Challenge coins have a long and interesting history. Many people don’t know what they are, or how they started. challenge coins are small, metal coins given to members of the military, police officers, and other service members.
They are usually engraved with the member’s name or unit number. Challenge coins originated during World War I when American soldiers received a challenge coin from their comrades.
In this article, we’ll discuss the history of the challenge coin and the symbolism surrounding this tradition.
Why Do People Collect Challenge Coins?
Challenge coins are often collected by members of the military, police officers, and other service members. There are a few reasons for this.
First, challenge coins are a way to commemorate an achievement or honor someone’s service. You can also use them as identification cards or tokens of appreciation.
Second, challenge coins are usually unique and interesting pieces of metalwork. They can be quite valuable to collectors.
Finally, challenge coins carry a lot of symbolism and meaning. Each coin has its own story to tell, which is why many people collect them.
The Origin of Challenge Coins
The challenge coin tradition originated in World War I. American soldiers received a challenge coin from their comrades in order to identify them. If a soldier died in battle, his comrades could use the challenge coin to prove that they were friends of the fallen soldier.
Since then, people have used challenge coins as identification cards and tokens of appreciation by members of the military and police officers. The tradition has also spread to other service professions, such as firefighting and EMS services.
What Does a Challenge Coin Look Like?
Most challenge coins are around an inch in diameter made from brass, bronze, copper, or nickel silver. They usually feature the name or insignia of the organization that issued them. Some challenge coins also have unique designs or shapes that make them more collectible.
How Are Challenge Coins Used?
Challenge coins are usually given to members of the military, police officers, and other service members. You can use them as identification cards or tokens of appreciation.
Some challenge coins are also used as awards or mementos. For example, you can give a challenge coin to a soldier who has completed an arduous training exercise.
Challenge Coin Traditions
There are a few traditions associated with challenge coins. One tradition is that the owner of the challenge coin must present it to another person when they meet.
This is usually done in order to prove that the recipient is a member of the group that issued the challenge coin.
What is Challenge Coin Etiquette?
There are a few challenge coin etiquette rules you should follow. First, always treat challenge coins with respect. You should never use challenge coins as toys or gambling chips.
Second, you shouldn’t trade challenge coins. Third, challenge coins should never be copied or reproduced without permission from the organization that issued them.
Finally, challenge coins should never be lost or damaged. If this happens, the owner is responsible for replacing it.
Who Issues Challenge Coins?
Custom challenge coins are usually issued by military units, police departments, and other service organizations. There are also a few commercial companies that make challenge coins for sale to the public.
What is the Value of a Challenge Coin?
The value of a challenge coin depends on the design and materials used to make it. Most challenge coins are worth between $15 and $50, but some can be worth much more.
How Do I Collect Challenge Coins?
There are a few ways to collect challenge coins. One way is to join a challenge coin collector’s club. These clubs often have websites or online forums where members can trade or sell challenge coins.
Another way to collect challenge coins is by attending coin shows or auctions. These events are usually held several times a year and feature exhibitors from all over the world.
Finally, many challenge coins can be purchased online from various retailers. eBay is a popular destination for collectors looking to add new challenge coins to their collection.
How to Make a Challenge Coin
As you can see, challenge coins have a storied history that extends back generations. If you’re interested in taking part in this tradition, here are some important tips to follow:
Consider the Purpose of the Coin
The first step in making a challenge coin is to determine its purpose. Will it be used as an identification card or token of appreciation? Or will it be used as an award or memento?
Choose the Design
Once you’ve decided on the purpose of the coin, you can start designing it. The design should be unique and representative of the group that issued it.
Make Sure the Coin is Made From Quality Materials
Challenge coins are usually made from brass, bronze, copper, or nickel silver. They should never be made from low-quality materials like aluminum or plastic.
Get Permission From the Group That Issued the Coin
Before reproducing a challenge coin, make sure to get permission from the group that issued it. This is important to ensure that the coin’s design and quality are up to specifications.
Choose a Quality Coin Manufacturer
When it comes time to have the challenge coin made, make sure to choose a reputable manufacturer like www.vivipins.com. Ask for referrals from other collectors or check online reviews.
Make Sure the Coin is Minted Properly
Once the coin has been designed and approved by the group that issued it, make sure it’s minted properly. The manufacturing process should be overseen by a qualified professional.
Packaging and Presentation Matter
Next, don’t forget about packaging and presentation! Challenge coins should always be packaged in a protective case or holder and presented with care.
Localize Your Design
If possible, try to localize the design of your challenge coin. This will make it more unique and representative of the group that issued it.
Include a Certificate of Authenticity
Finally, include a certificate of authenticity with your challenge coin. This will ensure that there is no confusion about its origin or ownership.
Learn More About Challenge Coins
As you can see, the challenge coin has a very interesting history. This information should give you all details about challenge coin origins.
Do you want to learn about making custom challenge coins? If so, check out our blog for more helpful articles.
