What Are Challenge Coins, and How Do They Work?

Challenge coins are custom-designed coins made to represent a person or group or to honor or commemorate an achievement or special occasion. What makes a challenge coin a challenge coin is its uniqueness and keepsake value: It's a reminder of someone's service or accomplishments.

Challenge coins have been an important part of military tradition for many years, and other services have adopted them as well. Fire and police departments and even some academic institutions have joined in the tradition of issuing challenge coins to their members. Often, these are die-struck metal coins, but they can be found in other styles, including enamel coins and dimensionally printed coins.

How Do Challenge Coins Work?

Another thing that makes a challenge coin a challenge coin is the "challenge" element. Traditionally, coins would be issued to members of a military unit, and others might challenge a member to produce their coin to prove their affiliation. Those who have these coins are expected to carry them at all times, so if anyone challenges them to show their coin, they should be able to do so. Over time, this led to the development of fun traditions involving being able to produce your coin. For instance, if a unit is out together at a bar, a member of the group might challenge everyone to show their coin, and whoever doesn't have theirs has to buy the next round of drinks.

There's also a very serious purpose for challenge coins today. If an officer who outranks you gives you a challenge coin, it's a very high honor, showing their appreciation for your service. The president of the United States, as commander in chief of the armed forces, has their own custom challenge coins, which they present to others as a token of esteem.

Custom coins can be a great gift for many reasons, representing someone's military service, membership in a fraternal organization, or just the giver's appreciation and respect. And when you need your own custom challenge coins, WizardPins can help you design and buy them with ease.