A Closer Look At Military Challenge Coins

Custom challenge coins hold a special place in military life. They can be symbols of trust and friendship. They can be awarded for bravery and sacrifice, as well as achievement of a job well done. They are indicators of respect and recognition. 

What makes challenge coins such an integral part of military life? Let’s take a closer look at their history, meaning and importance to the men and women who serve.

A Reward, A Symbol of Identity

American military members carry custom challenge coins as a sign of identity, a symbol of honor, and a symbol of camaraderie. These coins are also a source of pride and inspiration for those who receive them. 

Today, many organizations, businesses, schools, first responders and others use challenge coins as well. Even so, the classic military challenge coins mean something more to the heroic men and women who keep us free. Let’s see what makes military coins a special keepsake beyond the ordinary.

What Is A Military Challenge Coin?

In general terms, a military challenge coin is a custom coin that features an organization’s symbol, logo or emblem. They can be given by superiors to recognize outstanding performance, or by peers to show membership in a group, squad, or team. These coins feature their own distinct traditions, rituals and lore, related to their military context.

Origins and Meaning of Military Challenge Coins

There’s no definitive origin history for challenge coin, but the most popular legend dates them back to the Army Air Corps in World War I. A flyer shot down over enemy territory was able to escape and prove his identity to Allied troops by showing them his coin. Rather than executing him as a possible spy, they escorted him back safely to his unit. 

That story reportedly started the tradition of challenge coin recipients carrying their coins with them at all times. That’s a significant part of the “challenge” aspect that we’ll explore further later.

Reasons for Receiving Challenge Coins

Challenge coins are given for many reasons in the military, most often to reward accomplishment. For example, Air Force recruits receive an Airman coin when they complete basic training. Military leaders can present challenge coins to anyone they see fit. 

The ultimate honor is for a service member to receive a challenge coin from the Commander in Chief. President Clinton originated the tradition of presidential challenge coins during his term of office in the 1990s. Every succeeding president has had their own custom challenge coin, which they can present to any military member at their discretion.

The Presentation Tradition

You might have seen a military challenge coin presentation and not even known it. The coins are traditionally passed from giver to recipient in a discreet, simple manner, in a handshake. If you didn’t pay very close attention to that handshake, you wouldn’t know it happened. 

Military challenge coins aren’t just presented by the higher-ups. Some units, much like the original Army Air Corps squad, order their own unit-specific coins. These often serve a similar purpose to morale patches, expressing a somewhat tongue-in-cheek view of military life. They help boost morale with in the unit, and promote a sense of camaraderie among the members, by reminding them that they are part of an elite team.

These coins typically feature the unit insignia, often along with a non-official symbol or phrase that sums up the unit’s purpose.

The Challenge

The challenge aspect of military challenge coins dates back to the origin story of the World War I flyer. After the airman’s safe return to his unit thanks to his custom coin, it became tradition for those who receive a coin to keep it with them at all times.

This evolved over the years into a drinking game. When someone who has a coin calls for a coin check – by tapping his or her coin on the table – everyone present must present their coin. Those who don’t buy the next round of drinks. If everyone presents their coin, the challenger buys.

Size and Style

A military challenge coin is bigger than a typical currency coin. Challenge coins are usually 3 to 4 millimeters thick, and 1.5 to 4 inches wide. Their styles are as unique as each unit, squad or group ordering them. Depending on what they’re meant to represent, the coins feature different elements and design cues that make each group’s coins different. Some feature images such as shields, aircraft, ships, custom unit insignia and more.

Each coin is created with unique metals, colors, and graphics. These details add to the significance of the coin, adding one-of-a-kind details in the process.

It might surprise you to learn challenge coins don’t have to be round. While the traditional coin shape is the most common, you can order coins in virtually any shape you can imagine. Any good supplier can craft coins in the shape of aircraft, ships, submarines, tanks and other military equipment. The shape and style of your coin are entirely up to you.

Different Branches, Different Logos, Different Coins

Every branch of the U.S. military has its own specific customs, insignia and traditions. It’s possible to craft custom challenge coins that represent any and all of them. From Airborne to SEAL teams, you can feature any insignia or slogan you desire on a military challenge coin.

At ChallengeCoins4Less, we are honored to craft quality military challenge coins. We have the experience and an incredible team to bring your idea to life. We make designing and creating custom challenge coins easy, and we'd be honored to take care of your next order. 

If you’d like to find out more, or to order your own custom military challenge coins, give us a call toll free at (855) 272-8451, or  email us with any questions you might have. If you already have a design in mind for your coins, fill out our no obligation free quote form and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your design. 

We will work with you every step of the way from design to production to delivery to give you  exceptional service and high-quality challenge coins. Let us show you how easy it is to order great-looking, meaningful challenge coins.