Jan 14

Common Questions Asked About the Commander’s Coin

Challenge coins are a huge tradition in the military. But many people are still unsure of the commander’s coin tradition. Here are common questions asked.

Civilians may not be familiar with challenge coins, but their tradition is well-known throughout the military, and by many United States firefighters and law enforcement departments, as well. For servicemen and women, a commander’s coin carries a significant meaning. While, for the rest of us, it’s a custom that’s often shrouded in mystery.

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The most widely-accepted version of its’ beginnings dates back to World War I when an American fighter pilot was captured and traded his own cherished medallion for personal freedom.

Whether that’s truly where the challenge coin got its’ start may still be a subject of debate, the fact remains that today, these coins are a widespread symbol of honor among those who serve today.

Even the presidents have come to know and love the passing down of challenge coins, with each recent leader having his own uniquely-designed relic to share.

Still, the tradition tends to conjure up a long list of questions, both by those who take part in the custom and by onlookers, alike.

Read on to learn the answers to many of the most common questions surrounding the long-lived mysterious commander’s coin.

1. How Did the Challenge Coin Originate?

One of the stories accepted by many is the one that’s mentioned above.

After a WWI serviceman received a coin from his well-to-do superior, he was captured and escaped with little other than the shiny medallion he wore around his neck. A short time later he was captured by the French military, who mistook him as a German soldier-turned-spy. He regained his freedom only after he presented the challenge coin to his captors, proving that he was indeed an ally and not the enemy that they first believed him to be.

In an alternate version of facts, the coin’s introduction to the military has roots dating back to Ancient Rome. Rumor has it that men were often given coins to reward them for a day of hard work on the battlefield.

2. Who Was the First President to Mint His Own Commander’s Coin?

The traditional presidential challenge coin first began with President Bill Clinton. It has been followed by each president that has taken office since, including Presidents George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

Vice President Dick Cheney was the first VPOTUS to claim a uniquely designed coin made just for him. And, Vice President Joe Biden coined three different varieties of the personally-stamped coins.

Historically, the presidents of the United States and their vice presidents have reserved their medallions only for members of the armed forces, or for other supporters of the nation. Honorees have also included rare foreign dignitaries and the family members of those who have served our country.

3. How Are the Coins Typically Used Today?

Today, challenge coins are often presented to members of the military and throughout other U.S.-supporting police and fire departments. They serve as a way to commemorate one’s pledge to serve their country. And, they are also given to award various missions accomplished by said servicemen and women.

It’s common for a member who has served for many years to possess a collection of many different challenge coins, each representing a specific honor or milestone throughout their career.

4. What Is a “Coin Check”?

A “coin check” is a common practice among battalions and departments. It occurs when an officer or another superior declares “Coin check!” and all of the practicing members in attendance must present their coins ‘on-the-spot’.

The last member to show their coin often has to buy the others a beer. Or, they might offer another similar form of debt repayment to their faster-moving military brothers and sisters.

These “on-the-spot” coin checks, as they are often called, are popular among Veterans, both past and present. Although it’s a custom mostly taken in fun, the groups of men and women who have served take their roles very seriously. Owning a challenge coin is an honor that they carry with pride.

5. Should Civilians Take Part in the Trading of Challenge Coins?

Although it may have happened before, it’s not “the norm” for civilians to trade these coins for fun, or even to symbolize a special event or occasion.

Military challenge coins are a tradition that the members of service prefer to keep private.

It’s possible for civilians to “gift” the coins to non-military. But, this practice should only be reserved for certain special occasions.

That said, there are other variations of commemorative medallions that are often given to civilians. And, these coins are similar to those passed along through the military.

They might be presented to honorary civilian recipients for their graduation or other special occasions. Still, while similar in appearance, these aren’t the same challenge coins like those that hold the traditional meaning for military and service members.

Where Can You Learn More About Challenge Coins?

If you’re intrigued by the history of the commander’s coin, you might have an interest in visiting our site to find out more about this beloved military tradition. And, if you’re a member of the armed services yourself, you might even want to place an order for your own set of custom challenge coins.
We would love to help you find the coin that you’re looking for.

Visit our website today to place an order for your own challenge coins and be a part of the long-standing tradition of this honorable and precious token of appreciation!

Dec 6

Tips for Designing a Masonic Challenge Coin

Masonic Challenge Coin Design Tips

A masonic challenge coin brings your fraternity together. Here’s how to create a meaningful design that represents your brotherhood to anyone that sees it.

What if the key to bringing your frat brothers together could fit inside your pocket?

The Masonic challenge coin is becoming more and more popular among fraternities, from college fraternities to police and fire fraternities. It provides a portable and stylish way to verify who is (and who is not) among your fraternal order.

However, a challenge coin can only be cool and stylish if it has a cool and stylish design. Otherwise, no one will want to take it out of their pocket.

If you want the hottest challenge coin around, keep reading to discover our top design tips!

The Point of a Masonic Challenge Coin

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to designing an awesome Masonic challenge coin. First, though, it’s worth addressing what the point of these coins really is.

Some fraternities treat it as part of a brother’s initiation. In this sense, getting a challenge coin indicates full admission into the brotherhood.

In a related sense, some fraternities offer challenge coins to friends of the brotherhood. This is rarer, but it helps to underscore how close you see the relationship between this person and your order.

The original purpose of the challenge coin is pretty simple. Someone can initiate a coin check by taking out their fraternal coin. Every brother in the area must now produce their own coin.

If someone does not have their coin on them, they must now buy the next round of drinks. If the challenged man produces a coin, though, it’s the challenger who buys the drinks.

This helps encourage everyone to have their coin on them at all times!

Power of Symbolism

When you hear about a fraternal coin, you might be thinking of something simple. However, traditional Masonic coins actually used a lot of imagery that was tied to their symbolic beliefs.

For example, Masons truly valued the labor that we perform each day. A challenge coin with laboring hands or tools helps to symbolize how important this person or this order takes their work.

Many of those masonic values are still shared by brotherhoods such as the Fraternal Order of the Police. Giving a member such a symbolic coin helps to reward their own hard work while underscoring the brotherhood’s belief in labor.

Acronyms Ahoy

In addition to symbols, many traditional Masonic coins used acronyms. In most cases, these acronyms were very highly specific.

For example, one common acronym was “H.T.W.S.S.T.K.S.” This long acronym actually stood for “Hiram the Widow’s Son Sent to King Solomon,” a Bible story that plays prominently in Masonic culture and society.

If you want to blend old and new, you can create acronyms that correspond to your own order’s values. These special acronyms can help your brotherhood feel tighter, and they make for an interesting conversation piece if any non-brothers end up seeing your coin.

The Right Size

We’ve been focusing a lot on symbols and acronyms. However, there is a more fundamental question to answer: just how big should the coin be?

For the most part, challenge coins are around the same size as standard coins. Some may be a little bit larger, which brings both advantages and disadvantages.

With a larger coin, you have more real estate. This gives you room to include larger images, longer acronyms, and so on.

At the same time, the coin is meant to be easily portable so keep that in mind when creating your masonic challenge coin.

Color Versus Discretion

What color should your challenge coin be? That ultimately depends on your organization as well as how you will be using the coins.

Many organizations include bold and bright colors. These colors translate really well to eye-catching coins (such as fire-engine red for a fireman’s challenge coin).

However, some organizations want their coins and coin challenges to be more discrete. If you want your challenge coin to easily blend in with other coins, you may need to use more basic colors.

Choosing the Right Symbols

If you want to channel masonic symbols instead of your own, you have plenty of symbols to choose from!

Many masons loved symbols like a hammer and a compass because these represented their love of building. Some symbols had “G” between the tools to celebrate both God and geometry, both of which they saw as a major part of their lives.

Gloves are a symbol encouraging the Mason to keep themselves clean. This may mean metaphorical cleanliness (such as spiritual purity) and literal cleanliness (not letting their dirty work destroy their clothing and appearance).

The all-seeing eye is a popular symbol that meant God was always watching. This symbol is so popular it has endured as a symbol of various conspiracy theories.

There are tons of symbols to choose from. The important part is to pick the one that best represents the individual members and collective beliefs of your fraternity.

Bringing the Frat Together

Now you know how to design a masonic challenge coin. But do you know who can turn your awesome design into a reality?

We specialize in providing custom challenge coins to fraternities all over the world. We have worked with masons, university fraternities, corporations, firefighters, and police.

Whatever your vision is for your awesome masonic challenge coin, we are here to bring it to life. All you have to do is check out our types of coins and go from there!

Nov 5

7 Effective Employee Recognition Ideas

Make your staff feel appreciated by offering tokens of appreciation for their hard work. Get your inspiration for employee recognition ideas from this list!

Did you know that only 51% of employees are satisfied with the recognition they receive after doing a great job?

Not only that, but only 1 in three employees have received recognition in the last week.

Now, we don’t expect you to offer the following employee recognition ideas on a weekly basis, but it does need to be consistent. As a result, your company will benefit, too!

How?

Recognition helps increase productivity in your workforce. Your employees become happier to work (less time for complaining!), their loyalty grows stronger, and employee retention increases. This saves you time and money.

As you can see, employee recognition is a tremendous all-around practice. We’re here to offer some creative ideas for the next time you need to award someone for a job well done.

Keep reading!

1. Positive Feedback

We’ll start with the most straightforward recognition of all — positive feedback.

Sometimes, even a little acknowledgment can go a long way. Too often, employees perform well and get nothing but silence in return. If you offer regular, specific feedback, they’ll know to continue doing good work.

Take the uncertainty out of the equation. Tell your employees what an excellent presentation they did, how happy you are with their sales, or whatever applies to your business.

2. Company Swag

There’s nothing like some swag to get people excited (and hey — it’s an advertisement for you, too!).

If you’ve got custom mugs, t-shirts, stress balls, pens, etc., consider pulling it all together into a company tote bag. Gift it to the employee you’d like to recognize.

This small gesture allows them to feel proud of their place of employment.

3. An In-House Meal

A Harvard Business Review study found that 26% of employees value healthy food options in the workplace.

While you may not be able to supply these healthy food items on a daily basis, you could consider hosting quarterly or bi-annual catered parties. Provide a variety of healthy, yummy options.

It’s easy to just order a bunch of pizza and call it a day.

Instead, seek out a local caterer and have them bring a smorgasbord of great grub. Not only will your employees love eating in (and not having to pay for their meal), but it’ll give them some time to de-stress and comingle with their coworkers.

Additionally, healthy food should spark some energy. High-carb pizza results in that sleepy after-effect that’s not too good for going back to work!

4. Employee Outings

Say you’d like to recognize your whole team rather than a specific employee.

Employee outings are great for recognizing an entire group of people at once. And if someone on the team is slacking a bit, a group outing should encourage them to pick up the pace.

Some ideas for your next outing could be:

A pool hall or bowling alley
A scenic, easy hike
Volunteering for a local charity
A painting class
A cooking class
A sporting event at your local arena

Try to find something that offers group discounts to lessen the cost of the bill.

Additionally, try to avoid divisive activities. For example, taking your employees on a bar crawl could make those who don’t drink feel uncomfortable or left out.

5. Custom Challenge Coins

Custom challenge coins are an excellent souvenir for a job well done.

In fact, non-monetary incentives like these are just as effective as cash bonuses. They complete the same objective — motivate employees, develop camaraderie in the workforce, and bring teams together.

Challenge coins have a long and storied history that dates back to WWI. And they’re still used today at corporate events and often show up in the workplace.

Not only does collecting coins give your employees something to look forward to achieving, but they’re a great way to highlight individual successes. You can create a custom medal for any type of achievement. If there’s more than one style of coin, that’s one more thing for your employees to strive for.

At the end of the year, employees can compare coins, see who got what, and see who collected the most. This’ll give them something to look forward to going into the next year — collecting even more coins!

6. Social Media Shout-Outs

If your employee is okay with having a photo posted online, this is a great way to recognize their achievements.

Take a picture of the employee you want to shout-out and post it to your business’s social media page. Write a short little bio about them and explain why they’re getting recognized.

Then, they can re-share the post on their account and let their family and friends see what a great job they’re doing at work!

Bonus — this increases awareness about your company and shows what a great team you’ve cultivated.

7. A Wall of Fame

Similar to the idea above, a wall of fame praises employees’ achievements in a fun and fresh way.

Say your company incentives employee or company reviews. You can start a Wall of Fame and print out any reviews that mention your employees. Highlight their names and pin the paper to a corkboard in your office.

This works in two ways.

One, it recognizes those who’ve gone above and beyond. Second, it encourages anyone not yet on the board to strive for getting their name featured!

Try One of These Fantastic Employee Recognition Ideas

You’ll be surprised at how effective they can be!

Not only will you feel content with offering praise and acknowledgment, but your employees will feel even more over-joyed at their achievements. This directly results in a better work ethic (which is good news for your company).

Why not put one of these employee recognition ideas to the test right now?

Contact us today to see your options for a custom, creative, high-quality challenge coin. We’ll even help you come up with a free design that’s perfect for your company!

Aug 29

7 Ways To Make Unique Custom Challenge Coins

Follow our tips in making unique custom challenge coins that make the gift that much sweeter.

Whether you’re looking for the right way to say “thank you,” want to support a friend that’s going through a tough time, or if you just want to create a sense of camaraderie in any organization, customized challenge coins are a great way to make it happen.

You want your coin’s design to be as unique and special as the person you’re giving it to — but you’re struggling to come up with ideas that make you tick.

Read on to learn more about how to create unique custom challenge coins that will bring people together, honor another person, save a life, or just serve as a reminder of how much you care.

1. Highlight an Important Date

Printing an important date somewhere on a challenge coin is a wonderful way to make it even more special to the person receiving it.

Custom Memorial Coin You could give a coin with the date of a family reunion printed on it to everyone who attended your festivities. You could give your husband/wife a coin with the date when you first met on it before they head off for deployment.

If you want to honor a deceased loved one, you could even create a coin with the departed’s birth and death dates on it.

2. Recognize a Specific Accomplishment

While custom challenge coins are often given to multiple members of an organization, profession, or military unit, they’re also great ways to celebrate a special occasion in someone’s life.

Air Force Challenge Coin We also love the idea of creating a special challenge coin in honor of someone’s college graduation, their new job, their move to a different city, or even the birth of a new child!

The possibilities are endless here, and the coin serves as a lifelong reminder of an achievement that changed someone’s life for the better.

Why not try using them as wedding favors, too?

3. Include Life-Saving Contact Information

Another great tip for understanding how to make unique custom challenge coins?

Create coins that are specifically designed to help people remember important phone numbers like suicide hotlines, roadside assistance numbers, or even advocates for victims of abuse.

This is an excellent way to spread the word about a cause you care about and have a genuine impact on the lives of others at the same time.

Check out this list of some of the most important emergency contacts that you should have in your phone.

This kind of challenge coin is especially excellent for elderly people who live alone, or people with learning differences who may have trouble remembering the number they need to call in case of an emergency.

Having this tangible reminder can save lives.

4. Select a Special Quote

Another way to make personalized and unique custom challenge coins that much more special?

Include a short and sweet quote on one side of the coin.

You could select a quote that you know means a lot to the specific individual, or use the same quote on all your coins to motivate your team towards success. Whenever your team is feeling lost, stressed out, or just in need of a little wisdom, they can take out the coin and read it to get the boost they’re looking for.

5. Go for Unique Edges

When designing challenge coins, many people are so focused on the look of the face of the coin, that they completely neglect the possibilities that the edges offer!

Coast Guard Honolulu Challenge Coin You can choose from all different colors and textures, including a thicker rope design, silver or gold, or even edges that contain a few words circling the coin.

Check out our gallery to get a better understanding of the different kinds of edges that are possible.

6. Try an Unexpected Shape

You don’t have to go for the traditional circular shape when you’re designing your custom challenge coin!

If you want to know how to make custom challenge coins unique, sometimes straying from the standard shape can take things to the next level.

For example, you could have the coin made in the shape of a medical cross if you’re giving them to emergency response teams. You could have the coin made in the shape of a Scouts-syle merit badge if you want to honor a member of your corporate team.

Want to reward members of a Habitat for Humanity volunteer team? Go for a triangular shape that mimics the look of a house.

7. Find a Quality Challenge Coin Company

The number-one thing to keep in mind when you’re ready to design unique custom challenge coins?

Make sure you find a quality, experienced challenge coin company that will communicate with you to ensure they come up with a coin that exceeds your expectations.

They should have verified reviews on their website, take pride in their work, and have even offer you free design services if needed.

Ready to Bring Your Unique Custom Challenge Coins to Life?

We hope that this post has helped you to realize the limitless possibilities you have when it comes to designing customized challenge coins.

Are you ready to start creating challenge coins to give to family members, friends, servicemen and women, or even your fellow employees?

If so, we want to help you make it happen.

Reach out to us today for a free price quote on your unique custom challenge coins.

We’re also happy to make design suggestions, help you to realize your vision more clearly, and fill you in on any of our current specials.

We look forward to helping you create something that will hold meaning to those you give it to for years to come.

Aug 27

What It Means To Be Gifted A Custom Challenge Coin

What is the history of custom challenge coins and what does it mean to be gifted one? Read up and find out.

Throughout the ages, members of exclusive groups and units have found ways to honor each other and prove their allegiance and membership. Whether it is through songs, sayings, tattoos, or other markers, these groups recognize the importance of their bond and their allegiance to the same group.

Challenge coins are one of the ways these groups celebrate their membership and their bond. From US Presidents to police officers to soldiers, many groups and units use challenge coins to build morale and fellowship and honor others. And while you may have never heard of challenge coins, they have a long and celebrated history.

In this article, we’ll go over the use of custom challenge coins, including their history and what it means to be gifted one.

Custom Challenge Coins: What Are They?

A challenge coin is a coin or medallion created by a group that is given to the members of that group. Challenge coins typically bear the seal or insignia of a group along with their motto or other identifying images or words. They are typically used by different groups in the military and law enforcement to signify that they belong to a unit or group.

But how did these unique gifts get their start? Challenge coins have been used throughout history, and have even played a role in saving soldiers lives!

Challenge Coins: How They Got Their Start

The first use of challenge coins in human history was by the Ancient Romans. The Romans had one of the greatest armies in history that conquered huge swaths of territory in a short amount of time.

Commanders in the Roman army witnessed the greatness of their soldiers in battle and wanted to recognize them for their acts of bravery and courage. They had custom coins made for these brave soldiers that depicted their name, unit, and their accomplishments in battle. This helped raise troop morale and commemorated these soldier’s finest moments.

But challenge coins weren’t just used by Roman soldiers. They were also used by powerful families during the Renaissance. Upper-class families would frequently give their friends and family members “portrait coins”. These portrait coins usually had the portrait or likeness of the recipient on one side and their family seal or insignia on the other.

These coins were usually given when someone had accomplished a great feat. They were also given to commemorate special events like marriages, birthdays, and deaths.

A Downed Pilot Starts A Great Tradition

While challenge coins were used long before the 1900s, their use in the modern world stemmed from World War I.

Due to the large scale of the conflict, many young, upper-class men volunteered to join the military at the start of WWI. One of these upper-class men was a lieutenant in charge of an air squadron in the Air Force.

To raise troop morale and honor his men, he had bronze coins made with their squadron insignia on them. He gave one coin to each man as a gift. One young pilot wore his coin in a leather pouch around his neck, keeping it with him at all times.

Unfortunately, this young pilot got shot down shortly after. Although he survived the crash, he was quickly captured by German forces and taken prisoner. He was stripped of his uniform and equipment, except for his leather pouch around his neck. During an attack on the base where he was held, the pilot managed to escape the Germans.

After getting civilian clothes, the pilot managed to make his way to the frontlines. Just before crossing the front line, he was captured by French soldiers on patrol. Due to the frequent presence of spies in civilian clothes, the soldiers believed him a spy and ordered his execution.

Before they could carry out the sentence, he showed them his coin, which a French soldier recognized. They suspended his execution and were able to verify his identity as an American pilot. Once his identity was verified, they gave him a bottle of wine instead of a bullet!

The Birth of the Challenge Coin

After the safe return of the pilot, he told his story to his fellow pilots and they all began to keep their coins on them at all times. They even invented a game to ensure each pilot had their coin on them. When the pilots were at a bar, one of the members of the squadron would take out their coin and “challenge” another member to show theirs.

If that member didn’t have their coin, they would have to buy a round of drinks for every person who had their coin with them. If the challenged member had their coin with them, the challenging member would have to buy that member a drink.

Although this isn’t standard practice for groups with challenge coins, many of them still follow this tradition.

What Does It Mean to Be Given a Challenge Coin?

Different groups give challenge coins to their members for different reasons. Many groups give their members custom challenge coins as a sign of their acceptance into the group. For example, the US Air Force provides graduates of their basic training program and officer training program challenge coins to congratulate them and commemorate the event.

Some groups only give out challenge coins to those who have achieved something great. For example, some law enforcement agencies and fire departments give out challenge coins when their officers and members go beyond the call of duty.

Challenge coins may also be given to non-members under special circumstances. This usually involves the non-member doing something great for that group. Members who have challenge coins also give them to guests of honor, such as politicians or special guests.

Create a Custom Challenge Coin for Your Group

Now that you know more about the history of custom challenge coins and what it means to be given one, you can start designing a custom coin for your group.

If you have any more questions about challenge coins or how to create one for your group, please visit our blog.

Aug 5

11 of the Most Rare Military Challenge Coins Ever Given

Want to take a look at some of the most rare military challenge coins ever given? We’ll show you in this guide.

Military challenge coins have interesting stories behind them. Service members played challenge coin games in bars to display their ranks and command. Veterans and active service members now use rare military challenge coins to connect.

The challenge coins also play a significant role in their social lives after service duty. They’re given by high-ranking officers to the participating members of a specific mission. The medallions are also exchanged between officers to commemorate non-military events.

A Brief History of Military Challenge Coins

The first coin piece dates back to World War 1. An American prisoner of war escaped from the Germans’ custody into the hands of the French military. The French were about to execute him assuming he was German.

He showed them a pressed bronze coin. The French recognized the engravings and spared the American pilot’s life. Active and retired members of the armed forces still challenge each other with coins in drinking bars today.

American soldiers would carry live bullets to bullet-clubs in Vietnam. The practice spread to their fellow service members. They would challenge for free rounds by slamming down ammunition on the bar table.

Interesting Facts about Military Challenge Coins

• The coins are collector’s items. You can find rare gold coins as well as cheap brass and zinc coins in a military supply or flea market. Rare and expensive coins earn premiums to the collector

• Military challenge coins open up the history of military events. A soldier allied to the American military once presented a medal to identify himself. Had he not done so, he would have died in the hands of his country’s ally. Military challenge coins are practical instruments in times of war

• There are always opportunities to present your coin. These include identification, during drinking games, and to boost morale

• Coins are used as a tool for recruitment into the military

• Most presidents have a unique military challenge coin

Each military challenge coin spots special unit symbols and designs. They also bear different mottos. The differences identify the militant groups.

Challenge coins have several uses;

• They’re for remembrance. People hold coins to remind them of lost battleships or servicemen

• They deepen the feeling of comradeship and solidarity

• They inspire and boost morale

• They’re for motivation on special occasions

The following are the best-designed military challenge coins;

1. Rare Military Challenge Coins: US Army Diver Coin

army diver challenge coin The army diver coin is cut into an elegant shape. The coin contains different diver badges that identify the holder. The US Army Diver coin calls for even more significant diving achievements.

2. Friday the 13th

friday 13th challenge coin Navy Chief Petty Officers use it to commemorate their acceptance into the chief petty officer mess hall. The men were accepted on Friday the 13th, hence the coin name.

3. Aggressive POW-MIA

The coin spots the flag of the National League of POW/MIA and barbed wire. The flag represents the sanctity of life for prisoners of war. The crossed rifles is an appeal from the prisoners to be sent back to their home countries.

4. Medal of Honor Military Challenge Coin

The coin features a basic design. The coin is easily identifiable. People can tell that the coin-bearer has met one of the honored service members.

5. The Poker Chip

The military coins are iconic, and they weigh light. There’s a space on the edge of the coin where you can engrave a phrase. The poker chip coin is common in the Marine Corps School of Infantry.

6. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

The coin spots an impressive cut laced with a trailing gold chain. The coin is given by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West.

7. Trample the Weak

The Airborne infantry unit is more aggressive than the Marine Corps and Army. The coin symbolizes the infantry job and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

8. South Park

The design is common. The military challenge coin is comical. It allows the holder to speak proudly of their former duties in service.

You can customize it by changing to your preferred location.

9. Submariner Memorial Coin

The coin holds a record of the hull numbers of lost ships. The Silent Service guards all the seas in the world 24/7.

10. The Classic Stamp

The metal plate spots a design common to iconic units. The president-flying HMX-1 marine helicopter squadron delivered the Classic Stamp.

11. The Mickey Mouse Challenge Coin

The Mickey Mouse Challenge Coin is a copyrighted disc that is a bit comical. The Naval Air Warfare Center issue is different from other coins which represent violence and cut in the adult world. The coin is a reminder to take a 40-minute drive to Walt Disney World.

Other Rare Military Challenge Coins

Active military service members and veterans can seek a variety of rare challenge coins. Custom challenge coins are also available for government officials and civilians. Presidential challenge coins are the most unusual challenge coins ever.

Since Bill Clinton, presidents give custom coins to military personnel, wounded soldiers and their families. The challenge coins are transferred discretely and with honor.

Challenge coins today go beyond ranks and missions in the military. Guests to the White House and foreign dignitaries receive minted coins as tokens of respect and hospitality.

The Executive Branch made rare challenge coins for Joe Biden and Dick Cheney. Typical coins are also available for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. Modern manufacturing methods make for intricate and colorful military challenge coins.

Other coins include Tickets for sailors and the Clear Challenge Coin.

Final Word

Rare military challenge coins represent deep affiliation to service. The coin bearers use them for identity and as a sign of brotherhood. Unit members swap, gift, and gather military challenge coins between themselves.

The artists who mint the challenge coins often have a background in the military. They understand military slang and the culture of service in the Armed Forces. That’s why it’s easy for them to develop custom challenge coins on special order.

For more tips and information, please explore the other sections of our blog.

Jul 26

Can You Rise to the Challenge of a Coin Check?

Wondering what a coin check is and what the rules are? We’ll explain it all in this guide.

The actual history of challenge coins is widely debated amongst military scholars. But one thing is clear: the coin check.

In this article, we’ll discuss the “coin check,” and some of the origins of it. We’ll also discuss some of the rules, and where they may vary from work culture to work culture or from military station to station.

It is important to remember that these rules are not necessarily set in stone because we know that the origins are tenuous. Therefore, if you want to initiate a coin challenge tradition within your ranks, it is important that everyone knows the rules before proceeding.

Coin checks often take place in bars, so it’s better to establish the rules before you start drinking so that there isn’t a drunken fight later.

Read on for more information on coin checks.

Where Did Challenge Coins Come From?

As stated previously, the history of challenge coins is widely debated. So much so, that historians can’t settle on where the coins came from. But they do know that they’re now popular in the military and with those who work with and serve a sitting president.

One story states that the challenge coin originated in World War I when many men joined up for an adventure, not really understanding what war would entail. An especially excited one decided to mint coins for his regiment, which they could all keep as a memento following the war.

It turned out that one of the men was shot down over Germany and taken as a POW. He escaped, with nothing to identify him but the coin from his regiment around his neck. In this case, it was put into a leather pouch instead of hung like a necklace.

Once he reached France, they were convinced he was a spy because of his limited understanding of French. They decided to execute him.

As luck would have it, someone recognized the challenge coin and the regiment, and the man was ultimately spared.

While we don’t know how true this is, we do know it is one of the most popular challenge coin origin stories.

Coin Check Origin

The coin check also has several different origins, all of which could be true.

The first one takes place in Germany following the Second World War when many foreign soldiers were assigned to help rebuild the country. As a way to pass time in the bars, some of the soldiers instituted a pfennig check, a precursor to a coin check. At the time, a pfennig was the lowest denomination of German coins.

The fellow, or fellows, who did not have a pfennig on them were then responsible for picking up the next round of drinks. This then evolved to asking for their challenge, or regiment coins. Those that didn’t have them on them were also asked to purchase the next round.

There are also some shaky origins in Vietnam and with Vietnam veterans, where some instituted the challenge coin check to keep bars exclusive to certain veterans or soldiers.

Where Can You Initiate a Coin Check?

Anywhere. It is most often done in a bar or a pub, but you can do it anywhere where someone will need to buy something if he or she doesn’t produce it. You could do it over dinner or going out for dessert. If you live in a fraternity or sorority house that uses coins, you could also use a coin check to randomly assign the least desirable chores for that day or evening.

Generally, though, it is reserved for drinking.

How to Initiate a Coin Check

If you wish to initiate a coin check, you will attempt to get everyone’s attention and show your coin. This means you’ve challenged everyone. You can do this by shouting, screaming, or slamming your coin on the table in a way that everyone can see it.

If you drop your coin, and it makes a noise, this means you’ve accidentally initiated a coin check, a consequence of not taking care of your coin properly. After this, the same rules will apply for the coin check.

Coin Check Initiation Response

The response is for everyone present to place their challenge coins on the table in front of them in a timely manner. Everyone in your party must do so, no exceptions!

What If Everyone Has Their Coins?

You can agree on two scenarios in this case, but ensure your party knows this ahead of time. If everyone has their coins, the last person to produce it will then be responsible for purchasing the round of drinks, desserts, meal, or whatever you’ve agreed upon.

The second scenario is that if everyone has their coins, the person who called for the challenge coin check will then have to purchase the round of drinks, desserts, or do whatever chore you’ve designated.

It is tradition that the person asking for the coin check is “punished” if they initiate and everyone has their coins. But, it is up to your party to decide the rules.

Buying Custom Challenge Coins

Custom challenge coins are a great way not only to participate in a hilarious coin check, but to also instill the members of your regiment or club with a sense of pride.

If you’re interested in purchasing a set, contact us for a custom quote. We can help you choose a challenge coin that you and your fellows will cherish for years to come.

Jul 22

Custom Military Coin - Soft Enamel Polished Nickel Coin

Sizing Guide: How to Choose the Right Custom Challenge Coin Size

When choosing a custom challenge coin size, it’s important to have the right one for your needs. Learn more about choosing the perfect one with our guide.

The tradition of challenge coins dates back almost a century during World War I. The true origin is not known for sure, but it’s said that a lieutenant gifted bronze coins to his all the members in his unit. It was this medallion that eventually helped save the lieutenants life when it served as proof to allied forces that he was an American soldier.

Over the years, challenge coins have been gifted to honor both individuals and organizations. These coins are used for a variety of organizations, not just the armed forces.

If you are considering placing an order for challenge coins, there are a lot of decisions to make. One important decision you will make is the sizing of the coin. There are many different factors that will determine which challenge coin size is perfect for your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about challenge coins and choosing the perfect size for you with our guide.

The Challenge Coin Tradition

Challenge coins tell a story. They tell stories about the organization they are for, the person they are gifted to, as well as the person who made it.

They aren’t used as a formal award, instead, they are very informal. Evidence of this is how the coins are usually given. The coin giver usually places the coin in the palm of their hand, and they pass it to the receiver through a handshake.

Often times, they are something that individuals in an organization carry with them. It’s very common for organizations with coins to play games to see who has theirs on them. For example, if one person pulls out their coin and someone doesn’t have theirs, then that person is responsible for buying drinks for the whole group.

Challenge coins are a great way to honor individuals and create traditions within your group.

Who Uses Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins are used for many different purposes. They used to be used solely in the armed forces. Now, firefighters, police officers, government departments, businesses, and other groups use them for many different purposes. They can be used to honor acts of bravery, commemorate a big event such as retirement, or even to help raise money for a cause.

People are generally surprised at how common they are. There is a large community of individuals who trade and collect challenge coins as well. The more rare ones can sell for $40-50.

Typical Challenge Coin Size

Challenge coins vary greatly in size, but the most common size is about 2 inches in diameter. However, they can be made larger or smaller than this. We offer custom coins anywhere from 1.5-3 inches in diameter.

This size is the most common because it offers the greatest balance between space for design, weight, portability, and visual impact. However, that doesn’t mean that this is the best size for everyone’s needs.

We will go over other factors to take into consideration when deciding which size is best for your needs.

Design

Deciding on the design is one of the first things you will do when creating your custom coin. Laying out your design beforehand will help you determine which size is best.

One of our professionals will help you create the design you have in mind, and make recommendations as to which sizes your design will fit best on.

If you want your coin to have a lot of details, generally a larger size is better. A larger coin will allow those details to show through and help people appreciate them more.

If your design is more simple, a smaller coin will work just fine. Considering how much you want to put on the coin will help you determine which size is best.

Budget

Your budget is another important factor in deciding what size is best. The price per coin increases as the size of the coin increases. You do get a discount the more coins you buy, but that’s not always a reasonable option for everyone.

Things like how detailed the design is, adding color, and if you are putting a design on both sides of the coin will all affect the coin price. The key is to find the right balance between all of these things as your trying to make a coin that fits into your budget.

It’s also important to remember that on top of the price per coin, you will also be responsible for the price of the mold of the coin. This is a one time fee, added onto your order total. The price of the mold also increases as the coin size increases.

Purpose

Lastly, it’s important to consider the purpose of the coin. Do you want it to be something that people can carry around with them in their pocket? Or do you imagine it being displayed?

A large coin is perfect for being framed and put on display in a home or an office. Smaller coins will easily fit in an individuals wallet or purse.

A good visual reference is a quarter. A quarter is a little less than 1 inch in diameter. you can lay multiple quarters next to each other to get an idea of what a 1, 2, and 3-inch coin would look like.

The Perfect Size For Your Needs

Picking a challenge coin size can seem overwhelming when trying to consider all of these different factors. Determine ahead of time your budget, purpose, and design help simplify the process. Our professionals will help you design the perfect coin for your needs!

For more questions or help, call our office or complete our free online quote

Jul 22

Boost Corporate Workplace Morale With Custom Challenge Coins

Boost the workplace with custom challenge coins. Read to learn how custom challenge coins can benefit your companies workplace and employees.

Thanks to recent lower underemployment and employment and a slight increase in turnover and worker satisfaction with benefits, we’re seeing one of the most engaged times in the US workforce:

A whopping 34% of American workers are “engaged” – enthusiastic, committed to work, and involved.

Workplace engagement hasn’t been this high since back in 2000 when Gallup first began recording these stats.

This is exciting news; there’s still room to grow. Read on to learn how custom challenge coins can reinforce company identity, praise, and honor high-achieving individuals, and commemorate service and training.

What Exactly Are Custom Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins are high-detailed coins that serve as a token of accomplishment. They can have a more general design or a customized design based on the area of work.

Some industries that use custom challenge coins are the corporate workforce, police, fire department, and the military – AKA, army, navy, air force, marines, and coast guard.

But other businesses and industries can still take advantage of these coins as a source of encouragement, motivation, and gratitude.

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How Can You Use the Coins?

First of all, know you can use the coins however you deem fit. As general guidelines, you can use them in the police force to honor a specific division like SWAT or detectives.

The same goes for the military that wants to honor a specific branch or troop.

These coins can also congratulate well-deserved promotions and service on the job. Not to mention, retirement for soon-to-be veterans, and a symbol of welcome for new entrants.

For military, police, and firefighters, they can be a symbol of purpose and dedication to their communities and nation.

One of the Biggest Ways Challenge Coins Can Boost Morale in the Workplace

As Harvard Business Review states when it comes to motivation, rewards work better than punishment.

This is where custom challenge coins can come in. Corporate, fire departments, police forces, and military can use these coins as that reward or encouragement for motivational action.

For example, let’s say you need your employees to work overtime this week on an upcoming project for a big client. Of course, you’re going to pay them overtime. But what about that extra step that shows your employees you care?

How do you motivate them to work that extra hour or three the next time an important project comes around? Honoring that time spent in the office with challenge coins will not only employees feel proud but boost company morale.

It’s One More Benefit

The reason for more engaged workers in the US may have to do with a slightly higher increase in workers’ satisfaction with tangible workplace benefits. Some tangible benefits Gallup mentions include:

recognition at work for accomplishments
retirement benefits
and health insurance

Custom coins can be one more tool in companies’ and departments’ recognition-benefit arsenal, which can help make employees and servicemen and servicewomen feel more engaged in their jobs.

What About Rewarding Training Courses and Certificates?

According to Entrepreneur, the online learning industry is booming. This means companies can offer employees more training that’s easily accessible.

Training courses mandatory or not, challenge coins can give employees the recognition they need.

How About Firefighters, Police Officers, and Military Servicemen and Servicewomen?

Firefighters, for example, have more job responsibilities than fighting fires. Some other ways firefighters help the community include:

aiding people during non-fire disasters
providing medical aid
and assisting with traffic accidents.

Several professional fire departments in California offer on-going training through their state’s apprenticeship program.

Why not award firefighters who attend such programs with a challenge coin? What about giving them a coin for completing their a skills certificate (i.e., EMT)?

The same goes for police offers, who must undergo continual training. And what about challenge coins for new recruits who finish training courses in boot camp?

Speaking of the military… Challenge coins can also honor the 18% of military that are officers. These men and women manage operations and enlisted servicemen. Not to mention, the 82% of enlisted men and women who complete these missions and keep our nation safe.

Getting the Community Involved

Challenge coins can also be a bridge between law enforcement and the community. For instance, police officers can hand out coins to the public at community events to help foster community relationships.

They can also give these coins to schools when police officers come to talk to classes about their jobs. That coin could inspire children who dream of becoming an officer.

Consider a Different Course When Trying to Deter an Action

As mentioned, they’re great for rewarding and encouraging motivational actions. But, as HBR states (same article), if you’re trying to deter certain actions (i.e., breaking company policy,etc.) rewards may not be the way to go.

In such cases, you may want to hold off on the challenge coins. How about setting a limit on something instead?

The Takeaway

Custom challenge coins offer a way for fire and police departments, corporations, and the military to honor employees.

They’re an appreciation tool for leaders who want to impact and inspire others. According to Medium, leaders can use the five love languages at the office. Challenge coins can be a part of the gift giving language.

Or be combined with a high-five or praise, checking off more love language boxes.

Ultimately, these coins are a great go-to for motivating employees and boosting company morale. Remember, you know your company/department best and will know when the best time is to use or not use the coins.

Have you used custom coins in your company or department? What did you use them for, and what was the result?

Did the employees feel more recognized for their work? What other benefits do custom coins have in the workplace?

We want to know. Comment or question? Write it in the comments section below. We’ll get back to you!

Jun 10

6 Ways Custom Challenge Coins Make Unique Gifts

Hands up if you’re often stuck when thinking of a unique gift for a colleague or loved one. If your hand is up, you’re not alone.

Most people struggle when it comes to thinking of a gift that’s both meaningful and unique.

The good news is that you’ve come to the right place. We’ve taken into account the various factors that make the perfect gift.

Keep reading to learn more about how custom challenge coins make the perfect gifts.

What are Custom Challenge Coins?

These special coins have a long and fascinating history in the United States.

Many years ago they were relegated to the military as a reward for a service member’s hard work. But today, custom challenge coins have become a popular item to award employees for their stellar work.

These days, the coins come in a variety of forms and, as a result, have impacted many different parts of the service industry. These include the police, Fire departments, and fraternal organizations such as the Masons.

In addition, the 501st Legion and other costuming organizations use the coins to congratulate members and boost overall morale.

Custom challenge coins provide a range of benefits to those who receive them. They have the potential to be a comfort, not only to recipients but to their families too.

Why Gift a Custom Challenge Coin?

As we’ve mentioned, challenge coins are now used in a wide range of scenarios. Their growing popularity is due to a few reasons. Keep reading to find out what they are.

They Boost Morale

Because of their history, and their use as a way to honor someone and their contribution mean these coins naturally boost morale. Anyone gifted with one of these coins is being acknowledged for their special achievement or their hard work.

The exact meaning can be interpreted in any way that suits the specific workforce. They can be used to incentivize good work and to boost the self-esteem of employees.

The overall wellbeing of employees is now understood as a critical element of running a successful company. Any chance to boost office morale and to positively reinforce the efforts of employees should be taken by those in charge.

Keep in mind that the degree to which an employee feels their organization values them plays a central role in determining their ultimate productivity.

The feeling of appreciation shouldn’t be overlooked as a powerful way to affirm someone in a work setting. As a result of feeling valued, an improvement in the quality of work often follows.

They Tell a Story

One of the most unique benefits of custom challenge coins is that they tell a story.

There are few other gifts that even come close to the way challenge coins tell a unique historical story. The mark a moment in history by reflecting back on a time during which they were extremely revered and valued.

Even though they’re small, they hold a weight filled with the gravity of their meaning. When looking at a soldiers collection of challenge coins, you’re seeing the progression through that soldier’s career and achievements.

There’s no doubt that challenge coins are a wonderful way to document important events in someone’s personal life and career.

They Mark a Special Occasion

This point perfectly answers the question, “why gift a challenge coin?”. Almost any significant occasion can be beautifully marked by a custom challenge coin.

Parents find great joy in giving a birth coin to mark the announcement of a grandchild on the way. The coin stands as a way to congratulate the parents to be. It also provides a way to connect parents to their own children and to their grandchildren for the rest of their lives.

Another occasion in which challenge coins are used is at weddings. Brides and grooms use them to show their appreciation to those who helped with their wedding. Wedding coins are a lasting token of gratitude to those who put time and effort into making the special day a success.

A commemorative coin is a powerful and personalized way to keep any special memory alive for the people involved.

They Unify a Team

Teams of all kinds and sizes can reap serious benefits from the use of challenge coins.

While every individual is important, it’s ultimately teamwork that makes the dream work. Team unity and a sense of belonging to a team have a range of positive effects on people.

This is one of the reasons why sports coaches, team managers and even high-up heads of department invest energy and time into fostering team unity. The beauty is that the way in which you use challenge coins to grow your team’s sense of unity is up to you.

Sometimes coins are given to a team to generate a sense of identity within the team. In other cases, coins can be awarded to a team for a special mention or reward. Either way, teams can be brought closer together through the use of challenge coins.

When everyone in a team owns the same unique coin, there’s a powerful sense of belonging that’s promoted. The effects of this are far-reaching and long-lasting.

They’re Very Unique

The more unorthodox the gift, the greater the impact. No one wants to receive a gift that’s a cliche or worse, mass-produced. The last thing you want is to spend money on a gift that doesn’t truly make someone feel special.

When passing on congratulations, showing your appreciation or rewarding for great work, you need to make your gift unique. If it feels one of a kind, it’ll truly resonate with the receiver.

The great news is that custom challenge coins offer the chance to give a highly personalized gift to your recipient. The good thing about them is that they are flexible in application giving you a broad scope of creativity with which to work.

Unique gifts are also more exciting. They create a sense of exploration and curiosity. Everyone wants to get their hands on a gift that they feel no one else has access to.

When you show your appreciation through a rare custom coin, the extent of your gratitude is truly shown.

Keep in mind that custom challenge coins are ideal gifts for both professional and personal settings. Their unique, personal touch goes a long way in conveying your message in a lasting and authentic manner.

They Make for Effective Marketing

The value of effective, long tail marketing is now acknowledged across many industries and organizations. It helps with long term visibility and brand awareness, no matter what you do.

Different companies select different ways to tap into this advantage. Some use branded clothing or merchandise to spread their brand image and message.

Challenge coins are a highly portable yet visible way to get your name out there. Coins are an easy and effective way of creating a connection, especially during moments that matter to people.

A fantastic example of this is a sports team that decides to gift fans with their own branded coins. This creates wonderful solidarity among fans when they meet and discover they both have a coin.

These kinds of real, organic connections make people feel very special. Any loyal customers can be made to feel appreciated through the use of limited edition challenge coins. It goes without saying that this kind of gifting will increase brand loyalty, as the person is made to feel truly appreciated.

The Next Steps

After reading this article, it’s clear how challenge coins make great gifts.

Whether you’re looking for a pride-inducing gift to make your employees or colleagues feel valued. Or perhaps you’re interested in injecting some fun and energy into your sports team or office.

Maybe you’re trying to find a way to show the extent of your gratitude to friends and family during an inaugural birthday or new birth.

No matter what your unique needs are, custom challenge coins will exceed your expectations. So, what are the next steps?

Please contact us for more information about finding the best challenge coins for your unique needs. We’re more than happy to guide you through the options that will best suit your specific needs.

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