Introduction

Challenge coins have always had honorable origins. However, the advancement of manufacturing processes and technology has vastly improved how challenge coins are made. In turn, they can be mass-produced for more than just military organizations.

For this reason, cheap challenge coins are becoming unique trinkets for just about any person or organization. No matter what narrative they are in, however, they continue to share a message of allegiance and unity.

What Is A Challenge Coin?

A challenge coin is a palm-sized, specially-designed coin. It is usually given to individuals to mark their membership or celebrate an accomplishment.

Traditionally, it carries the emblem or insignia of the organization it represents. The motto of the organization or other sayings may decorate the edge of the coin. They also feature painted enamel for unique, customized designs.

Challenge coins are typically 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 1/10 inches in thickness.

A challenge coin is usually circular or round. However, they can also be made into pentagons, dog tags or other cutout shapes. Some coin designs have included the novelty of doubling as a bottle opener.

Different metals are also used to make challenge coins. Typical cheap challenge coins come in bronze, nickel, copper or brass. However, there are some expensive versions that come in 24-karat gold.

What Is the History of Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins symbolize unity. Whether it is a team or organization, challenge coins establish a sense of camaraderie and loyalty between members. However, they also carry with them a commemorative and celebratory quality.

It was actually the military that established the use of challenge coins. Military members used the coins to prove their loyalty during challenging times. Hence, the name: challenge coins.

The tradition of military challenge coins is still up for debate. Some say the use of challenge coins started in World War II.

The story goes that an American lieutenant gave his unit members bronze challenge coins before deployment. One of the airmen was captured by the Germans but escaped to a French outpost.

He presented the coin to show his allegiance to the U.S. It saved his life and earned him a bottle of wine.

Another competing theory is that Vietnam soldiers used challenge coins as part of their “entry fee” into a bar.

Regardless of which story is true, the alcohol seems to be the constant. Even today, military members use their challenge coins at bars to determine who is buying drinks.

How Are Military Challenge Coins Used?

In the military, challenge coins can represent military divisions, special units and groups, or even special missions. Challenge coins even have a place among top ranking military leaders.

High-ranking government figures also carry challenge coins of their own. Every U.S. president since Clinton has commissioned their own challenge coins for a variety of reasons.

President George W. Bush gave challenge coins to soldiers returning from the Middle East. President Barack Obama often gave challenge coins to employees of Air Force One.

In 2011, the Secretary of Defense gave troops copies of his own challenge coin to express his gratitude.

Service members are known to collect their challenge coins and display them with pride. It is a great way for them to look back on their achievements.