Navy Seal Challenge Coins: An Honor to Receive

August 17th, 2010

For those who serve their country, a navy seal challenge coin is a prized possession. The meaning that the coins stand for is clear to those who are a part of the Navy and every other branch of the military. There are millions of challenge coins today and many are used to show the pride and respect that is a part of what they represent.

Challenge Coins are Often Given as a Thank You for a Job Well Done

Navy Seal challenge coins are given to Navy Seals typically by a commanding officer as a sign of the special services they provide to those who serve with them as well as their country. The coins can be a variety of metals, with different logos and designs. The Navy Seal coin usually has a design of a Navy ship, sometimes the ones that have been retired.

The recipient of the coin is often someone who has shown extreme valor for a particular event that occurred. Some are given to the members of a certain unit as a commemorative coin showing their unit number which has been stamped into the coin.

Some Coins are Extremely Rare

A major economic crunch was felt the world over after World War II and the halt of many coins was the result of the strained economy. The coins that were made during this time were made from a cheaper metal and were often used as money. The ones that had been made earlier and had not been circulated began to gain value and the Navy seal commemorative coin as well as coins from other branches were prized by collectors.

If someone you know, such as your grandfather, had one of the Navy Seal challenge coins from a time when they served in the Navy, the coin will be highly valued by collectors. Since many people collect the challenge coins, when one is made that has a specific historical meaning, this coin will be one that is often sought by the collector and will command quite a high price.

There are no words to explain what significance a Navy Seal Challenge coin can mean to a member of this elite group. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that becomes part of carrying this coin is a bond between the men in a certain regiment. They often are even more special during times of war when the men are in a foreign country and far away from home.

The division that shares everything shares the knowledge of why the Navy Seal challenge coin is so special. What it means to their fellow troops as a sign of the sacrifice they are making to protect freedom for their country and the nation as a whole is the ultimate way of their leader saying thank you.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource for creating and customizing your own Navy Seal Challenge Coins

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USAF Challenge Coins – Are You a Collector?

June 14th, 2010

If collecting challenge coins is one of your hobbies, you will realize the great significance these coins have for the armed services. USAF challenge coins are said to be the first to make an appearance in the world of challenge coins. The legend says they first appeared in World War I although there is a lot of controversy over this story. The first coins were also said to be made from solid bronze.

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Coast Guard Challenge Coins – Collector’s Items, Merit Awards and Retirement Gifts

June 14th, 2010

The Coast Guard is no exception to any other branch of the armed services who serve this country. Their motto “Semper Paratus” meaning “Always Ready” describes the willingness of this branch of the United States Armed Forces to do what needs to be done. They are the only military branch that has a maritime law, which covers foreign and domestic waters and a federal regulatory agency as a part of their missions.

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Special Forces Coins are as Traditional as the Green Beret

April 14th, 2010

One of the things that many people associate with the Special Forces is the Green Beret they wear. However, there are other traditions that may not be as well known as they should. One of these is the Special Forces coins that are prevalent among the elite units. The coins are carried as a way of identifying members of this elite group as well as for other reasons.

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USMC Challenge Coins Are Displayed With Pride

March 23rd, 2010

USMC challenge coins are displayed in offices and homes to show the pride of the owner. The typical owner may have several of the coins and display them in a case hanging on the wall or one that sits on a table or desk. Many of the coins are plain with no ornate markings, while others may be quite intricately detailed.

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Challenge Coin Display: Which One Should You Choose?

January 27th, 2010

When you are looking for a challenge coin display, you will want to take a few things into consideration. The amount of coins you are planning to display is one. Are you going to be adding to the collection? If so, a bigger display is going to be necessary. One that is just big enough for what you are displaying now will not work later when your collection may have doubled.

Which One Should You Choose?

Another thing you will want to consider is the type of display. Are you going to be hanging it or placing it on its own stand? There are various types and they all work fine for the task. Basically, this is going to be your preference.

The wood type that hangs is a good choice. Make sure it has a door for keeping dust and dirt away from the challenge coins. There should be enough glass on the challenge coin display so there is not a problem viewing the coins.

In addition you may want one that locks so you can keep the coins safe from prying fingers. There are some that have decorative locks that will work great for this. Keeping the coins safe is one of the assets of putting them in a display.

The inside of the display is another area you should be aware of when it comes to the material that is used. A dark background will allow your coins to show more and the material should be a felt or a similar fabric to allow the best look.

If you decide that a challenge coin display that sits on its own table is more along the lines of what you want, there are several of this type available. Before deciding on this type, make certain you are going to have the space to sit the table and the décor fits the rest of the room. This is one reason many people opt for the type that hangs on the wall.

The free standing coin display is available containing levels. This allows more coins to be displayed and makes it easier for viewing. The number of coins that can be displayed will depend upon the size of the display case. If you have a very large collection, you may want to use more than one display and place them at various points around the room. This is an especially good idea if they are going to be displayed in an office or a military setting.

This type of challenge coin display should also have a lock so that the coins can be secured. This is especially true if you have the coins in an office. Some of the coins in your collection may be very rare and you will want to make sure they are protected.

The display chosen will be entirely a personal choice depending upon what type you like the best. When looking for the one that you will ultimately purchase, choose a good type of wood that will last. There are different types such as oak, cherry, pine, walnut and various other types. This will allow your challenge coins to be shown in the very best light possible.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online
resource for creating your own Challenge Coin Display

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Challenge Coins – What Makes Them Special

January 27th, 2010

Challenge coins are made for all branches of the military as well as other organizations. They are used by the Navy, Army, Air Force, and the Marines and Coast Guard. Since its origination, these coins have been used in many ways.

There is a belief that challenge coins originated during World War I with the Army Air Squadron, but no one knows for sure. Most importantly, these coins are used to show a purpose, and show a symbol of bravery. The original coins were used for brotherhood among service men, but now the coins can be used for anything.

A lot of fire departments, collectors, and Departments of Defense buy challenge coins. Many organizations give them away to show that you are a member. Fire departments, medical services, and other relative fields give them to their members to show how much they honor their services. You will find many nurses, doctors, and ambulatory service people with these coins. They are also often bought by coin collectors who collect them or sell them.

Even family members of service related organizations wear the challenge coins as necklaces and other forms of jewelry, as an honor of respect and pride. It shows that they keep the members of their family close to their hearts, especially if they’re waiting for their return from deployment.

If you want to collect challenge coins, it’s best to show them off in a display case. Many people who collect challenge coins from different military or other service-related organizations will hold them on for years and years. They will then pass them on to the next generations in their family. The youngest members in their family can learn about the pride and history of these service organizations.

The feeling a member of the military has when receiving one of these challenge coins is indescribable. These coins hold a lot of meaning to them and are kept close to their hearts. They hold an immeasurable feeling of pride of honor within them. Don’t be surprised if a service man in your family is proudly showing off their coin. The feeling that they have is often hard to describe, only a likeminded person would understand.

No matter what or how you use these coins always hold on to them. They’re special and hold so much history and meaning. These challenge coins are exceptionally beautifully as well. They hold the essence of each organization with their colors, details, and lettering. It’s best for you to hold on to them so you can share them with your future generations. They’ll be great to use during a little history lesson with your young ones.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online
resource for creating your own Challenge Coin Display

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Challenge Coins are Becoming More Prevalent in Private Sector

December 5th, 2009

Once reserved for the military, the challenge coin today is being given in private sectors as well. The tradition has gone from the military to government agencies and on to private corporations. In the 1980s a federal law allowed the design of awards for government employees to use a wider range of choices. This has paved the way for the challenge coins to be given for all types of reasons.

Challenge Coins – Identification and Awards

They are collected, given as awards and identification. These medallions are often embellished with an organization’s logo. Given to those who have shown support in the most outstanding way for their company or military unit, they are truly morale enhancers.

Challenge coins, unit coins or honor coins – no matter what they are called, they have the same basis for being given. The provider of the coin gives it as a way of saying a job has been well done. The recipient has shown exemplary behavior or service and is rewarded by being given one of these coins.

Today, the coins are given by many different sectors. The police department, fire department and emergency rescue workers have all received these coins for the fine work they perform. These are people who risk their lives every day to make the world a safer place for the rest of us.

Even just collecting the coins has a special meaning as there are so many available to ensure you can have a terrific collection. Some collect only the ones that have been given to military members as awards. Recently the first challenge coins have been showing up from Iraq. The many that were given to those who served on aircraft carriers are another popular one that many people like to consider.

Challenge Coins to Recognize the Ultimate Sacrifice

Some of the most recent recipients of the challenge coin were those who died in Fort Hood, Texas last week. During a ceremony to honor these women and men who died, President Obama presented each of these victims with a challenge coin at the close of his statements.

His distribution of challenge coins have included wounded soldiers he visited in Walter Reed. In keeping with this tradition, the many men and women who are a part of the military serving on bases, aircraft carriers and in combat the world over carry challenge coins. Whether the coin is one shared by those in a particular unit or given as a special achievement award, the meaning is far more than just receiving an award.

At every level of the armed services the challenge coins are being carried and have gained a whole new level of popularity. They are a tradition that cannot be matched. The coins have been displayed, carried and given by those who understand this is a coin that has such a deep meaning that nothing else could compare.

Just as many years ago when the first challenge coins were made, the meaning of carrying one of these coins has not changed. They stand for a meaning that is far more than the average person can understand.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating your own customized challenge coins

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Challenge Coins – What Do They Mean?

November 16th, 2009

Challenge coins exist for branches of the military as well as other organizations. The most common are made for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air force and Marines. The belief is that challenge coin originated with the Army Air squadron during World War I. Since that time the coin has been used for many purposes.

Giving the Challenge Coin

Law enforcement uses the coins and each one is different. They are designed for the purpose they will be given. Often they are given as a symbol of outstanding bravery in the face of danger. Although the original coins were given as a symbol of the brotherhood of the men receiving them, they can be used for just about any purpose.

Fire departments, Department of Defense and collectors buy these coins. For many organizations they are just given to show you are a member. They are also collected by those who like the coins and want to see how many they can collect. Often these are the ones that just cost a few dollars, but the meaning behind the origination of challenge coins is what is priceless.

Collecting the Challenge Coin

If you are a collector of the older coins you will want to set up a display case so you can look at them. Handling them too much may scratch or otherwise damage them. By keeping them in a display they can be enjoyed.

Collecting different ones from military and other service-related organizations allows the coins to be preserved for future generations. As the meaning of the challenge coin is handed down through the years, the younger family members of those serving their country will learn the pride behind the challenge coin.

Honoring Service

There are many members of servicemen and women’s families today who wear necklaces made with challenge coins as a way of honoring their family members for the service they are providing. The necklaces are worn with pride and as a way of showing they are keeping their loved ones close to their heart while awaiting their return.

Some may have challenge coins made to honor the family members who have lost their life in service to their country. Since there are so many being made today, you can find ones with great detail and made of many different materials.

Many fire departments, emergency medical services and other related fields are giving these to their members in honor of the service they provide to the public. The value of the challenge coin is often not measured in the price. It is measured in the meaning for those who receive them.

When a member of the military receives one of these coins, they know the meaning is far more than they could ever explain. In addition to the camaraderie felt by those serving, the pride and sense of honor they feel as a part of the military is something they could never make others understand. The challenge coins just reinforce these feelings.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating your own customized challenge coins

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Securing and Displaying Challenge Coins

October 13th, 2009

Acquiring a challenge coin is certainly a special event. Challenge coins are essentially a celebration of one’s affiliation with an elite group. One who has served in the military will receive a challenge coin as a means of honoring their membership is such an amazing group of professionals.

The origins of the challenge coin centered on the ability to show proof that someone served in the military. That is, if anyone “challenged” someone’s legitimacy as a veteran, the ability to present the coin was available. Does that mean the person should carry a challenge coin with them in case such a circumstance occurs? No, the challenge coin needs to be kept properly safe and secure. It is a rare item and that means the storage of the coin should be taken seriously. That’s why it is important to know how to properly store and secure the coin.

Some of these coins are rare and quite valuable. For many servicemen, the coin is a one of a kind and cannot be replaced. This is why it cannot be kept in a small box and placed in a drawer and left for year. That’s because one day you may open the drawer after a few years and discover that the item is no longer there. To avoid such an unfortunate scenario, the key to preserving the challenge coins is to place it in a safe, secured, and locked place where access to the coin is not easy. This will make life a lot easier for the person who owns the coins since it makes losing or misplacing the coins next to impossible.

The most secure place to store a challenge coin would be a private safety deposit box. Yes, there are costs with acquiring a safety deposit box but, depending upon what type of entity you lease a safety deposit box from, the costs will vary. You could conceivably acquire a decent safety deposit box for very little money.

The obvious problem with a safety deposit box is the fact that you will not be able to view the challenge coin. For those that wish to display the coin, another option may prove to cover both bases. That is, the safety and visibility of the challenge coins will be preserved. This can be achieved by framing the coin and placing it on the wall. As the name implies, framing refers to placing the challenge coin in a glass case that is connected to a frame. This is then placed on the wall where is clearly secure and visible.

Types of challenge coin displays

Wall hangings

This type of display cabinet is available in oak, cherry, walnut and black. It has a beautiful design that includes brass hinges, door latches and a glass door to keep keep dust out and inquisitive fingers away. The felt fabric background can display up to 88 standard coins. The cabinet comes ready to mount on your wall.

Desk pieces

These wooden desk display pieces are available in oak, cherry and walnut. They hold 30-120 coins that can be displayed in 3, 4, 5 tiers or in 3, 6 or 12 rows. They can be made to fit any decor, home, office or military setting.

Glass Dome

This is a great way to display a single challenge coin, medallion or military ribbon where all sides are visible. The mini dome comes with a coin stand that will hold most coin sizes.

To view pictures of the types of coin displays click sample unit coins.

Securing a challenge coin is always a good idea considering the rarity of the item. So, take the additional steps to properly safeguard and display the item. You’ll definitely be pleased you did.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Challenge Coins

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

What Challenge Coins Mean and Reasons to Create One

October 13th, 2009

Challenge coins are used in a variety of capacities. They may be used in the military, business organizations, colleges, police departments and fire departments to name a few. The challenge coin is basically a symbol of honor for the services provided by a person, an association or an organization. Thought to have originated in the United States Air Force, the coins have different meanings depending upon who receives the coin.

What They Mean

For those in the military the challenge coins have a special meaning of honor and camaraderie. The coin is usually given by a superior officer to be carried because of what they represent or as a way of expressing appreciation. The coins will typically have the unit to which the soldier belongs and the emblem of the branch of service. They may be made of different types of material such as silver, copper, nickel and gold plating.

A challenge coin has a different meaning depending upon the organization that it is representing. The police challenge coin will be a symbol of the fraternity of the order of police. The protect and serve emblem that you see on their vehicles may be on the challenge coins as well. It is given as a symbol of the daily risks and the bravery of the men and women who have opted to work in this profession. This coin is also considered to be an honor to carry by those who possess them.

The fire department has their own challenge coin or honor coin as some people call them. The department that each man or woman works for will be featured on the coin as well as the city. The purpose of this coin is to honor those who respond to the emergencies that arise daily. An honorable way of remembering those who have lost their life in the performance of this duty is another purpose of this coin. Often the family will receive the coin as a sign of gratitude for the service of a family member who was killed while performing their service.

Creating a Challenge Coin

Creating a challenge coin for the organization that you serve is a way of honoring all the members who represent the team. Because many members of the organizations consider themselves team members this is an honorable way of uniting all in the cause for which it exists. From the establishments that provide relief efforts to victims of all types of disasters to those who provide the daily sustenance for those less fortunate, this is one way the members can be honored for the work they do.

When giving this type of challenge coin, the creation must be unique to that organization. There will usually be a motto of some sort that the organization uses to state their purpose. There may be a symbol as well. The material for the coin can be many different types of metal.

The Boy Scouts of America have their challenge coin as well as other groups. This group has been in existence for almost 100 years. In honor of the good deeds they perform, an actual silver dollar commemorating their service is being minted. As you can see, the challenge coin has many meanings. First and foremost is the service provided by many groups, organizations and military men and women who serve us all.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Challenge Coins

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

First Responder Coins

October 13th, 2009

Available in a wide variety of metals and designs, first responder coins are one of the best ways to show the appreciation for those who take on the responsibility of being on call any time or day or night. The first responder may be in the medical profession, the firefighting profession or the ambulance driver. The service provided by these brave individuals is appreciated by many and often they do not get to show that appreciation.

Personalizing the Coins

The first responder coins can be made to any specifications. They can have the name of the county and state or the city and state as well as a logo that you would like to put on the coin. The volunteer fire departments often give these coins to their members with the name and county. It is an honor for a volunteer to receive one of these coins and many carry them as a reminder of the appreciation for the services they render.

When choosing the first responder coin for the particular type of service provider, remember you may want to add a date as a remembrance of when the coin was given. The leader of the department is normally the one who has the coins made for the other members. If it is a fire department, the fire chief may have the coins made for giving to the members of his department to show appreciation for the member’s services.

First responders are often honored with a tribute that includes the gifting of a first responder coin. These celebrations are in honor of the fire fighters, corrections, EMS and law enforcement personnel for the hard work they do everyday as well as in times of disaster. The fact that they risk their lives on a daily basis to ensure the safety of the public is an honorable job and too often they are not recognized for this service. Often schools that provide training in these types of jobs will host the events for the area in which they are located.

Sales of some of the first responder coins can be used to train those who wish to become a part of the first responder community. By providing training specific to the type of job they choose, the volunteer organizations around the country can increase the number of first responders they have on hand to handle situations.

As with many situations among those who feel the need to give of themselves to protect the innocent, the public does not quite understand the day to day sacrifices made by the first responders. The true dedication of those in this line of work is not always in the limelight. When disaster strikes, the true heroes are the first responders who give it their all to take care of others.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own First Responder Coins.

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Navy Challenge Coins

June 3rd, 2009

Representing the many strengths of the Navy, the proud men and women who serve will know what the navy challenge coin means and the honor of carrying one. As a way of saying that the sacrifices made by the members of the Navy do not go unnoticed, the challenge coin is a reminder. Each branch of the military has their own coin representing the service and honor of its members.

The first coins originated in World War I and since that time, each branch of the service has their own coin signifying a branch and unit for their servicemen and women. Typically given in a handshake the coin is an honor to receive and carry. The kinship created by the challenge coin is one that will not be forgotten and the men and women of the Navy will carry the coin with pride.

From the origination of the Navy in 1775, those who take the Navy oath know that the pride they feel is a reflection of this noble branch of the military. From the Blue Angels to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) as well as the Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive (CTI) each member provides a special service for our U.S. Navy. Navy SEALs are another part of this military branch. The tradition of the Navy is over two centuries old.

Commanders of the Navy use special military coins to honor their servicemen and women for the dedication and hard work they perform. The coins are a great morale booster. They are also commemorative of the sacrifices made by those who have given their life serving their country. For those brave men and women who gave their all to the country they love, many family members receive their honor coin as a token of appreciation and a memory of the true sacrifice.

The coins may be made of many different metals. Some are bronze, gold, silver, copper or nickel. They are of the finest quality with an emblem of the Navy and depending on who they are given to another insignia. It may be the division of the Navy that the soldier is in or some of the challenge or honor coins may be representative of a ship that the soldier was on, such as the USS Ronald Reagan. Some coins are either 2 or 3 dimensional if so desired.

Veteran coins for the U S Navy may have a flag emblazoned on the coin with the word Navy on one side and Veteran on the other with the eagle symbol. To honor those veterans who served in the Navy this coin is also printed with the words honor, courage and commitment as a tribute to these aspects with which they served their country.

Commanders use coins that are specifically minted for certain sectors of the Navy. They feature the enlisted man’s rank and division. These coins are very important for the fact that they are given to those who show the dedication, perseverance and loyalty that is what makes our military the best it can be.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Navy Challenge Coins

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Marine Corps Challenge Coin

June 3rd, 2009

It makes no difference if you are active duty at the present or are retired from the Marine Corps. Every person who serves their country deserves the utmost respect that we have to give. This is a sacrifice of time away from their loved ones and home. In the heat of battle or the support they provide wherever they are these brave men and women show the utmost courage and dedication. This is why the Marine Corps challenge coin is so special.

This coin has a long history. The men and women who are honored to carry them are bonded by the service they provide and this is a representation of that service. The brotherhood and sisterhood of the U.S. Marine Corps is one that cannot be understood unless you are a part of it. The Marine Corps challenge coin is a bond that is shared.

These coins are often given to members of a unit by their commanding officer. With the sense of pride of ownership, the challenge coin is the ultimate way the different branches of the service can provide a special connection between the men and women serving. The coins often have the unit number on them and the branch they represent.

The Marine Challenge coin is a highly regarded coin amongst the members of the armed services. The possession of one is an honor and they are often made of valuable metals. Highly polished and protected to preserve the good looks, the coins have even been given to Presidents. President George W. Bush had the honor of receiving a challenge coin on a visit to Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq.  On September 3, 2007 he received a coin from a combat patrol unit of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The coin has many versions and has been in existence since World War I. One story is from the Vietnam War. The marines would carry something they considered lucky – a piece of ammunition that missed hitting them. They were small pieces of ammunition to begin with and then they began to get larger. The commanders were supposed to have banned the carrying of these pieces of ammunition and started giving marines a metal coin.

The coin was stamped with the crest of the unit to which they belonged. The men could carry these coins without being in the danger some of the larger pieces of ammunition could have caused. The pride was also a factor in carrying a coin that your fellow comrades carried as well. The bond provided was a much needed morale booster.

One of the traditions of the Marine Corps challenge coin as well as the other armed services coins was that if challenged in a bar by a fellow marine who took their coin out, everyone else had to produce theirs. If they could not, they would have to buy the drinks for everyone. If they had their coin, the challenger had to buy the round of drinks.

The tradition of this honor coin is the best way to make sure all members carry their coin on them at all times. The rules are a little different for the different branches but they stick to much of the basic challenge as we know it today.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Marine Corps Challenge Coin

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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Marine Corps Coin

April 25th, 2009

When joining the armed services one of the first things you will most likely hear about are the honor coins. There are different coins for different branches of the service. The Marine Corps coin is one that is an example of these coins. There are coins for each division in the Marine Corp. The 1st Marine Division has their coin as do subsequent divisions.

The 1st Division Marine Corps coin is for honoring the oldest of all the divisions of the Corps. The Camp Pendleton based division became official in 1941. It is also the largest of the divisions and the most decorated.

The brass coin representing this division has the word ‘Guadalcanal’ as well as the image of the Southern Cross. This was commemorative of the taking of Guadalcanal in World War II during the first campaign of the war. The first Presidential Unit Citation was earned for this feat and followed by eight more as the 1st Division became more of a force to be reckoned with.

The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Divisions have their own coins as well. Each represents the accomplishments of that division as well as the insignia of that particular one. They are given to those who are a member of the division as a symbol of what they stand for when they stand for the Marines.

The honor of possessing the coin is an important part of the brotherhood that is represented by members of the division. The older Marines who have fought and died on foreign and domestic soil is another remembrance of what the coin stands for in America’s freedom battles. The ability to return to a land that is free because of the brave souls who believed in protecting that freedom is paramount to the meaning of the coin.

When the Marine Corps coin is carried by those who are a part of the division of the United States Marines the pride they feel for their fellow Marines as well as those who have passed is tremendous. The sense of belonging to something far bigger than just a branch of the service is a part of the coin’s meaning. A pedigree follows the Marines and the ‘guts and grit’ shown in times of need are part of the representation of the coin.

Just as the 5th Marine Division fought for freedom in both World War II and the Vietnam War or the 3rd Division participated in the Vietnam War starting in 1965, the Marines have been the freedom fighters for many years. All the divisions have stood for the freedom we enjoy today. The coin is the least of all commemorations that can be awarded.

During the Battle of Bougainville in 1943, 400 Marines lost their lives. So in honor of all those who have served and those who were killed, the Marine Corps Coin can signify a meaning that is beyond most people’s comprehension. But the Marines know what it stands for and what it means to each one personally. When defending the country they love they truly have given their all.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Marine Corps Coin

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
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National Guard Coins

March 23rd, 2009

On the evening of September 10, 2006, four teenagers from the Commonweath Challenge Academy led more than 15,000 walkers in a memorial walk to remember the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The walk was from the Washington Monument to the Pentagon. During the walk other cadets formed an honorary guard around those families who were the most affected by the attacks. It was an evening fraught with emotion. The conclusion was a concert and a 184 light display for every person who died there on September 11, 2001.

Marine General Peter Pace presented a coin to each of the four teenagers who led the walk. This is the essence of what the National Guard coin is all about. The Commonwealth Challenge Academy’s Virginia Youth Challenge Program is one of 30 National Guard youth programs.

For these teenagers this is the beginning of learning what it means to be part of something much bigger. For many this is the turning point in their lives when they realize the importance of freedom and what it means to them individually.

The Coin is a Symbol

The National Guard coin is a status symbol for these men and women. Not only status but shown appreciation for their service for standing for freedom. The coins are a morale booster as well because they tell the recipient that they are indeed a part of something that is extremely important. Being presented one of these coins by their commander is a special event for the National guardsman.

This tradition is credited with starting in World War I, in the flying squadron when a wealthy lieutenant had coins made of solid bronze. They were embellished with his squadron emblem and given to all the members in his unit. After the coin was used for saving one pilot’s life when he was mistaken for the enemy, the coins began to be carried all the time.

It is hard to understand the proud heritage that these coins carry and the privilege one feels when bestowed one of these coins unless you have experienced this. The brotherhood that binds our soldiers in times of war in faraway lands is expressed in this symbol of their dedication.

The coins are typically made of some type of metal. They have the unit badge in which the receiver is serving. They may say the name of the branch of the military also engraved on them. Sometimes a saying in line with the branch of the military being served in is also engraved on the coin.

Honoring Those Who Serve

When you think of the heritage the coins have represented all over the world, the end result is the same. The receiver will feel as though what he does is being recognized. They will not let the coin out of their site unless it is in his pocket. This is one of the most honorable gifts.

If you have a husband, father or brother who has receive one of these coins, you should be very proud. The recipient is someone who deserves the attention and recognition.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own National Guard Coins.

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

Medal of Honor Coin – The Coin of Integrity

February 24th, 2009

The honor coin or Medal of Honor coin as they are sometimes called is a coin of integrity. The possession of this coin when presented by the military is a coin which indicates the owner is a firm believer in principles and high morale standards. Being a person of honor is one of the highest compliments one can receive.

When given by the military, the owner of the coin knows they are achieving what they have decided is the best decision they can make for themselves. There are also honor coins that are given to the members of fire departments, police departments as well as other servants of the people.

The honor coin is usually a coin with a design which represents whatever the receiver serves. If it is a military coin, it will have the squadron or division of the military in which the person is serving. If it is a civil servant honor coin, it may have the city department for the carrier. Regardless of where the coin in given, they are the token that is a constant reminder of the service and honor of being chosen to carry this coin.

Many people have never heard of the honor coin and do not realize the deep meaning this coin has for those who serve. However, those who are in possession of them know very well the true meaning the coin represents. A brotherhood is a form of camaraderie for those who put their lives in danger in order to save others. Putting the safety of others before yourself is the norm for many civil servants as well as military.

When the first coins were introduced it was thought they originated from the branch of service which is known today as the United States Air Force. They were the emblem of honor for those who flew the planes into enemy territory never knowing if they were going to make it back or not.

Today the coins are carried by those who also fly the planes, secure the areas, rescue the fallen and generally make the world a safer place for the majority to live. The true meaning of the coin is felt by the people who put their lives on the line daily.

If you are the son or daughter of a career military father or mother, you will know the story of the honor coin. You will know that this is the bravest thing your parents could ever do for their country. In honor of those who have lost their lives doing the very same thing, there are also honor coins for the families of these brave souls. Putting yourself in jeopardy to protect what you believe is the highest form of service and should always be remembered.

Whether it is as a soldier, a pilot, a policeman, fireman or those who are behind the scenes when disaster strikes, the honor coin will always be remembered as the true meaning of the word integrity.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Medal of Honor Coin.

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

Police Challenge Coins

February 24th, 2009

Coin collecting has been around for many years. You might have started collecting coins when you were younger at the encouragement of your parents, you might still have a dusty book of them somewhere too. There are many types of coins to collect, you can start with your birth year and collect a coin for each year of your life or start with a centennial. It’s fun and it’s a great memory to pass on to your children. What type of coins you collect depends on what you’re interested in. The true collector starts with a certain theme and stays there.

Police challenge coins are special because they can be custom designed to reflect the departments attributes. Although some collectors are more interested in obtaining these precious one of a kind coins for collector reasons only other people think that it devalues them when civilians seek them as prize possessions without understanding the meaning behind the coins design.

Perhaps you’ve have had somebody in your family that has been in law enforcement. A police challenge coin can be a symbol of their hard work and dedication while on the force. Those who are lost in the line of duty can have a coin made in their name and their remembrance can be minted for those to keep and pass on to others.

The whole premise behind the term “challenge coin” is that a person who is in law enforcement can use their coin as a challenge. The coin is seen as a right to challenge others who walk the blue line too. A person who has a challenge coin can bring their coin out for show and tap it in a bar and those who possess police coins have thirty seconds to show their coins or they own the person a beer. It’s also a way to show your pride in your department.

Because coins last forever and can be handed down to the next generation for bragging rights they also encapsulate a time that somebody served and protected. Coins, unlike rings or badges, can be enjoyed by everyone who remembers them. Police challenge coins are created to keep the police force family as close knit as possible. It’s best to keep your police challenge coin on you at all times. There is a time and place to use it for a challenge, don’t make a rookie mistake and challenge it at the wrong precincts bar.

Police challenge coins can be made to highlight any department or agency. Those who want a special coin can design one that only a few people have and even though a collector might want one, they would not be able to obtain. Some coins are so rare that even some police departments only show them to each other as a symbol of brotherhood among themselves. Those coins will live and die with the owners.

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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource
for creating and customizing your own Police Challenge Coins.

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

Air Force Challenge Coins

November 15th, 2008

Challenge coins are available for all branches of the military, police forces all over the country, and many other organizations. The commemorative aspect of giving the coin exists for many reasons – for services provided or for membership for a period of time. The coins can be for many years of loyal service to a company. However, the main meaning behind the coins originates with the US Air Force.

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Law Enforcement Challenge Coins

October 22nd, 2008

A challenge coin, no matter what type it is – a law enforcement challenge coin or another type – is to show the dedication and pride of the carrier of the coin. The first challenge coins are said to have shown up around World War I. The U.S. Army Air Service pilots were adventurous types from Ivy League schools that joined the service to fly fighter planes.

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