The origin of challenge coins has yet to be fully discovered. However, one story states that they were started during World War I. A lieutenant ordered bronze medallions with his squadron’s insignia to give to his men. When one of the pilots was captured and wrongly suspected of being a German spy, he showed his coin, which helped save him.
Origins
The origins of challenge coins have yet to be fully discovered, but the practice has a rich history. Some accounts date back to ancient Rome, where unique coins were given to soldiers as a sign of appreciation for their bravery in battle. These coins were marked with their legion’s logo, and most soldiers kept them as souvenirs. Other accounts trace the coin’s roots to World War I. One story tells of a lieutenant in the Army Air Service who had bronze medallions made for members of his squadron featuring their unit’s emblem. When his aircraft was forced to land in hostile German territory, he was captured by the enemy and stripped of his military apparel. Despite being stripped of all identification, the lieutenant showed his coin to his captors, who recognized the unit insignia and allowed him to live. This small act of recognition would inspire the tradition of military challenge coins.
Another famous challenge coin tale comes from post-World War II. This story involves GIs stationed in Germany who revived an old local custom called the pfennig check. The pfennig was the lowest denomination of German currency, and soldiers who could whip out a coin on demand at a bar were assumed to have enough money for the next round. The resulting tradition became the modern custom challenge coins. Whatever the true history of challenge coins, it is clear that they are used to honor group members and foster a sense of belonging. Whether military personnel, emergency services workers, or fans of a particular film or TV show, challenge coins are a way to remember and share a unique experience with others.
Etiquette
The origin of challenge coins is shrouded in mystery, but the tradition carries much meaning. One story dates back to World War I when a lieutenant in the Army Air Service had bronze medallions made with his squadron’s insignia and presented them to his men before they went on missions over Europe. One of these pilots was captured by German soldiers, stripped of all identification except for his squadron coin in a leather pouch around his neck. It is credited with helping him escape his captors, and the name “challenge coin” was born. In more modern times, the military and law enforcement have adopted this tradition to show pride in their organization and to build camaraderie among members. Upon graduation from basic military training for the US Air Force, every new airman receives a challenge coin, and officers are given their own during their Air Force Officer Training School. Many police departments also issue challenge coins to their officers upon graduating from their academy.
Since challenge coins symbolize honor and belonging, they must be handled carefully and not worn as jewelry or used as currency. The preferred way to present a challenge coin is with a secret handshake between two people, usually a commanding officer or high-ranking official. It’s also important to know the rules of challenge coin etiquette, which may vary depending on the branch of the military or agency you’re in. For example, you should always hold your challenge coin upright and never let it touch anything else, and you should only wear yours at work or in public places where it’s appropriate.
Value
While the monetary value of challenge coins may not be high, their sentimental value is priceless. They are a reminder of brotherhood, unity, and shared experiences. They are also a token of gratitude, respect, and admiration. Whether you’re in the military, work for a law enforcement agency or fire department, or belong to a local community organization, you likely know someone who carries a challenge coin. The history of challenge coins is rich, with several different theories about their origins. One story involves a wealthy military officer who had bronze medallions made with his squadron’s emblem and presented them to his pilots before they went on missions over Europe during World War I. When one of the pilots was shot down and captured by the Germans, he was stripped of all his identification—except for the small pouch around his neck that contained his squadron coin. It helped him evade capture and escape to France.
Another theory dates the first challenge coins back to the GIs who frequented bars in occupied Germany during World War II. The practice evolved into “pfennig checks,” in which soldiers would ask each other to produce their coin when entering a bar. Anyone who couldn’t make a challenge coin had to buy drinks for everyone in the group.
Uses
Although the exact origin of challenge coins is still a mystery, they are widely used in all military branches to commemorate exceptional achievements. They are also a symbol of camaraderie and a way to unite members from the same group or institution. They are often designed to represent specific units and can feature a variety of colors, designs, and even phrases. The earliest accounts of challenge coins date back to Ancient Rome when soldiers were given unique coins to recognize their bravery in battle. These coins were marked with their legion’s insignia, prompting many soldiers to keep them as keepsakes. During World War I, an affluent lieutenant created solid bronze medallions featuring their emblem for his squadron. One of the pilots was shot down while on a mission in Germany, and German forces took him prisoner. They stripped him of his identification, except for the medallion he had in a pouch around his neck, which saved his life.
Today, challenge coins can be found in all branches of the US military, as well as many police departments and fire stations. Corporations and other organizations use them to promote teamwork and shared values. As with any tradition, rules and etiquette surround using challenge coins. Members should always carry their coins and be prepared to produce them if challenged. If a member cannot do so, they will be responsible for the bar tab of everyone in the group.