Challenge coins are small medallions, often bearing an organization’s insignia, that are typically awarded to symbolize membership, recognize achievements, or commemorate events. While deeply rooted in military tradition, they are now utilized by a variety of organizations and even individuals.
Here are the primary ways to obtain a challenge coin:
- Military Service: This is the most traditional way. Challenge coins are awarded to service members for various reasons, including belonging to a specific unit, showcasing outstanding performance or acts of bravery, completing missions or training exercises, or as a welcome or farewell gesture for commanders.
- First Responder Service: Following a similar path, first responders like police officers and firefighters receive challenge coins to honor their dedication and bravery in the line of duty.
- Group or Organizational Membership: Many civilian organizations, clubs, and even corporations have adopted the challenge coin tradition. You might receive a coin for joining a group, achieving a milestone within that group, or participating in a special event.
- Meeting with a Senior Leader or Official: High-ranking officials, including presidents and military commanders, often have their own personalized challenge coins which they may present to individuals for meritorious service or simply to acknowledge a meeting.
- Personal Achievement or Commemoration: Outside of formal organizations, individuals can create or acquire custom challenge coins to commemorate personal achievements, significant life events, or shared experiences with a group of friends or family. For example, the Boy Scouts award challenge coins to those achieving the Eagle Scout rank.
- Purchase or Collection: You can buy challenge coins online, at auctions, or through various retailers. However, keep in mind that a purchased coin generally doesn’t carry the same significance as one earned through service or personal achievement, and traditionally shouldn’t be used to answer a challenge.
Essentially, while some challenge coins can be purchased as collector’s items, the most significant and traditional way to acquire one is through earning it through service, achievement, or membership within a recognized group or organization.
How does someone get a challenge coin?
They are collected by various people as a form of exonumia. Historically, challenge coins have been presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit, or the unit as a whole. They have also been exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.
How do you obtain challenge coins?
Good point! Public auctions (either live or online) are common ways to acquire challenge coins. You can also visit an estate sale after the original holder has passed, assuming that they have not already passed the challenge coin to their family members or friends.
What does it mean if someone gives you a challenge coin?
Thanks for asking. Challenge coins are small medallions that represent an achievement, membership, or affiliation to a specific group. In the military and veteran community, they often symbolize a special event or mission, anniversary, meeting with a leader, or affiliation with a unit.