11/17/2023 0 Comments Challenge coin![]() ![]() Their popularity has evolved beyond the ranks of active-duty and retired government agency personnel and now extends to many other fields. These days, challenge coins are no longer exclusive to the armed forces, although military coins are still a common tradition. That memorable handshake held a special surprise for each recipient a specially minted challenge coin personalized by the Secretary of Defense himself. What may have appeared to an outsider as a simple gesture of respect, was, in actual fact, much more. It is notable that in 2011, while touring military bases in Afghanistan, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates shook hands with many men and women in the Armed Forces. Fortunately, a French soldier recognized the insignia and the ace’s identity was confirmed, whereupon he was returned to his squadron in the United States.Ĭhallenge coins still capture the essence of military affiliation today. In an attempt to escape execution, the soldier presented his medallion to prove his identity. Upon escaping Germany, the pilot headed for France where he was believed to be a spy. According to legend, when a young ace was once shot down over Germany, the enemy soldiers stripped him of all personal belongings except for a leather pouch tied around his neck, which held his squadron medallion. During that time, it was not uncommon for wealthy officers to mint bronze medallions stamped with their flying’s squadron’s insignia and give them to their brave men. More recent uses of military coins were seen during World War I. ![]() However, this legend is up for debate and many people consider the first use of challenge coins to have taken place during the First World War. According to some accounts, the coin was stamped with the soldier’s legion, encouraging them to keep their coins rather than spend them. Some believe that the original challenge coins can be traced back to Ancient Rome, where soldiers were given specially minted coins as a reward for their valor. In some cases, challenge coins can be used as part of a game known as the “Challenge Coin Check."For example, someone in a military organization, or emergency service or company, may take out their coin to challenge one or more of their colleagues whoever cannot produce their coin must buy a round of drinks for the group. The coin’s designs may be as simple as the organization’s insignia, or more elaborate with multi-dimensional cutouts. Most often, challenge coins are made from nickel, pewter, or copper, while some limited-edition variations are gold-plated. Some diverge from the traditional coin-shape and have the shape of shields, dog tags or pentagons. Their shapes and styles may vary significantly. Typically, each has a diameter of between 1½ and 2 inches and a thickness of about 1/10th of an inch. The pocket-sized medallions can also be used to honor an individual for their special achievement, to commemorate a special event, or to boost group morale. Traditionally used in the military to represent a service member’s belonging to their chosen branch or unit, these days, challenge coins have significance in many other arenas. ![]()
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