Custom Challenge Coins

A custom challenge coin is a gorgeous coin that has diverse meaning to different individuals in the society. It is used by the law enforcers, private organizations and individuals alike. It always has a special significance or message behind it. The custom challenge coin has got a long-running history behind it. This article attempts to explain more about the history, significance, and uses of the custom challenge coin. 

It is believed that the challenge coin was first used in the Roman Empire in the medieval era. It was a special coin that was given to the soldiers in recognition of their exemplary work. It was used as an award as well as a morale booster. Urging the soldiers to continue with their great work or service.

This tradition spread to other parts of the world, mainly within the military ranks. The military of countries such as the United States, German and French used the challenge coin in the past. It was used for identification purposes, as an award and a morale booster. Different squads within the military opted to produce coins with their insignia to be issued among members of their squad. This was done as a sense of pride as well as a special identification of that particular squad members. In some quarters, specific coins were produced and given to spies so that they could use them to identify or authenticate themselves.

There is an interesting ancient narration as to how the custom challenge coin got its name. For obvious reasons, it would be referred to as custom because every organization and individual usually produced their own customized coins. However, there is an American pilot soldier who was captured by the enemies during world war one, after his plane crashed. As soon as he was captured, he was stripped of everything he had and all his identification were confiscated. This was in an attempt to discourage him from escaping as he had no way of identifying himself. 

Nonetheless, an opportunity presented itself and he escaped. He was again captured by the French who were a friendly camp. The French military was ready to execute him because he had no identification. He however produced his squadron's coin which he wore on a chain around his neck. This saved his life. When he got back to his squad and narrated this story, it became mandatory to have one's coin on them at all times. The challenge tradition gained momentum from then on. At any time, a soldier would challenge others to produce their coin, whoever didn't have his on them was required to buy drinks for the rest of the group. Click here to learn more!

The custom challenge coin is still used in the military and other law enforcement units. Many presidents in the United States have used these coins to award soldiers and to gift dignitaries who visited the nation. However, many organization has picked this tradition and produce custom challenge coins for their personnel. Individual also use them for their own personal and private theme.

Read more about challenge coins here: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/toby-nwazor/challenge-coins-each-one-_b_11037044.html.