Why is it called a challenge coin? To understand, we must first look back at the origins of the Challenge Coin.
Challenge coins date back about 100 years. There are a few different versions of the origin story, and because of the lack of records back then, it’s hard to pinpoint how the challenge coin started or to verify these claims. Some say it started in World War 1, when an American lieutenant gave his troops a special medallion. That lieutenant was then captured by the German forces. He managed to escape, only for the French to find him. Thinking he was with the Germans, they were prepared to execute him, only for his medallion to prove his American identity, granting him freedom. Others say it started during the Vietnam War, while a few say it began in the 1990s or even all the way back to the Roman Empire. However, all service members can agree on one thing: when you see a challenge coin on the bartop, pull yours out too, or you’ll be buying a round for everyone at the bar.
How the Coin is Now Used as a Challenge
To avoid buying drinks when soldiers would go drink together, they would show proof of their service—enemy bullets, battle scars, or other memorabilia or weaponry. It then evolved into the challenge coin being used as proof of service. To this day, if someone pulls out a challenge coin in a bar with a heavy military presence, the person without one buys everyone drinks. If everyone has one, then the person who initiated the challenge now has a hefty bar tab.
A Visual Representation of Challenges
Challenge coins are given as tokens of recognition and appreciation to a soldier who has made unimaginable sacrifices. They may have their insignia etched into them, their rank, tours they endured, or matching coins to represent the deep bond they have with their battle brothers. Each challenge coin tells a story and serves as a reminder that we are the home of the free, because of the brave.
A Coin for Each Challenge
A challenge coin can be used to start a challenge or to tell a story of one’s challenges. Because Challenge coins have grown beyond the military, they can also be used to mark sobriety anniversaries, as awards for completing a marathon, or for other significant achievements. No matter why it’s called a challenge coin, each coin is something to be proud of, as it serves as a reminder of obstacles conquered and goals achieved.
Get Your Challenge Coin with Elite Custom Coins
Whether you want a challenge coin for yourself or to gift to someone else, Elite Custom Coins crafts every coin with care and respect. From the design phase to final touches, we’ll ensure your coin is what you wanted, and our high-quality materials and craftsmanship yield a coin that will last forever. View our gallery or get started on your order.
