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Custom Coin Uses

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 challenge coins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and plating options. Debossed detailing and durable high-gloss color epoxy finish off each coin with a unique design of your choosing.

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.

Creating Custom Coins
Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3…

Military Custom Challenge Coins
Custom Challenge Coins
Military Challenge Coins

Creating Custom Coins Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3…

Custom Military Challenge Coin History

One of the earliest stories an American using a challenge coins was during World War I. A pilot was shot down while flying over Germany, and captured by the Germans. The pilot’s commanding officer had coins made of bronze with the unit’s insignia on them to give to his men. The US pilot was wearing the coin in a leather pouch which was tied around his neck for safe keeping. After he was captured, the Germans took all of his belongings except for the coin. He managed to escape the Germans and find his way into France, unfortunately for him, the French thought he was a German spy and sentenced him to death. Luckily one of the French soldiers recognized the mark on the custom coin around his neck, and the execution was put off until his identity was confirmed.

With Unit Coins, you can bring your unique design to life and step into this venerable tradition. A powerful sense of camaraderie surrounds challenge coin culture; it symbolizes entrance into a deeper level of service that endures long after the battle is over. With custom challenge coins, you can give your unit a place in this special celebration of their achievements and the achievements of service-people throughout the United States. Whether you keep them as treasured heirlooms or trade them for others, your unit coins will continue to represent your achievements for generations to come.

Custom Challenge Coin Designs

There are no limits to the shapes and sizes that the coins can come in. There are coins in the shape of stars, dogtags, arrowheads, and even shields. Depending on your design, our talented designers can work to produce nearly anything you can imagine. Check out our custom coin gallery for a examples of just how colorful, detailed, and unique your coins can be. Custom numbering, personal laser engraving, full-color epoxy detailing and more serve to make your challenge coin as unique as the unit it celebrates. Let Unit Coins help you create your custom challenge coin today. We are an American veteran-owned and operated company that takes pride in everything we do. If you ever have any questions about your Unit Coins order, we are there to answer the phone personally. We love to hear the stories behind our coins, and truly relish the challenge of a particularly large or intricate coin. Give our custom challenge coin guide a look for details about design options and pricing, then give us a call for a free estimate. We are glad to help!

Ms. Heather,
I want to inform you that I received the coins 100ea today. In behalf of our enlisted association I want to extend our appreciation for a wonderful job by your company.

– CPO, US Navy

Hi Heather, Thank you for the coins, We really like them, ya’ll did a great job, We are out of here in 28 more days.

– 1stSGT, US Army

Ms. Cassidy,
The coins came in today. Everything looks great.

– CPT, US Army

Good Morning,
I just want to let you know that we have received our coins and are very pleased. Thank you and we will be sure to pass on your company information to the next group in hopes they will come to you as well. Again, thank you!

– MSgt, US Air Force

Heather,
We received the coins today and wanted to thank you for your business and great quality of work!

– SSgt, US Air Force

Hey Guys,
“I wanted to tell you that the coins look absolutely perfect and I recommended you to other campuses. Thank you for your excellent coins! You guys rock!

– Veteran

I got the coins this morning. Thank you very much!! They are AWESOME!

– SSgt, US Marine Corps

Got the coins this evening and my son-in-law has sent me photos. Even in his out of focus photos I am impressed. You all did a fantastic job re-creating our symbol. Thanks so much for working with me and thanks for your service!

– SFC Retired, US Army

Heather,
The coins just got here. They are FANTASTIC!!!!!!!. Thanks for all your help with these> I was wondering, if someone sees them and wants some of their own, can they just order them up?
THANKS again for your work with these, I really appreciate it.

– MAJ, US Army

I received the coins on Monday and they look great. Everyone that has seen them also agree that they came out better than what they thought from the drawing I showed them. Thanks for the great work again.

– Fire Investigator

Ms. Heather,
I want to inform you that I received the coins 100ea today. In behalf of our enlisted association I want to extend our appreciation for a wonderful job by your company.

– CPO, US Navy

Hi Heather, Thank you for the coins, We really like them, ya’ll did a great job, We are out of here in 28 more days.

– 1stSGT, US Army

Ms. Cassidy,
The coins came in today. Everything looks great.

– CPT, US Army

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