Challenge Coins have been popularly used for many centuries. According to history, the use of these coins started way back in World War I. It is given to members of different squadrons to prove their membership. It is said that the coin has saved an American pilot’s life from execution. It has proven his membership to his American unit when he lost his identity.
The coins are usually made out of bronze or even silver. Sometimes it may come as pure gold or gold-plated. It is stamped with the special insignia of the unit to differentiate from other divisions. Aside from the emblem, words are engraved to show identity or purpose of the coin. Colors and different textures are added to it to make it unique and unit-specific.
A member owning a coin must carry it with him at all times. This is usually a requirement especially in the military to differentiate members from various units. Bringing the coin may serve many purposes for the owner.
To ensure compliance of the rule, members challenge each other to produce the coin. A challenger will lay down his coin in a table for everyone to see. The person who can’t produce the coin will buy drinks for those who have it. Otherwise if all can produce the coin, the challenger will pay for all drinks. This tradition has been carried for many years and until now, some still practice it.
There are variations to the rules of the challenge in some units or organizations. Due to widespread ownership of coins, the rules are modified to prevent abuse to its use. Some rules include setting time limits in producing the coin during a challenge. Another is during a challenge; the highest ranking coin owner gets free drinks from everyone. There are still many rules set in every challenge.
In the past, such coins are only acquired from the military units. Squad heads orders the making of the coins to be given to the members. Nowadays, it is used in organizations for gifts or being sold for fund-raising.
The coins can also be acquired by passing an initiation or tests. These coins earned are awards for bravery and determination to become a member. The same goes for officials being promoted in higher ranks by passing tests and challenges. It is also given to members that have done excellent service to the organization.
Coins are made everywhere and the price depends on the design and materials used. Bronze and silver are the usual material used. The more complex the design and the more colors, the coin price gets higher.
Despite the many uses of challenge coins, many carry it with respect and pride. These coins show brotherhood and camaraderie of the members in a unit or organization. Most of these coins are not just given but are usually earned by hardwork.
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