Coin Collecting – The Age Old Pursuit

Custom challenge coins can be elegant, engraved, and have an array of finishes and diamond-cut edges. As with coins of all kinds, they can be the treasure of collectors worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at what makes coin collecting intriguing for so many people. 

When Did Coin Collecting Begin?

There’s no definitive answer to when people began collecting coins. There’s limited evidence that dates the practice back to at least Ancient Rome. Some military leaders gave their men special coins for outstanding performance in addition to their regular pay. These were essentially the precursors to what we know today as challenge coins.

From the beginning of their use, coins have been collected or saved for their monetary value, of course. But the idea of collecting them as works of art is a somewhat more recent, if still ancient, development.

The Hobby of Kings

Contemporary reports show coin collecting in ancient Rome was indeed a notable pastime. Roman historian Suetonius wrote in the first century AD that the emperor Augustus sometimes presented old and exotic coins to friends and courtiers during festivals and other special occasions. This is perhaps the earliest noted reference to collecting coins for aesthetic purposes.

It's easy to see why coins became collectible. Crafted by skilled artisans, they were portable, affordable (for some) works of art.

By the 12th and 13th centuries, Middle Eastern artists created elaborate coins following the style of Greek and Roman designs, and adding their own original touches. The intricate designs of the era raised interest in coin collecting.

In fact, that interest became so great by the 15th century, demand for collectible coins exceeded the supply. That led to coin collecting becoming known as “The Hobby of Kings,” for only the well-to-do could afford them. Collections became status symbols.

By the end of the 19th century, interest in collecting coins expanded to include foreign currency and other exotic coins. Increased availability created a bigger market. The academic field of numismatics, the study of currency of all kinds, offered a new way to regard the history relevance of coins of all kinds. As a result, more people became interested in coin collecting.

Collectors Gather 

As interest grew over the decades, coin collecting clubs and trade associations formed. By 1962, interest was so great that the American Numismatic Association’s annual convention, held in Detroit, drew an estimated 40,000 participants.

Military Challenge Coins

Modern military challenge coins aren’t as old as other coins, but they have their own distinguished history, meaning and collectible value.

Military challenge coins serve multiple purposes. They can be presented to reward outstanding performance, honor fallen comrades or celebrate serving together as members of a specific unit, crew or deployment. They are a popular way to maintain morale and reinforce common bonds among service members.

Origins of Military Challenge Coins

There’s no definitive answer to how military coins began in the U.S. military, or even in what decade. With several apocryphal tales linking them to World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War, there’s no way to know the right answer.

The most popular story is the World War I version. According to that one, a wealthy lieutenant in the Army Air Corps had bronze coins made and gave one to each man in his squadron. One member of the squadron was shot down over enemy territory, captured and stripped of his identification. But he was able to keep the coin, which he carried in a small pouch around his neck. 

The pilot escaped, but was still behind enemy lines, where the French soldiers he encountered believed him to be a German spy. When he presented the coin, he was able to persuade the French troops he was an ally, and returned safely to his unit. As word of his escape spread, the other members of the squadron made it a point to have their coins with them at all times, a tradition that continues today.

From New Recruits to the Commander in Chief

Today, challenge coins are symbols of honor, highly regarded by all branches of military at all levels. Many service members collect them as a way to tell the story of their enlistment, from completing basic training to specific deployments, to the vessels they served on, or given for accomplishments they achieved. 

Beginning with the Clinton administration, every president has issued his own challenge coin, which he gives to military members and others at his sole discretion.

The Appeal of Challenge Coin Collecting

Modern-day challenge coin collectors come from all backgrounds. Many view them as interesting pieces of art. Still others enjoy learning the history of the coins, and discovering each piece’s distinct past. 

For military members, challenge coins can foster camaraderie among others, and at social events. Tradition holds that the person with a challenge coin from the highest ranking officer doesn’t buy a round of drinks. By that token, any service member with a presidential challenge coin will never have to buy a round again.

Reasons to Collect Coins

Whether civilians or military members, many find coin collecting to be a fun hobby and popular pastime today. The reasons they choose to collect coins varies from person to person, but there are several common reason.

For both active military members and veterans, collecting coins that tell their stories is an obvious draw. Commemorating their time in service to their country is important to them.

Another common reason to collect coins of any kind is their artwork. Just as in ancient times, coins are still small, portable works of art. A well-designed coin can be inspirational to the viewer.

Rare coins can be quite valuable. That inspires collectors who prize them for their monetary value.

Getting Started

It’s easy to begin collecting coins. You can start with the change in your pocket! The U.S. Mint offers these potential themes for starting a collection:

• Country
• Time period
• Coin finish
• Denomination
• Mint mark
• Design theme
• Artist

With challenge coins, you can choose by military branch, specific units, deployments and more. Coin shows, flea markets, auctions and fellow collectors can all be a great way to find coins you’ll enjoy trading for.

Create Your Own Custom Coins

If you want to commemorate a special occasion, honor friends and family, show membership in an organization or honor your own military service, it’s easy to create your own custom challenge coins.

At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we offer a range of styles, ensuring your coins will be exclusive collectables that will quickly become cherished keepsakes. We make ordering fast, easy and fun. 

Ready to find out more? Call us toll free at (855) 272-8451, or email us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about custom challenge coins. Already have a design in mind? Great! Fill out our no-obligation free quote form, and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your design. Let us show you how easy creating custom challenge coins can be!