What is a Military Challenge Coin?

If you’re in a military family, have seen a military ceremony, or just shopped a large variety of military surplus, you may have noticed small metal coins. A long-held American tradition, those coins are actually called military challenge coins. What are challenge coins? Let’s learn more about the history of challenge coins, including what they represent, how they got their name and their current use.

Military Challenge Coins

What are military challenge coins? Challenge coins are small, specially designed coins or medallions that bear the insignia, emblem, or motto of an organization. They’re usually circular, but they can also be found as pentagons or spades.

These coins are given to individuals as a token of membership or belonging to an organization, or to acknowledge and honor their special achievements, dedication, or service. It’s considered a great honor to receive a challenge coin because it serves as a token of appreciation and recognition from peers (and superiors) for their achievements.

What are a few things challenge coins show? There are hundreds of designs today. Each military base has a unique coin (or two), and it is common for each unit or battalion to create its own, as well. They will also create coins for unique events or collaborations.

Challenge coins are used across all the branches of the US military, serving as a part of military tradition and culture.

The History of Challenge Coins

Now you know what challenge coins are, you might be wondering where they came from. Were they always such an integral part of the military?

The origins of military challenge coins are a little unclear since they were never officially sanctioned, though there are a few theories as to where and how they started. It’s thought that the coins date back to ancient Roman times. According to that theory, some soldiers were rewarded for their service and bravery with Roman coins bearing their legion’s insignia. Rather than being spent, they served as keepsakes – much like what modern challenge coins are used as.

Some believe that the history of modern challenge coins originated during World War I. The story goes that an affluent squadron leader presented bronze medallions bearing their emblem to each of his pilots as a gesture of brotherhood and unity.

The story doesn’t end there. One of the fighter pilots was shot down over enemy territory and captured by German forces. They allegedly took all of his identification, save for the medallion around his neck. Dressed in civilian clothing, he made his escape to allied lines in France during a bombardment, only to be suspected of being a German saboteur. He showed his medallion to French soldiers, who then halted his impending execution, proved his identity, and returned the pilot to his squadron.

It’s All in the Name

If that’s what challenge coins are, how did they get their name? Like the history of challenge coins, the name’s origin is also unclear – and widely debated. Another narrative of their history also may explain the origins of the coin’s name.

According to this narrative, challenge coins started in an Army infantry-run bar during the Vietnam War. Patrons were required (or challenged) to present enemy bullets or medallions bearing their unit’s insignia upon entrance. Military members would tap the bullets or Army challenge coins at a table or bar, shout “challenge check!” and anyone that couldn’t produce one – or was last to – would buy the first round of drinks. This was their way to keep non-infantrymen away by making them pay for drinks if they couldn’t prove their combat service.

The tradition of this challenge coin check continues today.

The Tradition of Trading Challenge Coins

Treasured pieces of military insignia, challenge coins aren’t just handed over to the recipient. Instead, challenge coins are traditionally given via handshake. The military officer – or President – places the coin in their hand and is passed to the recipient during their handshake as a sign of respect and sincerity.

What are Challenge Coins Used For?

The history of challenge coins indicates that they were once used as an informal form of identification in the military. From World War I and into the Korean and Vietnam Wars, these coins showed that an individual was a trusted member of the military community and shared the same values as their brothers in arms.

What are challenge coins given for in modern times? Today, military commanders give challenge coins to service members as camaraderie or as recognition for certain achievements. They may be given for a myriad of things, including completing basic training, serving in a combat zone, achieving a certain rank, and other special achievements.

Challenge coins are also given to service members by the President of the United States as a token of appreciation and recognition for their service. This practice began with President Bill Clinton. Introduced to challenge coins during his time in office, he embraced the tradition by presenting personnel with coins with the presidential seal on one side and the White House on the other.

Collecting Military Challenge Coins

What else are military challenge coins used for? Challenge coins have come a long way since their history during World War I and the Vietnam War. Today, they’re collected by military and non-military alike. This is especially notable since challenge coins weren’t customarily traded by civilians.

Enlisted officers hold challenge coins as keepsakes. High-ranking officers, veterans, and retired service members proudly display their many challenge coins alongside their patches. Some civilians, including military family members and military memorabilia collectors, have built their own collections as support or respect for the US military or were given to them by military members during a special occasion. They can also be given as military gifts.

What Are Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins are small medallions bearing military insignia. They’re given to service members by high-ranking officers as a way to commemorate their service or achievements. However, they’re also possessed by military family members and collectors to honor our military. More than just a coin, they’re symbols of honor, pride, and esprit de corps.

Show support for the military or for your branch with your own military challenge coins. Shop Navy challenge coins, USMC challenge coins, USAF challenge coins, and more today at Army Surplus World!