Fraternity Challenge Coins

Fraternities are a brotherhood in which college friends can create a bond that lasts for a lifetime. If your fraternity is looking for a creative new way to bond and build team spirit, take a closer look at fraternity challenge coins.

What’s a Challenge Coin?

That’s easy. Challenge coins are custom coins created to show membership in a specific organization or group. They’re easy to carry in a wallet or pocket, and promote bonding and camaraderie among group members.

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

Although custom coins for recognition date back at least as far as ancient Rome, challenge coins as we know them today originated in the U.S. military. There’s some dispute as to which decade they debuted in, but the most common legend has it that they began in World War I, when a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps had bronze coins made for the members of his squadron.

After a member of the squadron was shot down over German territory, he was stripped of his identification. According to the legend, he escaped and managed to convince French troops he wasn’t a spy only by showing them his coin They returned him safely to his unit. That’s when the tradition began of carrying one’s coin at all times. 

Other origin stories say the coins became popular after World War II, or during the Vietnam War. As we noted, there’s no real definitive answer to how challenge coins began.

What’s not in dispute is that challenge coins remain a valued aspect of military life. Even the President of the United States has his own challenge coin that he gives to whoever he chooses. In recent years, as they’ve become more familiar, custom coins also have moved into the civilian world, being used by businesses, schools, nonprofit groups and yes, fraternities. 

What’s the Challenge?

The challenge aspect is a time-honored tradition. Once you have received a challenge coin, part of the responsibility of carrying it is to have it with you at all times. Tradition holds that any member of a group who carries that group’s coin can call for a “coin check” at any time. Those present must show their coins. Whoever can’t do so buys the next round of drinks. If everyone presents a coin, the challenger must buy. What better way to bring your fraternity brothers together than with challenge coins?

When you distribute the challenge coins to your brothers, be sure to explain the responsibility that comes along with carrying one. Note that those brothers who fail to produce their coins at the time of a challenge will be held to paying for the next round of drinks!

Remember that anyone with a coin can call a coin check at any time, whether a member of the group is clothed or unclothed. The most common allowance is a “step and a reach” to get to your coin and present it. It pays to keep your coin close in the shower if you don’t want to end up buying a lot of drinks.

Why Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins are a custom item that personalizes the vision and values of your fraternity. Unlike other symbolic items, such as paddles or banners, custom coins are a keepsake that members can carry with them and display proudly virtually anywhere. They’re a great way to celebrate your brotherhood. They are a powerful commemorative item for members, both current and alumni. They are a reminder of that college bond and the great times shared.

Designing Fraternity Challenge Coins

Challenge coins can be customized to match your vision. It's all about the details, and you can get as creative as you would like. Custom coins can feature your fraternity and chapter name. The symbols of your fraternity can also be added to the front or back of your coin. 

Creating a meaningful coin design for your fraternity can be easy. You can include the traditional Greek letters, symbols, mottos, or anything else that best captures the spirit of the organization and your members.

While most challenge coins are round, you’re not limited to any specific shape. A good provider can create custom coins in virtually any shape you can imagine.

You can also choose from a range of metal finishes for your coins, including gold, silver, bronze, copper, black nickel and more. Many are available in your choice of polished or antiqued style.

Optional extras such as cutouts, 3D design, added colors and sequential numbering add distinction and uniqueness to your coins. If you want to give members something extra useful, you can even have coins made into bottle openers or keychains.

For more details on designing challenge coins, please see our Design page.

The Right Provider Makes a Difference

At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we have the experience and talent to create the perfect coins for your fraternity Our team of artists and graphic designers will work with you every step of the way from design to delivery to ensure you get the exact custom coin design you envision. 

You can rest assured you will receive top-quality coins. With 20 years’ experience in the field of custom coins, we know what it takes to produce a well-crafted coin, and we understand the value they can have. We even back everything we sell with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Should any coin you buy from us be defective in either materials or workmanship, we’ll replace it at no extra cost to you.

Interested in finding out more? Call us toll free at (855) 272-8451, or email us. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our free quote form and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your design. Feel free to explore our Gallery page for examples of great coin designs we’ve created. Let us show you how easy it can be to commemorate your Greek brothers with custom challenge coins!