Challenge Coins

[chief38]

What is the purpose of challenge coins, and why are they called "challenge coins?"

I am sort of vaguely aware of them, but don't understand them. (No military or LE experience in my case.)

They look nice. Sorta a memento of a shared experience, are they?

Just another way for Marketeers to make money IMHO.

 

[Onomea]

...The "challenge" part comes into play in the bar (and perhaps some other venues). If a person presents his/her coin on the bar, usually with some fanfare and a loud slap, others in the group must present their coin. The one (or ones) without a coin buys the round. If everyone in present company presents a coin, the challenger has to buy.

Thanks, Cowboy.

In scenario above, is everyone expected to produce the same challenge coin? Or will any challenge coin do?

If everyone is supposed to present the same coin, for those who have many of these, I guess the coin to put in one's pocket that evening would depend on who one plans to be drinking with.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Thanks, Cowboy.

In scenario above, is everyone expected to produce the same challenge coin? Or will any challenge coin do?

The answer depends upon the circle you're in at the time.

My circle lets any coin satisfy the "challenge."

I've been among others, typically the elitist "fighter pilots," who believed in a rank system. The 4-star general's coin trumped a 1-star's, etc. Hogwash. I refuse to participate is such foolishness.

Everyone has a chance to pick up their unit's coin. Not everyone has a chance to brown-nose a 4-star general.

 

[eb07]

I have three. A numbered one from the 1st SOW Command CMSgt of which I gave to a new airman in the family as it was one of my most prized possessions while I served and I am long done with and wanted to pass on to someone who would cherish it as much as I did...







and these two:







The rest have been long lost or forgotten. I am onto a new chapter in my life now.

 

[AJ]

They were not a big thing when I was still in. Some folks had them and gave them out. I have a few as shown in my previous post. Just something to have. I carry a USMC Silver Dollar in my pocket, means more to me than any challenge coin.

 

[Ματθιας]

What is the purpose of challenge coins, and why are they called "challenge coins?"

I am sort of vaguely aware of them, but don't understand them. (No military or LE experience in my case.)

They look nice. Sorta a memento of a shared experience, are they?

Back in the day, getting a coin was special. It meant you did something extraordinary, above and beyond. Elite units had them. They were extremely rare. They were coveted.

Now, like in the last 20 years on, it seams like EVERY unit has one. They're given out like candy - everybody gets a prize. They are now so special, you can buy them out of a catalog, online, or even find them in a bucket for a couple of bucks at pawn shop. Some of them are made in China.

The first ones looked like actual coins. Now, they look like what's been posted.

Just my observation over the years.

This is what it's come to:

 

[carpriver]

When I was in the Air Force 1966-1986 challenge coins were not around, my wife was in the Air Force from 1977 to 1997 and she was given a couple, she did give me a coin because she thought I should have one to carry in my wallet. It is the Air Force emblem and my rank at the time of my retirement.

 

[Smoke]

Challenge Coins were just barely becoming a thing when I got out.

I actually earned one for acing my E5 promotion board and didn't even know the significance of it. I took it home and put it in a box and it got thrown away when I moved.

 

[AJ]

Not really a challenge coin. But it is legal tender in the Cook Islands. I use to carry it in my pocket. Did not go thirsty when I put it on the bar. On the reverse is Queen Elizabeth II.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've carried several over the years. Any I ever won I gave away to people I know collect them. Won some beer, lost some beer, had a lot of good times. I'm sorta outa that game now since I retired, but I carry this second life coin just in case, and I'll slap it or trade it as needed . . .

 

[vrichard]

This is the only one i have.
Dick

 

[Eupher]

I have only 5, 4 of which were presented to me in Berlin. Was stationed with the Berlin Brigade (298th Army Band) from 1983-91.

The coin in the center was presented at my last assignment before retirement. I was assigned to 1AD twice in my career - the first assignment to Germany (1979-82) and my last assignment (1992-95).

 

[lihpster]

This is the only one i have.
Dick

My uncle was in that outfit during that time period. Carried a BAR as a Combat Infantryman.

 

[vrichard]

My uncle was in that outfit during that time period. Carried a BAR as a Combat Infantryman.[/QUOT

If i remember right that would be the 41st Infantry battalion
Dick

 

[lihpster]

My uncle was in that outfit during that time period. Carried a BAR as a Combat Infantryman.[/QUOT

If i remember right that would be the 41st Infantry battalion
Dick

Not sure. I just remember the Hell On Wheels patch on his Eisenhower jacket that was stolen from me. We have some of his paperwork around, maybe it'll say in there.

 

[k8tow]

doug koenig 1911 challenge coin

Anyone have the smith and wesson/doug koenig challenge coin for the 1911 .45 made in 2005-2006 ?? i just picked up this pistol serial number dkp1090 and was looking for a picture of both sides of the coin to make a coin so to go along with the gun.thanks in advance