Challenge Coins
What are Challenge Coins?
A Challenge Coin is a small Coin or Medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization
Modern day challenge coins may feature images from popular culture or organizational values. Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and are often made using popular culture references, including superheroes and other well known characters, in a way that creates a parody.
For more information on Challenge Coins including their history, Click here.
Why is a Challenge Coin right for my agency, business, event or organization?
In the past businesses, organizations and agencies have chosen many different ways to show their appreciation for employees, members or event attendees such as giving away coffee mugs, hats, water bottles, t-shirts, jackets and more. However, something as simple as a coffee mug with your logo on it can easily exceed the cost of a challenge coin.
A challenge coin for an organization is often carried with a sense of pride in the pockets of members and employees and can be proudly displayed on a bookshelf and offices as a conversation piece or be a cherished keepsake from a memorable event.
They are durable and are designed to last, whereas other items can degrade through many wash cycles.
The Average Price of a Challenge Coin, depending on options and complexity, typically range from $4.00 – $8.00 a coin (Based on a 100 coin order)
The average landed price to the customer is around $6.00 Per unit (Based on a 100 Coin Order)
Compared to other types of keepsakes for your organization, a challenge coin can be a cost-effective solution. Such as the following, which can be found on a popular online printing company website
- Copper Vacuum Insulated Bottle 17 oz – $11.82 Per unit – Single Colour Printing only (If you purchase 100 units)
- Custom 11 oz Mug – $10.50 Per Unit (If you purchase 100 units)
- Printed Men’s T-shirt – $10.70 Per unit
More Information & History on the Tradition of Challenge Coins
Challenge Coin Origins
It’s nearly impossible to definitively know why and where the tradition of challenge coins began. One thing is certain: coins and military service go back a lot farther than our modern age.
One of the earliest known examples of an enlisted soldier being monetarily rewarded for valour took place in Ancient Rome. If a soldier performed well in battle that day, he would receive his typical day’s pay, and a separate coin as a bonus. Some accounts say that the coin was specially minted with a mark of the legion from which it came, prompting some men to hold on to their coins as a memento, rather than spend them on women and wine.
Today, the use of coins in the military is much more nuanced. While many coins are still handed out as tokens of appreciation for a job well done, especially for those serving as part of a military operation, some administrators exchange them almost like business cards or autographs they can add to a collection. There are also coins that a soldier can use like an ID badge to prove they served with a particular unit. Still other coins are handed out to civilians for publicity, or even sold as a fund-raising tool.
The First Official Challenge Coin (One of the theories)
Although no one is certain how challenge coins came to be, one story dates back to World War I, when a wealthy officer had bronze medallions struck with the flying squadron’s insignia to give to his men. Shortly after, one of the young flying aces was shot down over Germany and captured. The Germans took everything on his person except the small leather pouch he wore around his neck that happened to contain his medallion.
The pilot escaped and made his way to France. But the French believed he was a spy, and sentenced him to execution. In an effort to prove his identity, the pilot presented the medallion. A French soldier happened to recognize the insignia and the execution was delayed. The French confirmed his identity and sent him back to his unit.
One of the earliest challenge coins was minted by Colonel “Buffalo Bill” Quinn, 17th Infantry Regiment, who had them made for his men during the Korean War. The coin features a buffalo on one side as a nod to its creator, and the Regiment’s insignia on the other side. A hole was drilled in the top, so the men could wear it around their necks, instead of in a leather pouch.