(Newswire.net — September 29, 2020) — Gathering collectibles is a popular hobby among Americans. For many, collecting started as a childhood hobby or interest that grew over time. For some, collecting can fulfill a sense of self.
Other collectors invest in collectible items that may have some value in the future. Some famous collectors’ items include stamps, trading cards, and comic books. One of the lesser-known collectible items is challenge coins.
Have you ever thought about starting a challenge coin collection? In this article, we give you five facts about challenge coins. Start investing in a new hobby and start your new collection today!
What Are Challenge Coins?
In the military, high-ranking officers give challenge coins or pocket-sized medallions. Soldiers receive these coins as a symbol of camaraderie. These coins are usually round, but some are pentagons, spades, and even dog tags.
As service members meet challenges, they use these coins to prove their loyalty. High-ranking and retired officers display their coin collection with their uniform patches. Commander coins carry mottos or symbols as a symbol of their unit.
Challenge coins were once exclusive for military members. But custom design coin companies made it possible for non-military to collect challenge coins. Some consider their collections as a symbol of solidarity with the army.
Are you starting a challenge coin collection? Check out these five facts about challenge coins.
Valuable Collectors’ Items
When visiting a flea market or military supply show, you may find many cases of challenge coins. Many rare coins consist of solid gold. Cheaper challenge coins usually come in brass or zinc.
Some coins may be more valuable than others, depending on their content. Each coin has a unique history, often associated with a unit, organization, or mission. Since challenge coins are easy to produce, officers have enough to distribute to every member.
Here are some of the rarest challenge coins:
- US Army Diver Coin
- Friday the 13th
- Aggressive POW-MIA
- Medal of Honor
- Poker Chip
- Master Chief Petty Officer
- Trample the Weak
- South Park
- Submariner Memorial Coin
- The Classic Stamp, and
- The Mickey Mouse Challenge Coin
Some rare challenge coins denote an organization that is no longer in service. This increases the value and rarity of that coin, making them valuable keepsakes.
Challenge Coins Go Back in History
The earliest challenge coin originated from Ancient Rome for identification. In World War I, a rich lieutenant brought back challenge coins to give to his squad. During this time, a challenge coin saved a young American soldier’s life.
An American pilot escaped from a German prison and found himself in the hands of the French army. The French suspected that he was a German soldier and made plans to execute him.
The American pilot presented a bronze coin. The French identified the engravings on the coin and spared the pilot. This is what coined the term “Challenge Coin.”
Both active and retired military members still use their coins to this day. To maintain their membership, military organizations follow a set of challenge rules.
Challenge Others for a Round of Drinks
In World War II, American soldiers created this challenge in an attempt to boost morale. The challenge originated from a German tradition. The challenge called soldiers to present their coins and challenge their comrades to do the same.
In a bar, military service members would tap their challenge coins and shout “coin check!” Success requires soldiers to produce a coin. Winners get free drinks, paid by those who failed the challenge.
Here are some challenge coin etiquettes that collectors must follow:
Upon giving a challenge coin, you must explain the rules of a game. It isn’t polite to call a challenge when not everyone understands it.
Carry your coin at all times. If the coin is not on your person, you may only take four steps to reach it.
A challenger must state whether a challenge is for a round of drinks or one drink. Each person may only get challenged once. If every member manages to produce a coin, the challenger must buy the drinks.
Never give someone a coin as a response to a challenge. This is the equivalent of giving them the coin. You may place your coin on the table.
Anyone who examines a coin must return it to its original place. If you lose your coin, you must replace it as soon as possible. Losing your coin does not exempt you from the rules of a game.
There are no exceptions to the game. A challenge coin is a coin. Belt buckles, bracelets, and necklaces don’t count.
Your coin indicates honor. Control it at all times, and don’t give it to anyone. Do not drill holes in your coin.
These rules apply to any member worthy enough to receive a coin. These also apply to anyone who buys or owns a coin.
Presidents Have Special Coins
In the 1990s, American presidents began creating and distributing their own challenge coins. They often have one version available in gift shops for the general public. They reserve special versions of their challenge coins to honor achievements.
Some vice presidents participated in this practice to honor some civilians. Over the years, presidential challenge coins evolved with new meaning. You can find out how right here.
Pass the Challenge Coin
Collectors may use their coins to recruit members from in or outside the military. Challenge coins with organizational symbols and logos to deliver a recruitment message. It may come from a secret organization or an important company.
Organizations pass challenge coins to recruit new members by using a secret handshake. Many service members use challenge coins to acknowledge a comrade in secret. Aside from recruitment, you may also use challenge coins to encourage existing members.
Start a Challenge Coin Collection Now!
Are you thinking about starting a challenge coin collection? Here are five fun facts about challenge coins. Take note of these as you grow your collection.
Don’t stop here because there’s a lot more to learn about challenge coins, such as picking the right display cases. Fortunately, we’ve got the guides right here for you to discover all the rules and tips you need!