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You’ve seen a challenge coin before. You see that glint of metal when people shake hands with a distinguished figure. Challenge coins are now an essential component of military history and culture. They are also popular among law enforcement agencies and fire departments. But what are they exactly?
Value
There’s something special about having a challenge coin earned or given to you by a specific group. It’s not uncommon to show your coin around and start a conversation with someone who has the same one as you–which could lead to new connections or even business opportunities. The value of challenge coins for sale depends on their history. Some challenge coins are highly valued because of their rarity or historical significance. One example is a bronze medallion given to a squadron during WWI that saved a soldier’s life when captured by German soldiers who mistakenly believed he was a spy.
Other challenge coins are highly valued because they represent a particular organization or event. For instance, a challenge coin for the CIA was recently sold on eBay for $3,000. It features an image of Mike Pompeo and the CIA’s seal and is signed by him. The same coin also has a gold-colored replica of the presidential seal on the reverse side. This particular coin is especially rare because it was given to Pompeo while he was Director of the CIA and before he became Secretary of State.
Origins
A challenge coin is a symbol of honor and respect for fellow members of a group. Many military units give them to their members to recognize their accomplishments. In addition, some businesses and law enforcement agencies use them to inspire a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among their teams. The origin of the challenge coin is a mystery, but several theories exist. One of the most common involves a wealthy lieutenant who had bronze medallions made for his elite flying squadron in World War I. While escaping from German soldiers, the pilot revealed his coin, which had the squadron’s insignia, to prove that he was an American. It saved his life and sparked the challenge coin tradition. Another theory involves American GIs who frequented bars in occupied Germany after World War II. Locals would perform a “pfennig check” on the GIs by asking them to produce a currency coin. If the GIs could not provide a coin, they would have to buy drinks for everyone in the bar. The practice caught on, and the coins symbolized the GIs’ honor and pride.
Meaning
There are several things to remember when you’re given a challenge coin. First, it’s important to know the rules of etiquette surrounding this tradition. For instance, calling out a challenge without presenting the coin is rude. In addition, you should only carry your coin around with you if it’s visible at all times. It would help if you also refrained from defacing the coin by drilling holes for lanyards or key chains. Another important aspect of the challenge coin is its status as a symbol of pride. Many people are extremely proud of their challenge coins and openly display them. They represent a unique part of military culture and history. The challenge coin tradition originated in World War I. A wealthy lieutenant is believed to have bought medallions dipped in bronze that displayed his squadron’s insignia for his men. When one of his soldiers was captured by the Germans and wrongly assumed to be a spy, he showed his coin, which convinced the Allied powers that he was indeed an American and not a German spy.
Design
The military isn’t exactly known for being touchy-feely, and many heads aren’t patted when they get a promotion or raise. But even so, a certain sense of camaraderie is forged among soldiers through a shared experience—and that’s one reason so many members proudly display their custom challenge coins. Almost any group can make its challenge coin, and it’s often used to honor the loyalty of valued employees or officers—including police departments, fire departments, sports teams, NASA, and more. Typically, the coins are a small, circular metal piece with a unique design that can be carried daily in a pocket or worn as a badge of honor. The most well-known challenge coin tale originates from World War I when a wealthy officer ordered a batch of bronze medallions with his squadron logo stamped. These coins were then presented to his men before they flew missions over Europe. Later, the pilot was shot down and captured by German troops—but they could not confiscate his squadron coin, which proved his service.
Etiquette
A challenge coin comes with many traditions and specific points of etiquette that you should be aware of. Whether you’re being asked to produce your coin in the middle of the day or you’re calling out everyone for a coin check, there are some important rules to remember. While the history of the military coin is unclear, most believe it began in World War I when a lieutenant had special coins minted for his squadron on a whim. When one of his men was captured by German soldiers, he showed them the coin to prove that he wasn’t a spy and was an actual unit member. Although they are commonly associated with the military, challenge coins are used by various organizations and businesses. You can find them in police and fire departments, NASA, and sports teams. They help to create a sense of community and camaraderie for the wearer. They can also spark conversations and lead to new connections with people with the same interests and experiences.
