What Are Challenge Coins?
Challenge coins are basically a coin shape that is made using a particular type of metal similar to gold, silver, bronze, platinum or at times, a combination of any of these. But not all the time these coins are round because there are coins made to be triangular in shape while some are specifically made for the meaning it projects. They have logo in front and may also have an emblem embossed on the back and front.
Members of the military are the ones who often receive these coins which have a certain slogan, date or name of the unit. If for instance they’re given as award for a job deemed to be difficult or completed a mission, this is usually commemorated as well.
Challenge coins were given first in the military and while the stories are varying for each person, the most common is that, military personnel are challenging others to produce coins. This coin has originated to a branch of military, which is the United States Air Force or USAF. They are brought by those who have flown into enemy territories and seen as the bravest and most courageous men.
Mainly because of this, others are calling challenge coins as honor coins. More often than not, those who served the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guards and other departments carry these coins. These coins have made such a huge impact actually to the point that even civil servants have one. Such coins also have department where the person is enlisted but for a military coin, it has a division or a squadron emblem. The coins are even given to different members of organizations nowadays for acknowledging special occasions.
The first coin the Air Force members will get is when they have finished their basic training. If the officer training is selected upon graduation, new officers get a coin. To keep with true meaning of challenge coins, it’s said that the rules of the challenge are kept only within the military unit and those who have been given the coin in the unit. Holders of these challenge coins are known to have higher morale than others.
Coins should be carried all time but there are specific rules that must be followed. Defacing the coin in any means is prohibited like for instance, boring a hole to attach the coin in a keychain or be worn as necklace automatically nullifies the coin and it isn’t considered as challenge coin. Different units don’t allow its members to bring the coins in the wallet as well rather, a very common way to carry it is in the pouch, worn around the neck.