One soldier recognized it, and his identity was soon confirmed, hence saving his life.īut how did these coins evolve from simply memorabilia into a challenge? Some say that the challenge was brought back by the America GIs that frequented the bars in occupied Germany after World War II. Trying to clear his name, the pilot showed his medallion. Upon arrival, the soldiers took him for German spy and attempted to execute him. One of them was shot down over Germany but managed to escape back to France. There, it is alleged that an officer of the Allied Powers stamped bronze medallions with the insignia of his flight squadron and distributed them to his soldiers. Some historians claim that these coins were uniquely marked with their legion’s insignia, prompting many soldiers to keep them as souvenirs.Īnother origin story, though likely a myth, can be traced back to World War I. The earliest known account dates back to Ancient Rome, where special coins were given to soldiers as a token of appreciation for valor in battle. The History of Challenge CoinsĪlthough nobody knows for certain when and where challenge coins originated, it is widely accepted that the tradition began amongst soldiers in the military. They can be a great way to commemorate an experience and connect everyone who participated in it. Those who wish to honor a someone’s achievement or a special occasion can choose to create their own custom challenge coins. Those believing this rule to be unfair would steal the medal and secretly give it to its rightful owner via a handshake. British mercenaries during the war could not receive official medals, and their superiors typically received the medals instead. This practice is believed to have begun during the Second Boer War. A commanding officer or high-ranking official will typically palm the coin and bestow it, either in public or private, upon the recipient. Historically, the preferred way to give someone a challenge coin is by secret handshake. Challenge coins are an informal award therefore, it is only proper that their issuance reflects that. A big part of the tradition of challenge coins lies in how they’re given. It is possible to buy challenge coins, but doing so takes away its context, and therefore its significance. Meeting a high-ranking government official.Earning a challenge coin can take as many forms as there are coins, but those most common ways are: They serve as a testament of the experiences that one had to go through in order to get it, which is why challenge coins represent a veneration of those who receive them.
Being the recipient of a challenge coin can be a highly fulfilling experience, and it creates a unique bond with those who have also received the same coin. Many will say that the only way to truly get a challenge coin is by earning it. Some businesses have begun to incorporate them into their organizations to boost morale and motivation, and some use them for branding purposes. The practice has a long history among those in the military and first responders as a way to honor service. They serve as a more informal token of appreciation, standing in place of medals and ribbons. Being given a challenge coin represents comrade or unity and proves membership of a certain group, as well as honoring the actions of those who receive them.Ĭhallenge coins have a special way of instilling pride in its recipients. In coin collecting, a challenge coin is a uniquely designed coin that represents an organization or occasion. They’re beautiful souvenirs, but what exactly is the significance of someone gifting you with one?
For the majority, though, challenge coins are cloaked in a bit of mystery. If you grew up military or with a first responder parent, they most likely had a collection of challenge coins, coins given to them for merit, leaving a base, getting a promotion, or meeting a dignitary.
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