What’s the Significance of a Challenge Coin?

Part keepsake, part recognition, and part legend, challenge coins are truly a unique piece of memorabilia. They have been exchanged throughout history in places like the Roman Empire and Europe during the Renaissance, but in America, they rose to fame within the military, particularly during World Wars I and II.

The most popular modern origin story states that a concealed challenge coin helped a captured prisoner of war prove his allegiance among allies behind enemy lines when his regular identification was stolen. Today, custom challenge coins serve as keepsake reminders of military units, membership in organizations, or service in roles such as a police force, firefighting unit, or as part of an emergency medical services (EMS) crew.

Why is it Called a “Challenge Coin?”

Custom challenge coins can be made in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to suit the needs of any group. The idea behind the “challenge” concept of a coin is that it is supposed to be carried at all times. If one member of a group “challenges” another to produce the coin and the challenged party is unable to, tradition dictates that the challenged party owes the challenger a drink. 

This tradition has elevated the challenge coin into something of a good luck charm, particularly in the case of police challenge coins, military challenge coins, and challenge coins for EMS.

The Meaning of Challenge Coins Today

While the original challenge coin was simply a minted piece of metal, resembling a round of currency, modern design techniques have made the sky the limit. Today, custom challenge coins can be enhanced with features like textured or numbered edges, full-color enamel decorations, dual-sided designs, and even cut-outs to emphasize shapes within the design.

Excellent as gifts to celebrate new members of the group joining up, recognition for milestones served – e.g. 10 years, 25 years, and so on, or special events like conventions, custom challenge coins make an unforgettable giveaway. Whether the recipients are serving, have served, or plan to serve, one thing is certain: when it comes to these clever custom coins, there’s no such thing as an unlucky side.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to create a custom challenge coin to celebrate, commemorate, or “challenge” your team, contact us today at Galaxy Design Squad! Our sales and design teams are based in the USA and provide the dedication, care, and attention to your project as if it were our own. Call (833)5-GALAXY for a FREE quote!