Home » Blog » Coins » What Does It Mean To Be Given a Challenge Coin?
Humans have sought to honor or commemorate other humans or events for thousands of years. The Egyptians built the breathtaking pyramids, while the Romans had their Vexillum – or flag or banner – sometimes given in much smaller forms to individual soldiers.
Challenge coins work similarly and act as a more modern example of immortalizing an event or person, often seen in the military, first responder units, or at sporting events.
A Brief History of Challenge Coins
Challenge coinsare not new, with the earliest examples coming from the Roman era. For nearly a millennia, Romans dominated, first in the boot shape we now call Italy, then around Europe and into Northern Africa. This bold expansion saw its Legionnaires become almost mythical as their famed fighting style saw them crush all before them.
With such success under their belt, Roman commanders felt it essential to recognize their soldiers’ extraordinary work. Unique coins were often made and given to legionnaires who had participated in successful campaigns. It helped boost morale and instill a sense of purpose in these warriors who could be away from home for years at a time.
However, it wasn’t just the Roman legionnaires who got their hands on challenge coins. During the Renaissance, upper-class families often commissioned coins that depicted a portrait on one side and a family insignia on the other – usually given to commemorate incredible feats or celebrate special occasions.
Why Would Someone Give You a Challenge Coin?
Membership
The most common reason you might receive a challenge coin is to represent the membership to a particular organization. This is commonwithin the military, where units often havedifferent types of coinsthat act as proof of membership or participation in a specific battle or war.
As mentioned, coins like this go back to the Romans but became particularly common during the 20th Century, with coins frequently created for actions during the First and Second World Wars. Challenge coins are often associated with elite groups, such as the Seals and the SAS, but they have appeared across almost all sections of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Awards
A challenge coin sometimes commemorates the actions of a particular person, acting as an award as such – though members of the military would look upon it more as a mark of respect rather than an award per se. It is about recognizing that somebody has gone above and beyond, well above the call of duty.
Commemoration
Often, coins don’t honor a single person but rather commemorate a significant event that several – perhaps even thousands – took part in. A good example is theD-Day commemorative coinsstill produced, which go into widespread circulation as the common currency.
However, most challenge coins are not legal tender but act as a cherished reminder of a particular action. It’s traditional forU.S Presidentsto have their own challenge coins created while they’re in office, and visitors are sometimes given these on visits to the White House.
Branding
Today, we increasingly see challenge coins with logos or messages used as business branding platforms – sometimes given out at conferences, sales events, or trade shows to commemorate the event and promote a company. Schools, colleges, and sports organizations are also getting in on the act, and their challenge coins may appear at local events or games.
Why wait? Select your options, share your artwork, and we’ll get you started on your custom products. TrustpilotGet started with your design today!
What Does It Mean To Be Given a Challenge Coin?
We could argue that the symbolic meaning is fading away with the increased number of challenge coins having a branding message rather than anything genuinely significant. However, it really depends on what kind of challenge coin somebody gives you.
Let’s be perfectly honest – if you’re given a Facebook or Google challenge coin at an event, it might be neat for a short while, but it won’t hold particular value to you for long. Companies create thousands in one go, and being given one doesn’t mean much.
However, if you are given a challenge coin for something genuinely unique, either as membership, an award, or to commemorate an event, this should become a treasured item. To be given a challenge coin has traditionally been a great honor. While it might not necessarily have the same weight today, the person who gave it to you probably sees it as something hugely important.
Where Can I Get a Challenge Coin?
Want to design and make your own challenge coin to commemorate a special event or membership to a particular group? Creating a challenge coin has never been easier, and withThe/Studio’s custom challenge coin service, you can create your own design and have our specialists add the finishing touches before we mint it and send it back to you. Quick, easy – something that somebody will remember forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It an Honor To Receive a Challenge Coin?
It depends on what the coin is honoring, but traditionally, receiving a challenge coin was always considered a great honor. For the military and first responders, it remains hugely influential and symbolic.
Final Thoughts
Considering much of our world is increasingly found online, there’s something special about holding a unique and symbolic item in your hand. Challenge coins are an excellent way to show somebody that they’ve gone further than expected or that they belong to a group with a bond that will last much longer than the physical proximity that often fades away.
Creating a challenge coinwith The/Studiois a heartfelt and poignant way of saying well done, you’re part of the team, or celebrating a significant event. Words fade into memory. A challenge coin will last significantly longer than any of us will.
Share:
Get started with your design today!
Why wait? Select your options, share your artwork, and we’ll get you started on your custom products.
Get Started
Trustpilot
Categories
Get The Latest Updates
Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter
No spam, notifications only about new products, updates.
Trending
Leveraging Custom Iron-On Patches for Niche Market Penetration
August 23, 2024
In today’s increasingly overcrowded market, marketing can be quite difficult.
The Role of Custom Iron-On Patches in Event Merchandising
August 22, 2024
Event merchandising with custom iron-on patches is one of the
Cross-Brand Collaborations with Custom Iron-On Patches: How to Co-Create and Benefit
August 22, 2024
Most people approach marketing from a competition-based point of view
PrevPreviousImproving Retail Strategies through Custom Product Manufacturing
NextCan Civilians Own Challenge Coins?Next
On Trend
Most Popular Posts
Explore more
Leveraging Custom Iron-On Patches for Niche Market Penetration
In today’s increasingly overcrowded market, marketing can be quite difficult. Brands looking to save money on marketing and increase ROI can gain a competitive edge
The Role of Custom Iron-On Patches in Event Merchandising
Event merchandising with custom iron-on patches is one of the most effective strategies to get your brand out in front of many people. Custom patches
Cross-Brand Collaborations with Custom Iron-On Patches: How to Co-Create and Benefit
Most people approach marketing from a competition-based point of view where all brands compete for the buyer’s attention. While this might be true to an
History of Embroidered Patches in War
Embroidered patches are common in the military, mostly found on the shoulders and sleeves of military personnel clothing. Custom embroidery patches history in warfare spans