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What is a Firefighter Challenge Coin?
Challenge coins are cherished mementos that the military, law enforcement, fraternities, and other organizations carry. Fire department challenge coins are given to firefighters for a variety of reasons. They include being recently recruited, performing acts of bravery and honor, and reaching anniversaries or special events. These physical coins symbolize the hard work firefighters put into their job, and they’re a sign of appreciation for that work.
In addition to being given as a gift to firefighters, some fire departments create challenge coins as a fundraising effort. A local fire department may order challenge coins for civilians and other branches of law enforcement to buy, with the proceeds going towards non-profits, firefighter memorials, and scholarship funds.
HONOR TRADITION WITH FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE COINS
Challenge coins are a long-standing tradition in the military, first appearing during World War I. Soldiers would use them to recognize their comrades on and off the battlefield.
They were also used as thoughtful tokens of appreciation from superiors to those who served with distinction. During Vietnam, challenge coins had yet another purpose – they became collectibles between American troops and Vietnamese locals that bore special messages of hope or gratitude for a job well done.
Having a challenge coin was (and still is) a sign of prestige, and losing your coin could result in ridicule from others. This prized possession is best to be held onto. This is the reason the “coin check” tradition at bars became a thing. It was a way for soldiers to make sure everyone still had their coins on person. Eventually, members of the military joined fire departments and shared their tradition of challenge coins. This is believed to be how the fireman challenge coin tradition began. Today, firefighter challenge coins serve quite a few purposes such as awards for excellence in the line of duty, remembering fallen heroes, commemorating special events, and even fundraising!
SYMBOLS ON FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE COINS
The Thin Red Line
St. Florian
St. Florian was an officer in the Roman army, and was put in charge of organizing the city’s fire brigade. Unfortunately, due to his faith as a Christian, he was sentenced to death and drowned in the River Enns.
The Maltese Cross
A very common feature on most custom firefighter challenge coins is, what most refer to as, the Maltese cross. Interestingly enough however, the cross that fire departments typically use is actually called the “Florian cross”.
While it is still used at times, the Maltese cross was originally worn by the Knights of the Crusades and has a very jagged design. The Florian cross has a circle in the center with rounded edges, and is older since it dates back to the Roman Empire. Both crosses are a religious symbol that represents bravery, sacrifice and honor.
Star of Life
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DESIGN GUIDE: FIREFIGHTER COINS
PRO TIP: KEEP YOUR TEXT IN MIND!
CHOOSE YOUR COLOR STYLE
There are infinite ways to create your custom firefighter challenge coins. Knowing your options will help you find the look you’re envisioning. Below are different options to help you make better-informed decisions on your custom challenge coin design.
COLOR ON BOTH SIDES
This is the most popular option, as it is bright and vibrant. This option goes very well with polished metal plating.
COLOR ON ONE SIDE
If you want to save a little bit of money, but still want color on a logo, this is a good option. We recommend an antique plating with any colorless design.
NO COLOR (DIE STRUCK)
This option is our cheapest option, and works very well for creating antique styled coins. Not recommended for polished plated coins.
TRADITIONAL ROUND COIN
This is the “traditional look”. It works very well if you want a text wrap with a centered image.
CUT-TO-SHAPE COIN
If you want to create a more unique looking coin, this may be a good option. We can make coins almost any shape imaginable!
CHOOSE YOUR PLATING STYLE
Choosing the right plating for your challenge coin is important cuz it can change the look completely. If you’re not really sure, just pick one you think will look good. If you want to see other options, just let us know. We offer free unlimited revisions!
POLISHED
GOLD
POLISHED
SILVER
POLISHED
COPPER
BLACK
NICKEL
BLACK
METAL
ANTIQUE
GOLD
ANTIQUE
SILVER
ANTIQUE
COPPER
DUAL
PLATING
CHOOSE YOUR EDGE STYLE
FLAT
EDGE
ROPE
EDGE
SPUR
EDGE
OBLIQUE
EDGE
BEVEL
EDGE
CROSSCUT
EDGE
SCALLOP
EDGE
UNIQUE ADD-ONS
BOTTLE
OPENER
SEQUENTIAL
NUMBERING
CUSTOM
ENGRAVING
DOG TAG
CUT OUTS
GLOW
COLORS
TRANSLUCENT
COLORS
HONOR TRADITION WITH FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE COINS
Lone Star Challenge Coins is your #1 supplier and designer of firefighter challenge coins because we go the extra mile to ensure you receive the best quality service and product.
Need help with creating your design? We can also help you create your custom challenge coin design, choose features that look good, and assist with ordering. Our customer service is top-notch, and we’re ready to assist you whenever you’re ready to order a coin.
Create a custom firefighter challenge coin with us today to receive your free proof and quote for your design. Discover the Lone Star difference now!
- sales@lonestarchallengecoins.com
- 726-268-0183
- 160 Creekside Park #203, Spring Branch, TX 78070
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