Custom Coin Uses

Custom challenge coins have been used across many different branches of the military as a symbol of pride and honor; most units have their own coin specially made for each member to carry. The United States military has a long history of distinctive unit insignias stretching back to the very foundations of the country. These often colorful and elaborate insignia speak volumes about the units they identify and the men and women who serve in them. Variations on these distinctive unit insignia, along with symbolism drawn from the entire corpus of military imagery, serve to tell a special story that only insiders really understand. The secret language of challenge coins has lived on for generations, just like the coins themselves. Constructed with sophisticated techniques and quality materials, our coins will continue to tell your unit’s special story for years to come.

Custom military coins are often used as a badge of recognition. Some events deserve a permanent reminder of their significance. Anyone who has ever known someone in the military understands that there are thousands of unrecognized victories every year no one ever hears about. This is to say nothing of the branches whose work is less glorious and less well-known than the frontline soldiers. Logistics and support groups deserve to be celebrated just as much as their frontline counterparts. With our custom coins, you have the chance to give back to men and women who often go unnoticed and unappreciated, not to mention the folks putting their lives on the line every day. They make wonderful tokens of appreciation for a job well done for every person who serves, no matter when, where or how.

And, of course, custom challenge coins are often used in drinking games. This tradition stretches back at least as far the Vietnam era, and some suggest, much earlier.

There have been stories of similar coins from as far back as ancient Rome. Any soldier who performed well in battle would receive a coin with the symbol of their legion on it. Most soldiers would carry the coin more as a medallion, and a prize for their accomplishments in battle, rather than spend it. Although these coins have no monetary value, soldiers these days hold onto their custom challenge coins as a token of honor, and valor. Some custom coins are used as an ID badge to prove that the holder has served with his or her unit, in some circumstances, administrators use coins as a sort of autograph or business card, although it is not very common.

The challenge that happens after a coin is tapped on the bar is more of a game to see who buys the next round of drinks. Originating in Germany, shortly before the euro was being produced, there was pfennig checks. When the check was called, whoever didn’t have a pfennig was stuck buying the beers for the rest of the participants. This practice was very popular after World War II, however, the pfennig was soon replaced by a military coin. Along with the coins, the game changes slightly as well. While at a bar, a challenger would call out a sort of coin check, and everyone with their coin would slam it down on the table. Whoever didn’t have their coin at the time was the one who paid for the drinks, if all of the challenged participants had their coins, then the challenger was stuck buying the drinks.