The Meaning Behind Receiving A Custom Challenge Coin

Through the centuries, people have used challenge coins for several reasons. But what is the history of custom challenge coins? What does it mean to be given one of these tokens?

Today we take a close look into both of those questions and hopefully provide you with some solid answers. Throughout history, members of groups have created ways to honor one another and provide their loyalty and membership. This has been done through songs, mottos, tattoos, or other markers that signify the importance of their bond and their allegiance to the same group.

A Time-Honored Tradition

Challenge coins are an extension of that tradition, used as a way to celebrate membership while creating a bond between members. From U.S. Presidents to police officers to soldiers, police officers and first responders, many groups use challenge coins to build morale and fellowship while also using them to honor hard work and longtime dedication.

Challenge coins have a long, rich history that dates back much further than you might imagine. Let's take a look at the use of custom challenge coins and exactly what it means to be presented with one.

By definition, a challenge coin is a coin or medallion created by a group and presented to the members of that group. Generally speaking, challenge coins feature the seal or logo of a group and their motto or other identifying images, words, and details. Typically, they are used by different military and law enforcement groups, indicating membership in specific units, groups, or squads. But how did they get their start?

Origins of Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have been used throughout history, and have even played a role in saving the lives of soldiers in conflict.

The first uses of what we know today as challenge coins can be traced all the way back to the ancient Romans. Rome had one of the greatest armies in history, conquering huge parts of the globe in a short amount of time. Commanders in the Roman army watched and fostered the greatness of their soldiers. To recognize them for their acts of bravery on the battlefield. The leaders had custom coins made for these courageous soldiers, honoring their name, unit, and accomplishments in battle. The coins both honored individual soldiers and raised troop morale and built camaraderie among the ranks.

Wealthy families also distributed custom coins during the Renaissance. Upper-class families gave their friends and family members gifts known as "portrait coins."  These portrait coins usually had the likeness of the recipient on one side and their family seal on the other.

The coins were presented when someone had accomplished a remarkable feat. They also were used to commemorate special events like marriages, birthdays, and deaths.

Military Custom Coins

Although there’s no definitive explanation, the most popular theory of modern challenge coins can be traced back to World War I. As the apocryphal story goes, many young, upper-class American men volunteered to join the military. One such man was a lieutenant in charge of an air squadron in the Army Air Corps. He honored his men with bronze coins made with their squadron insignia on them. He presented the coin to each man as a gift, to be cherished and worn with honor.

One young pilot wore his coin in a leather pouch around his neck, carrying it with him at all times. Shortly after receiving his coin,  the pilot was shot down. Though he survived the crash, he was captured by German forces and taken prisoner.

The Germans stripped the pilot of his uniforms, equipment, and belongings, though they left the leather pouch around his neck. After some time, the pilot was able to escape during an attack on the base where he was held. The soldier eventually made his way to the front lines, where he was again captured, this time by French soldiers.

 The soldiers believed the young pilot to be a spy and ordered his execution. Before they could do so, the pilot showed the French soldiers his coin. One soldier recognized the coin and its design, saving the young pilot's life. The execution was suspended, and the soldier was escorted back to his squadron, living to fight another day.

Upon the pilot’s return of the pilot, he shared his story with fellow pilots and soldiers. Soon enough, they all began to carry their coins on them at all times.

The Challenge

The airmen invented a game to keep fellow soldiers on their toes. When pilots were at a bar, members of the squadron would take out their coin and "challenge" others to show their coin. If any group members didn't have their coin, they would have to buy the next round of drinks for every person who had their coin. If the challenged members all had their coin, the challenging member would have to buy the round of drinks. Although this isn't standard practice for all groups with challenge coins, many, especially in the military still follow the tradition and honor the ritual.

Why Challenge Coins Are Presented

Many organizations present their challenge coins to members for multiple reasons. Typically, groups offer challenge coins as a sign of their acceptance into the group. For example, the U.S. Air Force presents all of its basic training and officer training graduates with challenge coins to congratulate them and commemorate their accomplishments.

Honoring Excellence

Some groups present challenge coins to honor outstanding achievements. Law enforcement agencies and fire departments often give out challenge coins when their officers and members go beyond the call of duty. Coins also are used to commemorate unique acts of fallen soldiers and officers as well.

Challenge coins may also be presented to non-members who perform a service for the group. Organizations often give challenge coins to guests of honor, such as politicians, celebrities and others. No matter what the reason, receiving a challenge coin should be considered an honor.

If you would like to find out more about challenge coins or are interested in ordering custom coins of your own, we can help. Simply give us a call toll-free at 1 (855) 272-8451 or email us. We'd be happy to help!