What is a challenge coin?

Written June 1, 2019 - UNPAID

What is a challenge coin?

The Military has a long-standing tradition of using challenge coins to commemorate special occasions, unify groups and reward exceptional actions. Each of these coins has a unique design that is specific to a group or cause but they all have valuable meaning to those you receive them. A challenge coin is traditionally kept by members of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Officers, and Firefighters as it symbolizes their unit identity and their brotherhood.

Challenge coins usually bear the unit’s unique insignia or motto that identifies the group that they represent. Often these coins are traded, awarded or collected between different military unit members. Presently, challenge coins are no longer limited to the military. These coins have become very popular among various organizations, government service departments, corporate organizations as well as community groups.

Challenge coins are typically has a diameter of 1.5 to 2 inches and a thickness of 1/10 inch. They vary in styles and sizes and some have unique shapes like pentagon, shields, arrowheads or dog tags. They are generally made from copper, pewter or nickel, with various finishing available. Some coins that are limited edition are plated in gold. The designs may be simple like the insignia or motto, others have enamel highlights, cutouts, and multi-dimensional designs.   

History of the Challenge Coin

There are many versions to the origins of the challenge coins but they along with the military services go back way farther than the modern ages. One early example of the use of the challenge coin is the monetary award for valor that enlisted soldiers receive in Ancient Rome. Soldiers get typical day’s pay and a specially minted coin for their exemplary performance. Many men were prompted to keep these coins as a memento instead of spending them for wine or women.

A familiar story about the Challenge Coin dates back to the First World War. Accordingly, an American fighter pilot was shot down and landed in hostile German territory. He was held in a facility which was later attacked by British forces, affording him the opportunity to escape.     

And at some point on his escape, he was confronted by the French soldiers who thought he was a German spy and he was to be executed. Without any belongings, he was only able to present a challenge coin with the American Unit insignia and other identifying marks. The American soldier was later freed and it was believed that the challenge coin was the one that saved his life.

Challenge Coin Categories

Today, challenge coins are used by different organizations. The federal government including the President, secret service agents, down to the staff of the White House have their own coins. Here are some of the most common challenge coins that people can get and give.

Military Challenge Coins

Military coins have that weight and quality that are made especially for the Army, Air Forces, Navy, Marines, and the Coasts guards. Their challenge coins are made to incorporate the tradition, history, and customs of the military services. These are not simple mementos, they are a strong symbol of service to the country and the ultimate sacrifice thus, these coins are created to do justice to the integrity and bravery of our soldiers.

Traditionally, military challenge coins are in circular shapes but depending on the design requested, they can have multi-dimensional designs, waved-cut or crosscut. These coins carry the unit insignia, important dates, special words and colors that match the regimental colors.

Awards Challenge Coins

Specially crafted challenge coins are also given to award military servicemen and parts for their excellent service rendered or exemplary performances. Military units, police and firefighting departments also have special award coins for their special occasions and events. These coins are usually circular in shape but they can be designed according to any request. Award coins are designed with the insignia of the unit awarding it, the special date and the occasion too when it will be awarded.

Police Challenge Coins

Police challenge coins are usually created for their specific disciplines such as SWAT Teams, detectives, bomb disposal and major crime units. These coins are usually presented for their long-service, promotions, accomplishments and achievements.

The Police Forces are one of the first units outside the military to recognize the value of the challenge coins. And like with the military, police challenge coins are carried with pride kept for value.  

Police challenge coins can come in various shapes, size, and colors. The design can be a reproduction of their badges, special dates, and wordings. Most police coins also have their unit’s colors.    

Firefighter Challenge Coins

Firefighter coins are created as a tribute to their key achievements which is vital in the emergency service. There are also specific traditions and symbols associated with this noble profession such as the images of the Maltese Cross and St Florian. Some Firefighter coins also are designed with their fire engine and other equipment.  

Most firefighter coins are in a circular shape but depending on the request of a unit, it can be made into any shape, size or colors.

Presidential Challenge Coins

All Presidents have released coin starting with President Bill Clinton. These coins are presented to different people including foreign guests, members of the military and diplomats. Presidential Challenge Coins are usually a memento of special occasions and significant events.

In Military tradition, these presidential military challenge coin is palmed by the President as the Commander in Chief and exchanges it in a secret handshake.  

There is a different presidential coin which is created to mark their inauguration and mark their administration. There are also presidential coins that people can buy from the White House gift shop. But presidential coins presented during military handshakes are the most unique and rarest form of the challenge coin.

Employee Recognition Challenge Coins

These are corporate challenge coins which are used to reinforce corporate identity and celebrate company achievements and award excellent services rendered by staff or stakeholders.

Following the examples set by the military challenge coins, companies today are utilizing coins that are associated with their identity and in building good customer relations. Corporate coins and employee recognition coins usually carry the occasion when they will be presented, corporate logo, styles, and colors.

These days, challenge coins are no longer uncommon items that are limited to military service. The tradition was embraced by the police and the fire departments. Some civic organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Lions Club also have their own challenge coins. They are also given to partners and stakeholders in recognition of their relationship and goodwill. Challenge coins have become highly-collectible, long-lasting items to show allegiance and respect on any occasion.