You probably heard of challenge coins if you grew up military or with a first responder parent. This type of coin is bestowed to members by a commanding officer or other high-ranking official in private or public ceremonies. They’re symbols of membership, recognition, and camaraderie. They’re also shrouded in tradition—including a drinking game where anyone who challenges someone to produce their coin has to pay for the drinks.
Military
Traditionally, military challenge coins are given to members of the military. The purpose of challenge coins is to boost morale and as a way to show their rank. They also serve as a form of identification and can provide their holders certain privileges, such as reserved seating or first pick from rations. Nowadays, people outside of the military are using challenge coins as well. Police departments, fire departments, and schools are just a few groups that have adopted this tradition. Military personnel is exceptionally proud of their challenge coins; many openly display their extensive collections. This is because challenge coins represent a sense of belonging to an elite community and help maintain the bonds between veterans of a particular battle or event. In World War II, the Office of Strategic Services issued challenge coins to their personnel deployed in Nazi-held France to verify a person’s identity. The coins had to be produced at meetings, and specific aspects of the coin would be inspected to make sure no one was infiltrating the group. The shady origins of challenge coins make them exciting military memorabilia. Most Americans know that their armed forces are filled with pride and camaraderie, but they may not be aware of the depths to which those sentiments reach. Anyone who grew up with a military or first responder parent most likely has seen their collection of challenge coins, often rewarded for merit, leaving a base, getting a promotion, or meeting a dignitary.
Sports
Many professional sports teams use challenge coins to honor their players and coaches for winning a championship or breaking a record. They can also build morale amongst members and promote team spirit. These coins can be personalized with the team’s logo or year of victory and are a great way to commemorate the achievement. The history of challenge coins dates back to World War I when a wealthy military officer ordered bronze medallions with his squadron’s insignia stamped to present to his soldiers before they took off on missions. The pilots then carried the coin with them, and when one of them was captured by German soldiers and faced with execution, he produced his squadron coin, which helped prove that he wasn’t a spy and saved his life. The tradition of challenge coins grew throughout the US military and eventually spread to other branches and police departments, and public safety organizations. Challenge coins are essential to policing, and police academy cadets receive them well before they graduate and hit the streets. They are a mutually recognized symbol of value and respect between officers, which helps them establish trust on the street. It is also a way for them to quickly identify their fellow officers in the field, which is vital when dealing with dangerous or violent suspects.
Civilian Organizations
As the popularity of challenge coins has spread, civilian groups have adopted the tradition. These include police departments, fire departments, and emergency medical services. In addition, private companies and clubs may also use challenge coins to promote their brand or create a sense of camaraderie among members. While it is common for people outside the military to carry and wear challenge coins, some rules and etiquette must be followed. For example, a person should not wear or display their challenge coin in front of someone not a member of the same unit or organization. In addition, a challenge coin should never be confused with a military award or medal. Although the true origin of challenge coins is hard to determine, many stories exist. One famous story involves a wealthy lieutenant who gave bronze coins to his unit during World War I. If a pilot was shot down and made it back to Allied territory, they could present their coin for verification. This has helped the pilot avoid capture and possibly save his life. Challenge coins can be designed in various shapes and sizes, often featuring a logo or emblem for the group they represent. They can also have a special message or motto that reflects the group’s values.
Corporate
If you own or manage a business, you can use challenge coins to promote your company, reward employees, and help connect with customers. They can also be a great way to celebrate milestones and achievements within your company, such as reaching sales goals or completing engineering projects. When you give challenge coins to your employees, they become part of your organization’s culture and can create a sense of camaraderie and loyalty. They are also a great way to thank your clients for their business and show them you value their patronage. When a client shows off their challenge coin, it can lead to a conversation about your company and its values, strengthening the relationship between you and your customer.
