still had the coin with his unit’s insignia. One Frenchman recognized the symbol on the coin, and the American’s life was spared. He was also given a bottle of wine, some say as a sort of compensation for the treatment he received.

Another story places the origins of challenge coins in Vietnam. As that story goes, an Army infantry bar tried to keep away non-infantry men, and anyone who was not a member would be forced to buy the whole bar drinks. While initially, proof of service was offered in the form of enemy bullets, grenades, and even rockets, eventually, coin-like items inscribed with the unit’s insignia became the most commonly accepted form of proof. Today this practice is known as a “coin check.”

Challenge Coins Modern Day  Military Use and Tradition

In recent decades, the use of challenge coins has expanded, first in the military and then beyond. Many military units, especially special forces, now distribute challenge coins to their members. In addition, challenge coins are given all the way up the ranks, including to the Secretary of Defense and the President, who issues his own challenge coins.

Presidents have unique histories with these coins. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush received challenge coins from military members. Famously, the latter received one from a Marine combat patrol unit when he visited Al Asad Airbase in 2007. President Obama left them at the grave sites of deceased soldiers.

What are the Most Common Types of  Challenge Coins?

Some common categories of challenge coins include military challenge coins, law enforcement challenge coins, firefighter challenge coins, and sports team challenge coins. The designs and categories of challenge coins can vary widely, so the number of types is potentially unlimited.

Examples of Military Challenge Coins 

Military challenge coins are specially designed coins that are given to members of the military to commemorate specific events, achievements, or unit affiliations. Some examples of army challenge coins include:

1. Unit coins: Coins specific to a particular military unit, such as a battalion, brigade, or division.

2. Deployment coins: Coins given to commemorate a deployment to a specific location, such as Iraq or Afghanistan.

3. Rank coins: Coins that recognize a soldier's rank or achievement, such as a promotion to sergeant or completion of basic training.

4. Branch Coins: Coins specific to a particular branch of the military, such as the Army Challenge Coins, Navy Challenge Coins, or Air Force Challenge Coins.

5. Special forces coins: Coins given to members of special forces units, such as the Green Berets or Navy SEALs.

These are just a few examples of military challenge coins, and there can be many others, depending on the unit and the occasion.

Examples of Police Challenge Coins 

Police challenge coins are specially designed coins that are given to members of law enforcement agencies to commemorate specific events, achievements, or unit affiliations. Some examples of police challenge coins include:

1. Department coins: Coins specific to a particular police department, such as the city police or state police.

2. Tactical unit coins: Coins given to members of tactical units, such as SWAT or bomb disposal teams.

3. Rank coins: Coins that recognize an officer's rank or achievement, such as a promotion to detective or completion of advanced training.

4. Commemorative coins: Coins given to commemorate a specific event or occasion, such as the anniversary of a department or the retirement of a long-serving officer.

5. Memorial coins: Coins given to honor fallen officers and commemorate their sacrifice.

These are just a few examples of police challenge coins, and there can be many others, depending on the department and the occasion.

Examples of Firefighter Challenge Coins 

Firefighter challenge coins are specially designed coins that are given to members of firefighting agencies to commemorate specific events, achievements, or unit affiliations. Some examples of firefighter challenge coins include:

1. Station coins: Coins specific to a particular fire station, such as a city fire station or a volunteer fire department.

2. Rank coins: Coins that recognize a firefighter's rank or achievement, such as a promotion to captain or completion of advanced training.

3. Commemorative coins: Coins given to commemorate a specific event or occasion, such as the anniversary of a fire department or the retirement of a long-serving firefighter.

4. Memorial coins: Coins given to honor fallen firefighters and commemorate their sacrifice.

5. Hazardous materials response coins: Coins given to members of hazardous materials response teams to recognize their specialized training and expertise.

These are just a few examples of firefighter challenge coins, and there can be many others, depending on the department and the occasion.

Examples of Custom Challenge Coins 

Custom challenge coins are specially designed coins that are created to meet the specific needs and requirements of an individual or organization. Some examples of custom challenge coins include:

1. Corporate coins: Coins created for a specific company or organization, often as a marketing tool or to commemorate a specific event or achievement.

2. Sports team coins: Coins created for a specific sports team, such as a college football team or a Little League baseball team.

3. Non-profit coins: Coins created for a specific non-profit organization, such as a charity or a volunteer group.

4. Political campaign coins: Coins created for a political campaign or election, often used as a fundraising tool or as a way to show support for a candidate.

5. Military unit coins: Coins created for a specific military unit, such as a platoon or a battalion, often used to commemorate a deployment or a specific mission.

These are just a few examples of custom challenge coins, and the possibilities for customization are virtually endless, limited only by the imagination of the individual or organization creating the coins.

Can Civilians Have Challenge Coins?

Although challenge coins are generally issued by and for military units, heads of state, diplomats, and other organizations, really anyone can commission, or be given, a challenge coin. So yes, civilians can own challenge coins. There are even several companies who will craft custom challenge coins for any person or any occasion. Even though anyone may own a challenge coin, it is important to both understand and respect the tradition and meaning behind these significant items. 

While GovMint.com does not carry actual challenge coins, we are proud to carry several products that similarly honor those who serve. The United States Mint issues non-denominated medals for each military branch every year. Military members, their relatives, those who have ancestors who have served, and anyone who recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who put their lives on the line for their countries can pick these up. We currently have the non-denominated 2.5 ounce U.S. Air Force medal in stock alongside 2.5 ounce U.S. Coast Guard Silver medals.

Other options include some issues of the America the Beautiful Quarter series. Issued in 2023, the quarters, including the 5 oz silver pieces, feature the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. The Tuskegee Airmen were black pilots and support personnel who fought in World War II. The Airmen have been widely celebrated as men who served their country despite facing discrimination. One numismatic issue that stands out as something that would have broad appeal, not only for military members and those who honor them, but also for anyone interested in science and technology, is the Space Force medals. The Space Force was founded in 2019 in recognition of the threats posed by other nations via the final frontier.

What are challenge coins used for?

Challenge Coins are also made for many special events. Attendees share an experience that only they will ever understand. The coins serve as mementos, permanent reminders of the experience, growth, accomplishments, and relationships that came from the event.

A code of etiquette is part of the tradition of these coins, especially for military members. Recipients should always carry their coins with them. Coin holders can be challenged or asked to produce the coin; if they fail to do so, they must buy the drinks. Another crucial part of the tradition is that the coins should never be passed around. They can be shown, but other people should only be able to view them while the coins are in the hands of the recipient.

What does it mean to be given a challenge coin?

Challenge coins have a long and rich, if not always known, history. They can be awarded for particular accomplishments, membership in an exclusive organization, or attendance at or participation in specific events. Their origins date back thousands of years, but their resurgence and expansion in recent years make them more accessible now than ever. As a result, the coins can foster pride, community, and dedication, while also providing fun and amusement.

Where Can I Find Military Challenge Coins?

Companies, event organizers, and others wishing to recognize accomplishments, commemorate events, and build community, can find options online to have these pieces custom-made. Though we do not offer challenge coins, GovMint.com does have several options for collectors wishing to honor those who serve. Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force medals, among others, are excellent choices. We also have pieces honoring police and firefighters. They would make great additions to any collection as well as fantastic gifts for those who serve or have served, as well as those who are related to those who have served.

Sources:

https://www.cristaux.com/blog/history-of-challenge-coins/

https://customchallengecoins.net/the-rich-history-and-meaning-behind-navy-challenge-coins/

https://www.defense.gov/News/Inside-DOD/Blog/Article/2567302/the-challenge-coin-tradition-do-you-know-how-it-started/

https://customchallengecoins.net/can-civilians-have-challenge-coins/

https://customchallengecoins.net/presidential-challenge-coin-changed-over-the-years/ 

https://customchallengecoins.net/brief-history-challenge-coins/

https://customchallengecoins.net/can-civilians-have-challenge-coins/