Did you know that there are five major awards that military personnel can receive? These include the Silver Star, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, distinguished service Cross, and Medal of Honor. However, there are plenty of minor awards that military personnel get.
One of the most notable is a challenge coin. Interestingly, a challenge coin is also not limited to those who serve in the military. Understanding challenge coins will help you determine when they are appropriate to give and receive.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
So, What Are Challenge Coins?
They are small coins that are typically given to signify membership in a group or unit. Oftentimes, they are given to people who achieve a certain goal or perform an admirable act. The origin of challenge coins is actually quite vague.
Some say that they date back to ancient Rome, while others claim that they were first used during World War I. What we do know is that challenge coins became increasingly popular during World War II.
They were originally given to military personnel as a way to boost morale. Soldiers would carry them with them into battle and if they were captured, they could use the challenge coin to prove their allegiance to their unit. This would help them avoid being killed or tortured by the enemy.
Nowadays, challenge coins are still given to military personnel. However, they are also given to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and even politicians.
In some cases, they are even given to civilians who donate to a certain cause or organization.
What Are Other Situations Where Somebody Might Give a Challenge Coin?
There are plenty of other reasons why somebody might give a challenge coin. For example, they might give one to somebody who has completed a difficult task or project.
Or, they might give one to an employee who has gone above and beyond their job duties. Another common situation is when a business owner wants to show appreciation to a loyal customer.
In this case, they might give the customer a challenge coin that has the business’s logo on it.
How Are Challenge Coins Used?
Typically, challenge coins are kept in a person’s pocket or wallet.
Whenever somebody wants to challenge somebody else to a “coin check,” they will pull out their coin and tap it on the table. The other person will then need to do the same.
If they don’t have a challenge coin, they will usually buy the person a drink. However, this type of behavior could also extend to buying someone a meal, nonalcoholic beverage, etc.
Where Can I Get a Challenge Coin?
If you want to get a challenge coin for yourself or somebody else, there are plenty of options available. You can find them at military surplus stores, online retailers, and even some jewelers.
It’s essential to decide what type of coin you want. For example, do you want one that is made from gold, silver, or bronze?
Or, do you want one that is enameled? Enameled challenge coins tend to be the most popular because they are the most visually appealing.
However, they can also be more expensive. As you might guess, it will be more expensive to purchase a gold or silver coin as opposed to a bronze one.
Some people also choose to purchase challenge medallions. You can check out this resource to learn more about them.
What Should I Look for in a Challenge Coin Provider?
If you decide to purchase challenge coins, you’ll need to find a reputable provider. After all, you don’t want to end up with coins that are made from cheap materials.
Likewise, you’ll want to make sure that the company you use has a good reputation for customer service. One way to find a reputable challenge coin provider is to ask people you know if they have any recommendations. For example, you might ask a friend or family member if they’ve ever purchased challenge coins before.
If so, they might be able to point you in the right direction. You can also look for online reviews of challenge coin providers. This will give you a good idea of what other people have thought about the quality of the coins they’ve received.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that the provider you use offers a money-back guarantee. This way, you can return the coins if you’re not satisfied with them. Otherwise, you run the risk of being stuck with a product that does not meet your needs.
Do I Always Have to Carry My Challenge Coin With Me?
While it’s always a good idea to carry your challenge coin with you, there may be some situations where this is not possible. For example, you might leave it at home if you’re going to the beach or swimming pool.
However, you should always make sure to put it in a safe place so that you don’t lose it.
What if I Lose My Challenge Coin?
If you do happen to lose your challenge coin, don’t panic.
In most cases, you can simply purchase a replacement from the provider you used. You’ll want to make sure that you keep your receipt so that you can prove that you purchased the coin from them.
In some cases, you might be able to get your coin replaced for free. For example, some companies will offer a free replacement if you lose your coin while you’re on active duty.
Understanding a Challenge Coin Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Understanding what a challenge coin is might seem difficult to understand at first, but it’s much easier than people think. Ensure that you keep the above guidelines in mind when moving forward so you can avoid mistakes.
Looking for other useful info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!
