09/09/2026
What is it Wednesday!
What are Challenge coins and how did this come about?
Challenge coins are specialized tokens that are given out to others to commemorate attending an event, signify acknowledgement of exemplary behavior, or being part of a unit, group, or task force.
Some theories trace challenge coins back to Ancient Rome where solders would receive extra pay for their courage in battle. This extra pay would be struck with the symbol of their military organization and the face of the emperor. Some soldiers chose to keep these specialty coins as souvenirs.
Other theories suggest that during the Victorian era special medal were minted to commemorate special occasions and given as gifts by the English monarchy to signify favor or attendance to these events.
During WWI special coins were minted by leaders of aircraft squadrons and handed out to its members. One coin was even used to prove its owners identity after being shot down, this assisted the service member with getting back to allied lines.
Another story tells of special units carrying the coins and challenging other to produce their coin and the individual not having a coin having to purchase a round of drinks for those who carried their coin.
In more modern iterations coins are given out by military, law enforcement, and other first responders organizations to commemorate special recognition or membership in the organization.
What are your thoughts on challenge coins?
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