Unit Coins : Challenge Coins : Military Coins

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.

**************************************

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:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

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.

**************************************

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:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

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.

**************************************

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:
http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

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.

**************************************

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

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.

**************************************

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

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.

**************************************

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

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

The tradition of the military coin is one of considerable question. Most people will give the credit to the United States Army Air Service which is another name for what is now the United States Air Force.

Although most non-military do not know the story of the military coin, the men and women who serve in the military, whether it in the field, on board a ship or flying through the skies in a military aircraft know the story very well.

Read the rest of this entry »

The monetary value may not be very high for military challenge coins however, the keepsake value is worth more than you could ever pay for this coin. These coins have been called by many names: military unit coins, commander’s coins, honor coins, and pride coins just to name a few. The names all fit because these coins are associated with the honorable duty of the military.

Read the rest of this entry »

Unit coins or Challenge Coins were originally created by the military to signify pride, honor, service, unity, morality and friendship among its members. it has now extended its reach to include law enforcement, police, fire departments and rescue units.

Read the rest of this entry »

How do you get customers to identify your products or company from other businesses offering similar services?

If you’re selling your products online or offline it’s hard to gain the trust of your customers. Online is more difficult because you don’t meet your customers face to face. Branding helps win loyalty and trust from your clients. It separates you from all the other businesses that offer the same or similar services. You’ll know when your brand is successful when your clients associate your business name with your products or service.

Read the rest of this entry »

Most businesses forget about trying to brand their company because they haven’t thought how it may boost their profits. Instead they continue to run their business day to day without thinking how it will stand out from similar businesses that offer the same items or services.

Read the rest of this entry »

Businesses are always concerned about building a brand so they can easily and instantly be recognized by their customers. One obvious example of how effective branding can be is by looking at the example of the Coca Cola brand. Visit almost any country in the world and it’s citizens will know what Coke is and where to buy it. This is because the brand has been heavily marketed in that country or city.

Read the rest of this entry »

Military challenge coins tend to be one of the most reproduced militaria related items on the market. This may be due to their increasing popularity as they are used for all kinds of organizations that are not specifically associated with the military. These include police and fire departments, church and scout organizations.

Read the rest of this entry »

Designing your own challenge coin can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time doing it. You might have a plan in mind of how your coin will look, but once you draft it onto paper, it may look totally different to what you imagined. It helps to have an artistic eye when facing this task. Going to school isn’t necessary to become a coin designer, but the key element is creativity.

Read the rest of this entry »

Challenge coins are not only for the military—they can represent any organization such as police, schools, fire departments, weddings, colleges, and other groups. Not only can you create your own coin with the design of your choice, but you can even start a collection or trade them.

Read the rest of this entry »

The original purpose of the challenge coin was to recognize the outstanding acts of Special Forces, boost their morale and build camaraderie. Today challenge coins are used by all military, law enforcement, fire department and rescue units.

Read the rest of this entry »

When there are many organizations that look similar it’s difficult for yours to stand out amongst them. You need to create a lasting impression in the minds of your members as well as potential members who wish to join. Building a brand identity has become a necessity for many organizations because they want to stand out from the crowd, sustain members loyalty and achieve their long term goals.

Read the rest of this entry »