Custom challenge coins have become a representation of its organization it inbodies the will, the cause, the idea that the organization represents. A challenge coin contains engravings with decorative imprinting the size of a coin. These are more commonly seen on or used by military organizations it has been incorporated in their uniforms it is a source of pride and glory to wear them it shows their ddedication to their cause and organization it shows their passion and it gives a sense of belonging to their brothers at arms.
According to wikipedia:
A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military), bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. They are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale.
Like many aspects of military tradition, the origins of the challenge coin are a matter of much debate with little supporting evidence. While many organizations and services claim to have been the originators of the challenge coin, the most commonly held view is that the tradition began in the United States Army Air Service (a forerunner of the current United States Air Force).
Challenge coins are part of the American tradition. Its history and originality can be rooted to the race but as challenge coins started in the military.
Air warfare was a new phenomenon during World War I. When the Army created flying squadrons they were manned with volunteer pilots from every walk of civilian life. While some of the early pilots came from working class or rural backgrounds, many were wealthy college students who withdrew from classes in the middle of the year, drawn by the adventure and romance of the new form of warfare.
As the legend goes, one such student, a wealthy lieutenant, ordered small, solid-bronze medallions (or coins) struck, which he then presented to the other pilots in his squadron as mementos of their service together.
Presently, well created specific designs of challenge coins are used to welcome new members of an organization. They are also implemented as an merit to be pinned on soldiers or individuals who coveted recognition in defense to his/her country, as an ward to raise morale, and as fundraiser items promoted to honor jubilations and special gatherings. The Leathermeck Magazine gave 90th anniversary challenge coins to selected readers in 2008. During the World War II, an American soldier presented a silver coin, stamped with emblems of the guerrilla association in the Philippines on one side, to a Filipino guerrilla contact.
With the aforementioned cases, challenge coins are multipurpose. They can be used as a formal or informal id for an organization. It is dubbed as informal because for some organizations, they will only be presented as proof of a membership. It does not bear any official authority. Challenge coins are akin to passwords, group signs or the answer to confidential matters. On the other hand, it also serves in boosting morale. Since they are specially designed and exclusively granted to the members only of an association, the bearer will feel the sense of pride and social recognition.
The Challenged coins that are being used as part of the military awarding ceremony for the acts of courage and loyalty represent an outstanding service or performance of the awardees. Custom challenge coins are used in these cases. They are also popular to reinforce good behaviours among company employees, members of certain groups or cause-oriented volunteers with outstanding performances.
As custom challenge coins are now a great part of society, with diverse forms of organizations challenge coins have become more famous and commonly used now adays because of distinction it gives to the wearer.
