Challenge Coins for Civilians: Ownership, Meaning, and Significance

What is a Challenge Coin?

Challenge coins have been a method to recognize different branches and battalions in military services for hundreds of years. According to Syracuse University, there is a popular story about how a soldier in World War I was saved from execution by the French. He had no identification on himself after his plane malfunctioned, and French soldiers believed he was a spy. He had kept his challenge coin safely in a pouch around his neck and presented it to the soldiers. The French recognized the symbol on the coin from his respective battalion. This led to military branches all over insisting on challenge coins for their soldiers.

What do Challenge Coins Mean?

Challenge coins are given as a sign of significant honor. A  group or division gives you a challenge coin to commemorate the efforts and lengths that you have gone to participate in their respective community and beyond. They’re a reflection of major accomplishments made while in service.

What are Challenge Coins Given For?

These coins started in the military, but many different branches of service have begun using challenge coins too! Most often companies or departments give these coins as a symbol of completing major projects or achieving major feats while in service.

Gratitude

Many different types of work, like firefighters and EMTs, have different instances where they have to go beyond their terms of service. Putting themselves into the positions of first responders means they have to be ready and willing to put their lives on the line for our sake. A coin to commemorate their service to the community.

Marking Achievements

These departments can also give custom challenge coins to their trainees as well as their members! Students and trainees in these different departments will go above and beyond during some of the most critical and challenging career moments. It’s only fair that they are shown a sign of respect for making their mark.

Telling Stories

Challenge coins above all else tell stories of the departments they’re made for. Whether these stories are for the public or an inside joke is ultimately up to you and your team! We’ve seen coins that use both! A personal touch to challenge coins brings your team together and will keep them close through their achievements over the years long after your projects are completed.

Want to Make Your Own?

Do you have a major project coming up that you want to commemorate? Want to celebrate the workers who have dedicated their time and efforts to your department’s goals? We’re here to help you make fantastic coin designs that your team will hold onto for years to come.