Pilots, teams and U.S. soldiers have the right to take their morale seriously. These servicemen and women have helped us to carry the tradition of challenge coins into many walks of life. Though also found among police officers and veterans, firefighters have even adopted the challenge coin tradition. The best way to use a challenge coin depends on you, your organization and the friendships you share in a group. 

What Are Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins come from a military tradition that represents the honor and bond that members of the same group or military unit share. Unlike monetary coins with political figures minted onto them, challenge coins use insignias and short mottos with decals. The special designs and emblems of these coins are intricate, making most coins seem as if they’re medallions. Today, pop culture, outside of public service, embraces challenge coins and even sets new trends. Some in the business world even use corporate challenge coins as business cards, for example.

Believed to have started as a Roman practice, coin giving enables leaders to award their followers with a token of gratitude. Tradition has it that the price of a drink in ancient days was often a coin, which a soldier usually didn’t have. Being presented a coin at a bar and as a trophy became a public ceremony to honor people from within military ranks. Be it 24K gold or polished silver, challenge coins are minted with exquisite detail and the finest craftsmanship. 

Here’s a quick look at seven ways to use your challenge coins: 

1. As Performance Awards

Most U.S. servicemen receive their coins from superiors, making these tokens performance recognitions. Though challenge coins are generally tied to memberships, important achievements call for commemorative coins to be issued. The value of a challenge coin is representative of how valued someone’s performance is. Gold and other precious metals aren’t given out at a special event without someone meeting the highest standards in military performance or public conduct. 

2. A Collector’s Item

Public servicemen can use their personal development as a pathway to collecting challenge coins. The coins they collect can be exchanged within or outside of the military. NASCAR, World Series of Poker and the NFL are examples of the public brands that produce challenge coins outside of military service. The breadth of coins circulating this planet gives you a lifetime worth of collecting to do. Just be sure to acknowledge which coins aren’t tradable or shareable. 

3. Membership Recognition

In the same manner that flags show who a certain group or person is, challenge coins can connect people from different parts of the world together. Such coins are issued once you become a member of a group. Other coins are issued only when you’ve been invested with a group and have passed its tests. Using a challenge coin to make a statement regarding your association with a group can create a sense of honor. Challenge coins are about morale. 

4. A Medium of Exchange

As a medium of exchange, challenge coins can be used as bartering tools for favors or actual objects. Since not every coin is limited to a single group, some collectors, though certainly not at a store, can use their collection for strategic purchases. Challenge coins, being attractive and well-made, might even help you to lead those following you as they hope to receive recognition via your coin. Some coins are precious metals that are valued at the prices of gold and silver. 

5. A Tool of Identification

One of the most prominent stories regarding challenge coins comes from a World War I tale. An American soldier received an emblem that he cherishes within a leather pouch worn around his neck. This same soldier is eventually captured by German enemies. He escapes one night and encounters his American forces who are skeptical of him. The medallion he received from his officer and held in his pouch is what keeps him from being killed by a firing squad. 

6. An Actual Challenge

A coin check challenge is essentially a test to see if service members have their coin with them. Coin checks are done among members who share the same coin and allegiances. Being unable to show your coin when others test you results in you losing. You must buy everyone a round of drinks if you can’t produce your medallion. The opposite is true if the person making the challenge fails to find members without their coin. In essence, challenge coins are a type of game. 

7. Political, Presidential Gifts

In recent years, U.S. presidents have gone public when minting and distributing their own challenge coins. These coins come as surprise honors for servicemen working with the president. Other coins are minted for special occasions with and for foreign diplomats. Each president has the command to customize their own coins while minting any number of them.

Can a Civilian Give a Challenge Coin?

A civilian can give a challenge coin to anyone, but it depends on where the coin is from or who it belonged to. A civilian with a military coin might have encountered it by accident. In a more unique case, civilians might want to honor their servicemen with a challenge coin directly from their hands. Here are the factors to consider when civilians give or issue their own coins:

• Customs: If you, as military personnel, are already obliged to a certain group, it might be inappropriate to brandish other coins.
• Purpose or Objective: Some boundaries can be broken when the reason behind a coin is considered. For example, challenge coins can be issued by civilians in order to raise money for a humanitarian project.
• Rank and Position: There are other traditions within the military that you have to consider before accepting a civilian coin.
• New Memberships: Civilians aren’t required to register with any agency when creating challenge coins for their public groups.

Custom Challenge Coins Like You Have Never Seen

New challenge coins are minted each year. Today, you can customize your own coin and distribute it to whomever you like. By using durable metals and dyes, we can design your coin to be polished, colored and even raised upon its surface. Buying these coins in bulk packages is how many groups save money. You can get your challenge coins online and start the process with all of the resources you need for an ideal mint. 

Browse Challenge Coins Limited to learn more about custom challenge coins and order yours today!

The Roman Empire used to give challenge coins to soldiers who won in battles. These coins usually bear an organization’s emblem, and they are usually given to the members of different organizations. Some of these coins feature organizational values and popular culture attributes. 

Challenge coins are usually available in different sizes. These coins are sometimes made using popular culture references such as well-known people and superheroes. Below are more details on the work that goes into creating these ornate coins. 

Making a Challenge Coin Mold

To make a challenge coin mold, specialists use a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) a CNC machine, CAM software, and a steel block. CAD is a computer program that helps create digital blueprints of the designs needed when manufacturing challenge coins. This program uses the artwork of a challenge coin and will map out the dimensions and tolerances of the challenge coin. 

After the tolerances and dimensions of the coin are mapped out, this information is uploaded into a Computer-Aided Manufacturing software. This software helps run a computer-controlled machine. CNC machines typically have a cutting tool that will help cut out steel coin molds. It will shape the steel block into the design chosen for that particular coin. The cutting tool also helps remove excess material from the steel block’s surface. 

Harden Challenge Coin Molds in a Hot Oven

Once satisfied with the shapes, sizes, and appearances of their challenge coin molds, specialists then put them in a hot oven. Doing this helps harden the challenge coin molds since hot temperatures harden steel. When these molds are red hot, they’re then taken out of the oven and placed in cool oil to harden. 

Deburring Challenge Coins

Freshly made challenge coins will have spurs and sharp ridges. These ridges and spurs can end up hurting someone if they handle the challenge coins with bare hands. 

Deburring a challenge coin involves smoothening any sharp ridges and removing spurs. It involves using a machine that has a porous stone, soap and water to smoothen a challenge coin. The porous stone will rub against the coins, smoothening their surfaces.

Colorfilling Challenge Coins

You can colorfill your challenge coins by hand, or you can use a color-filling machine. To colorfill coins by hand, one would need to use special syringes. Using these syringes, colors are added to the recessed areas on challenge coins. Once these colors have been added, the coins are then put back into a hot oven and removed after some time.

Alternatively, professionals using specialized machinery can carry out large orders of custom challenge coins, saving the time and energy that would’ve been needed to do it by hand. 

Polishing Challenge Coins

Specialists then need to polish challenge coins to remove excess paint from their surfaces and emphasize some of the finer details. Polishing them will also help produce challenge coins with an even and crisp appearance. You should polish the coins by hand. 

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving helps include small details into custom challenge coins, such as names or numbers for further personalization. They can be laser engraved onto the surface or along the edges of your challenge coins.

Inspecting Challenge Coins

Inspecting your challenge coins is an important step. It helps our team identify the coins that have not met the standards we set for our company. Quality control is a valuable part of our commitment to customers, and we want your experience with us to be beyond satisfactory. 

Many people use challenge coins to inspire others. For instance, some armed forces unit leaders give these coins to soldiers who risk it all on the frontlines. You can give these coins to your employees after they achieve a career milestone. When you give these coins to your employees, they will feel valued and appreciated. 

Challenge Coins Limited is a trusted provider of the highest quality custom challenge coins. Contact our team today to get started on your order!

Challenge coins throughout history create a connection between members of various groups. The tradition goes all the way back to an elite squad in World War I, and they have now become a way to connect groups. Here is a look at some of the different groups or activities associated with challenge coins and some history of how to display your coins.

History of Challenge Coins

Around the time of the Vietnam War, challenge coins became popular. The military used them as a way to connect members together and a way to foster brotherhood. Soldiers considered receiving a challenge coin to be an honor. There are rules on how to use them. For example, when using them, the player is “throwing down a challenge.”

Other Challenge Coin Groups

There are other challenges as well. Groups around the world use them for the same reason. In some cases, they are used to encourage group members. 

Religious Coins

• Our Father
• Armor of God
• Lord’s Prayer

Morale Coins

• Do No Harm
• Heads of Tails
• PTSD

Games Played

Throwing down a coin is a challenge to show that you have the coin on you. Specific instructions are all part of the challenge. You only have four steps to present the coin, and as stated, you must always have it on you. If you have the coin on you and can follow the four-step rule, then you get free drinks from the one who can’t. It’s a fun way to join in on the camaraderie. You better have the coin in your pocket when you go out in case you run into your service friends.

How to Display Challenge Coins

Exhibiting challenge coins is a meaningful way to showcase achievements, honors, and special memories. One important aspect to consider when choosing a display method is whether your collection will stay as is or if you plan to expand it. For a complete collection, select an organizational option that fits the number of coins you already own. Find a display with space to add more if you plan to get other challenge coins. Individual coin holders that can be grouped together are a versatile option for collections that are growing or already complete.

Many display options are available, such as stands, cases, frames, shadow boxes, individual racks, and racks that are grouped together. If you’re concerned about dust, opt for an enclosed challenge coin display case that limits the cleaning needed.

Make sure to also consider the best spot for your collection. Some displays sit on a flat surface, others hang on a wall, and some can be used both ways. Think about the safety aspect, as well. If you have curious pets or little kids in your home, it can be ideal to put your challenge coin collection on the highest shelf possible or high up on a wall where only you can access it.

Take the time to choose a display option for your challenge coins that proudly and properly shows off your collection. A thoughtful display highlights their significance to you and preserves their condition.

Wall Display

This is the best choice if you have a large collection of challenge coins. They can be found in many styles. They generally have a glass cover that can be opened. Each one can be customized to your style for your branch of service. 

Slant Case

These are cases that place the coins at an angle. The slanted angle makes it easier to see the coins. Usually, slant cases are made out of wood and are able to carry many coins. The coins are lined up at the exact point to see each one. Slant cases can be the ideal option if you want to share your collection with other collectors. You can have your own personal display. Tabletops are great for easy access when you head out for the day.

Presentation

There are several presentation options for daily use. You can opt for plastic cases or velvet cases, for instance. The plastic cases are the best ones for your wallet as you can carry them on you. When you return home, you can return the coins to their display case. Velvet cases protect the coins better than the plastic ones. 

Custom Coins

Custom coins can be created for anything. Special designs and uses are a fun way to create a memory for life. Custom coins are used to build friends and groups. The games are fun and collecting is a great way to honor whatever thing in your life you believe deserves the memory. Create whatever you want to display and enjoy your collection. Place them in your coin display case and show them to family or friends. 

Looking to make a custom challenge coin? Visit our website at Challenge Coins Limited to get started.

What Materials Do You Use to Create Your Challenge Coins?

When making our custom challenge coins, we only use high-quality heavy brass material. One advantage of using only high-quality heavy brass material in our coin-making process is that you don’t have to worry about paying for premium metals since brass is a more affordable material. 

Another advantage of using high-quality heavy brass material is that your challenge coin’s quality or appearance won’t suffer because we aren’t using premium metals in the manufacturing process. You can compare that to the lighter metals used by our competitors such as copper, nickel, and pewter.

What Design Options Do You Offer?

We offer a number of different design options, and the smallest size you can choose is a 1 1/2-inch challenge coin. The next size is 1 3/4 inches. This is followed by a 2-inch size, a 2 1/4-inch size, 2 1/2-inch size, and finally a 3-inch size. 

You can choose to have no color in your challenge coin or get color on just one side of the coin. If you want, you can also choose to get color on both sides of your challenge coin, too. You can even get a three-dimensional mold for your challenge coin if you so choose to further personalize it for your organization, armed forces unit, or yourself with an insignia. 

How Does My Choice of Size, Edge, Plating, and Other Options Affect the Pricing?

The size of your challenge coin and how many challenge coins you want affect the cost of your challenge coin. When it comes to plating, the high polish gold, silver, copper, bronze and black nickel platings are all totally free. Antique gold plating costs an additional $0.60 per coin, and antique silver plating is another $0.35 per coin. If you want to get antique copper or antique bronze plating, either choice costs you $0.30 more per coin. 

Adding an oblique line edge or a flat weave cut edge costs an additional $0.35 per side per coin. A diamond cross cut edge is $0.35 more per side per coin. The price of a 3D mold starts at $50, dual plating is an additional $0.70 per coin, and adding a cut-out costs $0.10 per cut-out. A plastic coin capsule is $0.60 each, and an acrylic coin box is $1 each.

All of the options detailed above provide you with a variety of possibilities when it comes to designing your challenge coins. Explore the rest of our site to create your own piece of the challenge coin tradition today, or contact us for more information!

What Are Challenge Coins?

The history of challenge coins begins with their use to identify soldiers from specific units to battlefield sentries. If the sentry conducted a ‘coin check’, the soldier would show the sentry a coin identifying himself as part of a certain unit. Law enforcement agencies now utilize challenge coins, as well. 

Civilian organizations and companies, as well as fraternal organizations, also use challenge coins as a way to symbolize respect and service for the organization. Even some sporting teams use challenge coins. It is also important to mention that challenge coins are traded freely between different people these days.

At their core, these custom-made coins are a method of demonstrating that a certain person has provided exemplary service to whatever organization that has awarded the challenge coin to them. With that in mind, challenge coins are becoming increasingly popular with civilian organizations and companies. 

What About Masonic Challenge Coins?

In the early days of the Freemasons, each member carried Masonic lodge coins to symbolize their membership. This tradition continues, and Masonic challenge coins represent you are a member of a certain Masonic lodge on the simplest level. These Freemason coins represent the foundational ideals of the Order of Freemasons such as equality, fraternity, and liberty. 

Masonic challenge coins also remind you that you are expected to have a strong belief in God. Activity in your community is also another expectation you must uphold as a member of the Freemasons and Masonic, and challenge coins help you remember that dedication. Your Masonic challenge coin also reminds you of your responsibility to maintain high morals. Learn more about the Masonic symbols often found on these challenge coins below.

Common Symbols Associated With Freemason Challenge Coins

Masonic coin design is quite unique because it has powerful symbolism and easily recognizable symbols. These are a few examples of the symbols you may come across. 

All-Seeing-Eye 

The all-seeing eye consists of an open eye surrounded by a triangle or other shape or design. This Masonic coin design element is meant as a reminder to the Masons that God is always watching their actions and thoughts. 

The Letter G 

The letter “G,” which is usually enclosed by a compass and square, may refer to the role of geometry in the Masonic lessons or to represent God or the Great Architect of the Universe. 

Apron and Gloves 

An apron and gloves has nothing to do with cooking and housework in terms of Masonic symbols. Instead, it means keeping your hands clean and remaining pure of heart. 

Level 

The level is a reminder to Masons that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. 

These attractive custom challenge coins are collectible. They have unique, powerful symbols and can help one learn more about the Freemasons. These lodge coins are also interesting to look at and may one day gain in value. 

What Are Your Size and Design Options?

You can simplify the process of getting your custom coins made by uploading images of the front and back of your coin. We can add 3D images in your coin’s design using our unique 3D rendering process if you so wish, but your image must be high resolution for the 3D process to produce optimal results.

You can get your custom coins in a variety of different sizes from 1.5 inches to 3 inches. If you want to have a huge amount of detail on your Masonic challenge coin, a larger size coin is probably best for your purposes. We can add 3D images into your coin’s design as well as whatever wording you want on your coin.

Proofing an average coin design usually takes our employees in the graphics department about two and a half hours because we take our time to give you the best possible artwork on your high-quality coins. If you are not sure which size will be best for your custom Masonic challenge coin, let us handle it and we will make the custom artwork for your coin at the smallest size that still fits your wishes.

With so many custom challenge coin options for personalization, the possibilities for designing a Masonic challenge coin are almost limitless. Get a quote on a custom coin project today or contact our team for more information.

How Civilians Are Using Custom Challenge Coins

A great deal has been written about military challenge coins and their use in military units. The US Armed Forces have a rich history of military coin use dating back to the Vietnam War. But these days, there are many other organizations that use custom challenge coins to commemorate special events and milestones.

Non-military Organizations That Use Challenge Coins

Here are a few organizations that use custom challenge coins:

• Law enforcement agencies, such as the New York Police Department
• Fire departments
• Alcoholics Anonymous (used to commemorate sobriety milestones) 
• Harley Owners Group
• Varian Medical Systems (used to recognize notable achievements) 
• Media franchises (used to recognize milestones and provide opportunities to buy show-inspired memorabilia) 

As you can see, challenge coin usage reaches far beyond military personnel these days. A custom coin is a meaningful gift that will be treasured for years to come.

How Star Wars Fans Use Challenge Coins

The 501st Legion, nicknamed “Vader’s Fist,” is an international fan community of the Star Wars universe. These fans provide service in their local communities, dressing up as characters from the movies. They can be found dressed as Stormtroopers and visiting children in local hospitals, marching as a unit in parades, and so much more. 

The 501st use challenge coins to commemorate events that they have participated in, such as conventions. Many of the groups, known as Garrisons, have their own challenge coins that demonstrate membership. These are often swapped when large groups of the 501st converge at the annual Star Wars Celebration or DragonCon.

Recognize Individual or Group Achievements With a Custom Challenge Coin

Many corporations create challenge coins to recognize corporate milestones such as a particular number of years of service, or achievements such as outstanding customer service to the company’s clients. These commemorative coins then become part of the corporate culture and something that makes it more special to work for that organization.

Why Challenge Coins Are Meaningful Gifts

Some people have a drawer of knick-knacks that they have received from past corporate outings — things that just sit around, and even the kids won’t play with any of it because it is not especially interesting or meaningful in any way. No thought was put into the gift, and it was mass produced and dumped on a desk. 

However, a challenge coin is a very different sort of memento. No matter how they will be used, a challenge coin is carefully designed and crafted to commemorate a project well done or a milestone year. Rather than stick it in a drawer and forget about it, a challenge coin is more likely to be carried or displayed. It’s a gift that shows a high level of appreciation of a specific achievement.

How Custom Challenge Coins Are Created

When you order from Challenge Coins Ltd., your design idea will be handled by our team of experienced designers who will assist you with your custom challenge coin design. Want to embed your coin design in a bottle opener? No problem. Our staff will assist you in making all the decisions necessary to complete the production process and to bring your challenge coin idea to life.

How to Get and Give Challenge Coins

Many groups will look into getting challenge coins for their members. Their origin is in military use, but these days, challenge coins are often used by non-military organizations and corporations. 

But just what is a challenge coin? Challenge coins are coins that leaders give to their team members for achievement, for overcoming difficult times, or as a way to show appreciation towards them for a job well done. 

Why Challenge Coins Are Meaningful

A custom-made challenge coin is an impressive and very personal gift. Receiving a coin can be very meaningful because it shows the recipient that their hard work and determination is appreciated. Challenge coins are a great option for use by law enforcement, military personnel and government agencies.

How to Give Challenge Coins to Others

You may want to give challenge coins to your unit members in a discreet manner. A traditional way is for the giver to put the challenge coin in their hand and shake hands with the intended recipient, passing the coin along during the handshake. Challenge coins are often awarded this way in the course of a ceremony, with the audience being none the wiser that the exchange has taken place.

Coin Checks vs. Giving Someone a Coin

Because of the very detailed rules of challenge coins, you have to be careful with how you handle them! 

• Even just handing your coin to someone else is considered an act of giving it to them. 
• Remember that you need to make it clear to the person if it’s a coin check or if you’re presenting them with a coin. 
• For example, you should tell the person that you want them to look at your coin so they understand that it’s not a coin being presented to them.

What is a “coin check”? This is a challenge in which any member of the group who doesn’t have their challenge coin on their person has to buy everyone else a drink! A coin check is usually initiated when one person brings their coin out and slams it on the table. Everyone else then shows their coin.

Whether you are interested in military lore and culture, already use challenge coins in your group or agency, or are just interested in creating a fascinating new tradition in your organization, our highly customizable challenge coins make a perfect gift for those you lead.

ID cards are most commonly used in modern times as a sign of membership to clubs, companies, schools and organizations. ID cards are flat and usually not very interesting, however, and are generally only good for things like being able to get into the gym. 

But what if you belong to an elite club that only its members understand? For many in the armed services, police, firefighters and other organizations, the measure of membership is a challenge coin. 

Challenge coins were traditionally associated with the military. These special coins gave you the bragging rights to membership to some of the most elite clubs. Challenge coins represent where their owners have visited, experiences they’ve had, the life they’ve led, and the lifelong friends they found along the way in a meaningful coin design. 

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

There is a huge debate about the first appearance of challenge coins as we know them today. They are also known as “command coins,” and the widespread use of these coins can be traced back to Vietnam. However, they have been around in one form or another for much longer. Military historians debate about whether the coins emerged during WWI or WWII. 

The earliest predecessor to the coins is traced to ancient Rome, where soldiers were paid daily after a battle. Although they were paid in coins, the soldier who stood out in the battle was awarded an extra coin. Most of the coins were explicitly minted for various military units.

During WWI, a wealthy officer made bronze medallions for his flying squadron and gave them to his men, who would hang them on pouches around their necks. During the Korean War, Colonel William Wilson “Buffalo Bill” Quinn made challenge coins for his men. The coins had a buffalo on one side and the regiment’s insignia on the other. 

Today, challenge coins are used to honor certain military units and deployments. Their purpose has evolved from exclusively military use to also including such civilian uses as corporations, fraternal organizations, and motorcycle clubs. 

What Are the Rules of a “Coin Check”?

A challenge coin check (or coin challenge) is a ceremony to identify other service members. Traditionally, the ceremony was used to help a service member connect with other members. It’s also frequently used as a bar game when socializing with other members. Here are some rules of a coin check:

• The coin check is initiated by slamming the coin on a hard surface. Other members respond by slamming down their coins.
• If a coin holder fails to respond, they must answer a penalty.
• If everyone responds to the coin check, the challenger is penalized.
• Coin checks can be issued at any place or time.
• Losing a coin or giving it away does not grant you immunity from coin checks.

If you have a challenge coin, ensure that it is always on you since you never know when the next challenge is. The rules always apply, so keep your challenge coin handy!

How Do You Care for Your Challenge Coin?

Whether you have an army challenge coin or one that commemorates a special achievement in your career, it needs to stay in its best shape so you can show it off for years to come. Here are a couple of things you need to know to keep challenge coins in good condition:

• Direct sunlight is not good for your coin if it has paint on the exterior, so keep the coin away from sunlight.
• Bleach is a powerful reagent on the coin. When washing you collection of challenge coins, avoid using bleach since it can damage the paint or finish on the coin.
• Soak the coin in distilled water since it is gentle on the material. Soak the coin for a day, and gently rub it with a soft toothbrush. Place the coin back into the water to get rid of all grime.
• Olive oil can also be used to clean the pesky spots. This process is slower and should only be used when no other method works. Soak the coin in the oil for a week and change the oil when it starts changing color. Subsequently, wash the coin with soap and water.

What Happens If You Lose Your Challenge Coin?

Challenge coins need to be kept on your person as much as possible, and especially whenever there is a better than average chance of a coin check occurring! 

There is no excuse for losing or giving away your challenge coin. Once you lose it, you need to replace it. In the meantime, you’ll be buying a lot of drinks for the other members. 

A well-curated collection of challenge coins deserves thoughtful storage and display. Whether you’re showcasing beautiful coins earned through service or preserving commemorative pieces for the future, the right challenge coin display case can make all the difference.

For collectors who want to highlight favorites, a coin stand or challenge coin holder offers a simple, elegant solution. These are ideal for desks, shelves, or presentation areas where a single coin or a few key pieces deserve the spotlight. They’re especially popular for displaying rank insignia coins, retirement gifts, or unit-specific tokens.

If you’re organizing a growing challenge coin collection, a display box provides protection and presentation. These boxes often feature foam or velvet-lined compartments that prevent scratching while allowing each coin to be easily viewed.

For more formal or decorative storage, an elegant coin display case made of wood or acrylic can serve as both furniture and a showcase. These wall-mounted or tabletop cases are perfect for anyone who wants to turn their challenge coins into conversation pieces. They offer room for multiple rows of coins and can be arranged by branch, mission, or year.

Who Collects Challenge Coins?

Military challenge coins were initially used to identify soldiers from specific units to sentries on the battlefield. When initiating a coin check, the soldier being challenged would produce a coin to identify his unit. While challenge coin history is rooted in the battlefield, their use has grown into a symbol of respect and service, traded freely between individuals from different organizations and often awarded to recognize exemplary service.

Challenge coins have continued to evolve, and are used by law enforcement, fraternal organizations such as the Masons, sporting teams, corporations or even individuals who mint their custom coins for sale or trade. We can help you design and mint your own unique challenge coins.

While there is a great deal of military etiquette surrounding the use of challenge coins, their broad appeal and use by hobbyists mean that there are no hard and fast challenge coin rules today. There is a thriving marketplace involving collectors from all walks of life all over the world.

How to Store Challenge Coins to Protect Them

No matter which challenge coin display option you choose, proper care is essential. Avoid exposing your coins to high humidity or direct sunlight, as both can damage finishes over time. Regular dusting and gentle polishing with a microfiber cloth keeps them looking their best.

We recommend storing backup coins or less frequently displayed items in a secure challenge coin box or padded case. That way, you can rotate your favorite coins without risking wear and tear. As your collection grows, we can help with all your challenge coin display needs—from simple holders to large showcase pieces that tell the story of your service, mission, or organization.

There are albums designed specifically for challenge coins made by the US Mint, Dansco and others. These albums have rigid pages that allow viewing multiple coins on each page. If this method of display does not appeal to you, you could make your own.

How Do You Make a Challenge Coin Display?

A simple challenge coin display case can be made by placing them on a rich felt or velvet liner within a shadow box, under glass. Or, if you’re not “crafty”, you could purchase a veteran-made display online.

Whether you choose to purchase an album or construct one of your own, we recommend that you display your challenge coins proudly while protecting them from the elements.

Custom challenge coins are everyday rewards in the military. Now, other sectors are getting in on the act. Now is an ideal time to learn more about these unique items.

What Are Some Non-Military Challenge Coin Uses?

Challenge coins are popular as corporate awards, for fraternal orders, and for commemorating sports events like specific tournaments.

Many civilian organizations, like the police and fire departments, use them extensively to reward service. They’re also increasing rapidly in the business world since companies have discovered their motivational appeal.

Some corporations even use them to memorialize events and to thank customers. There are few limits on how to give civilian coins away. The main appeal should be to convey a sense of rich history and tradition, and the custom coin design should demonstrate the purpose of the reward. Anyone who glances at the coin for even a moment should have no trouble deciphering its meaning and purpose.

The History of Presidential Challenge Coins

Presidential challenge coins are unusual because they’re given out directly by the United States President, in some instances. Fortunately, anyone who wants one can also purchase them as a keepsake.

Each president designs the commemorative coins slightly differently and gives them out for different reasons. They are a fascinating subject, and people who receive them cherish the gift.

When Is a Challenge Coin Not a Coin?

Challenge coins come in lots of different shapes now, and not all of them are reminiscent of coins. For example, you may find challenge bottle openers if you look. Although that might sound somewhat outside of the bounds of the coin tradition, it shows that the art of challenge coins is expanding.

Corporate challenge coins can incorporate any needed design elements. Companies may decide to integrate components like their logos or other recognizable shapes to increase branding. Their objective is to ensure that their custom coin is memorable and eye-catching. Each unit coin should be worth keeping for the recipient.

Challenge Coins Memorialize Outstanding Service

It’s common for the fire department, military organizations, Air Force, service members, law enforcement staff, and others to give out traditional coins with historical designs. It’s not uncommon for military challenge coins to commemorate a World War or the Vietnam War. There’s even a coin the Challenger crew will hold dear.

It’s possible to memorialize any event in this manner. People love getting them because they recognize exemplary service. It’s a way for an organization to thank people, and the challenge coin tradition works well across an extensive range of industries.

Interested in creating challenge coins for your organization? You can always get help with your custom challenge coin design, so don’t be afraid to dream big. You’ll have to come up with some of the ideas yourself, but we’ll give you plenty of help bringing those ideas to life! Contact us to find out how our design services can assist.