If you’re in the military or a first responder, you’ve probably seen or been given a challenge coin for meeting a dignitary, getting a promotion, or even for merit.
So, what is a challenge coin, and what does it represent? A challenge coin is a coin that’s specially designed to represent an occasion or an organization. These coins are usually small and made of various metals, including brass, zinc, and bronze. Some challenge coins are also made of 24-carat gold.
The coins usually have a unique design belonging to the institution they represent. The insignia or emblem of the organization is usually engraved onto the coin. The organization’s motto may also be etched around the coin’s edge.
While most coins are round, some come in other shapes. Some designs also include unique features or cutouts.
What Do Challenge Coins Represent?
These coins represent teams, organizations, or units. They can also represent a special event, an anniversary, or an achievement. A challenge coin represents unity and builds lasting, close-knit bonds between the individuals given the coins. They have long been used in the military and by first responders.
A History of Challenge Coins
The tradition of challenge coins is said to have begun among soldiers in the military. The earliest accounts date the practice back to Ancient Rome when unique coins were awarded to soldiers to appreciate their bravery in battle. Various historians claim that the unique coins were marked with their battalion’s symbol, which prompted most soldiers to keep them as souvenirs.
Others believe that the origin of these coins can be traced to World War I. The story goes that German soldiers captured the aircraft of a pilot soldier who received a stamped bronze medallion and was a spy.
It is said that even after the German soldiers took the pilot’s personal identification to discourage his escape, the young soldier still found a way to escape. After finding his way back to his home base, he used his medallion to prove he wasn’t a spy. However, this is likely a myth.
What Challenge are Challenge Coins Associated with?
This varies between groups, but generally, the challenge is linked to drinking. It was started as a way to ensure that all members of a squadron had their coin with them at all times.
The most common version of this challenge entails one group member, referred to as the challenger, initiating the challenge by placing the coin on the nearest surface. Individuals around the challenger must then produce their own challenge coins.
If any person cannot produce a challenge coin for the “coin check,” they have to buy drinks for those who produced theirs. However, if every individual presents their coin, the challenger is tasked with buying the drinks.
The original purpose of the challenge was to avail the coin for security purposes, as those who couldn’t produce a coin were considered impostors. However, as better security systems were implemented, the use of the coin became more of a tradition than for official use.
The traditional rules of the challenge also forbid the coin from being defaced, especially if defacing will make it easier to carry. For example, if the coin has a hole drilled in it so that it can be attached to a lanyard, keyring, or belt buckle, it can no longer qualify as a challenge coin.
What Does it Mean to be Given a Challenge Coin?
As mentioned above, challenge coins are awarded for different reasons. Some groups give their members unique challenge coins to signify their acceptance into the group. For instance, the Air Force gives basic and officer training graduates challenge coins to commemorate their graduation.
A coin’s rank is usually determined by the rank of the person giving the challenge coin. For instance, a challenge coin from an admiral will outrank a challenge coin from a vice admiral. Traditionally, a challenge coin is usually given during a handshake. Coins are also ranked by the level of difficulty endured to attain them.
Other groups give challenge coins to individuals who’ve achieved something significant to honor exceptional accomplishments in the line of duty. For instance, some fire departments and law enforcement agencies award challenge coins to officers who go beyond the call of duty.
Politicians and government agencies also use challenge coins to recognize first responders in their communities, creating a sense of unity and honor, especially during a tragedy or loss. In addition, challenge coins can also be given to non-members in special circumstances.
Military vs. First Responder Challenge Coins
Recently, civilian groups have begun using them to promote brands, build team morale, and link individuals with similar interests. Some corporations have even started handing out challenge coins at trade shows, conferences, and sales events.
It makes sense since a challenge coin is unforgettable compared to a business card. Apart from companies, sports teams and schools have also begun using challenge coins for branding. Team logos and school mascots are engraved onto coins that are handed out at different events.
Challenge coins today may have evolved, but they were initially used for much more severe purposes. So, what is a challenge coin’s historical background? Once upon a time, soldiers would often have to display their challenge coins to prove their loyalty. For example, a soldier approaching a military camp may be required to show their coin to prove they’re not spies. Later, they would become purely ceremonial.
Although issuing challenge coins for identification purposes has primarily gone extinct, veterans and first responders still wear them with pride. If you’ve ever wondered, “What are challenge coins?” it’s important to note that they’re there to form bonds and connections. Many former military staff members carry their coins to show which units they served in, the countries they fought in, any special missions they embarked on, and the leaders they met.
How Can I Get a Custom Challenge Coin?
Now that we’ve answered “What is a challenge coin used for?” and “How do challenge coins work?” you have insight into the illustrious history and rich tradition surrounding challenge coin culture. So, where can you get your own?
Whether you’re a first responder, a veteran, or someone who wants to create a new tradition within your business, Lone Star can help you design your custom coin.
So, what’s a challenge coin’s key features, and how do you purchase one? Here’s how to order your coin in three easy steps with Lone Star.
Step One - Create Your Design
What is a challenge coin’s design process?
Unlike other challenge coin companies, you don’t need a ready-made design to get started. Even if you have nothing more than an idea or a concept, our design team will work to bring it to life.
We offer free and unlimited revisions, so you don’t need to worry about getting it right the first time. You pay nothing until you approve the final design.
Step Two - Get a Proof & Quote
We will deliver your proof for review, and you’ll also receive a quote. The dollar figure on your quote is all you’ll have to pay. We don’t add hidden fees or deliver unpleasant surprises later in the process.
If you’re unhappy with the proof, please tell us what changes you’d like to make, and our design team will return with another proof.
Step Three - Approve & Purchase
The final step is to approve the final design and pay. Due to the customized nature of our products, we cannot offer cash refunds after you’ve approved the final design and paid.
Once your payment has been received, producing your coins takes around 14 days. Expect to wait around three weeks from payment to receive your challenge coins.
