How to Practice Proper Military Challenge Coin Etiquette

Military challenge coins are more than collectibles—they are symbols of honor, unity, and tradition within the armed forces. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or someone who’s been gifted a coin, understanding proper etiquette is essential to respecting the coin's legacy.

As of 2024, there are an estimated 17.6 million American veterans and 1.3 million active duty service members across all branches. With the growth of the veteran community, challenge coins continue to grow in cultural significance and use.

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have a storied past, believed to have originated during World War I. An officer had custom medallions struck for his unit, one of which saved a pilot’s life by proving his identity to allied forces. Since then, coins have become a widely adopted military tradition across all branches of service.

Today, custom challenge coins represent units, missions, deployments, promotions, and leadership appreciation. Over time, this tradition has expanded into law enforcement, fire departments, and even corporate teams.

To fully appreciate their meaning, it's important to understand one of the most important aspects of the challenge coin tradition: the coin check.

What Is a Coin Check?

A coin check is a time-honored tradition designed to promote camaraderie and readiness among service members. Here's how it works:

• A person initiates a check by loudly slamming their challenge coin on a table or calling out "coin check!"
• Everyone in the group must immediately display their challenge coin.
• Anyone who cannot produce their coin must buy a round of drinks, pay a small penalty, or perform an agreed-upon task.

Note: Accidentally dropping your coin may also trigger a coin check—so handle it with care.

Coin checks are spontaneous, lighthearted, and serve to reinforce the importance of always carrying your coin—a symbol of your service and connection.

Unique Challenge Coin Customs Across U.S. Military Branches

While the basic etiquette around military challenge coins—like always carrying your coin, presenting it with a handshake, and being ready for a coin check—is fairly consistent across the Armed Forces, each branch has put its own spin on the tradition. Here's how the culture of challenge coins differs from one branch to the next:

U.S. Army: Army units often design their own coins to mark deployments, milestones, or special accomplishments, making each one a unique symbol of shared experience.

U.S. Navy: The Navy uses challenge coins in a number of ceremonial traditions. One standout example is the “Shellback” coin, given to sailors who cross the equator—an old-school rite of passage into the “Order of Neptune.”

U.S. Air Force: Every new Airman receives the Airman’s Coin after completing Basic Military Training. It marks their official entry into the Air Force and is a proud moment for many.

U.S. Marine Corps: Marines often receive coins that reflect their unit’s identity and the pride that comes with it. These coins are usually given to recognize excellence or commemorate a mission.

U.S. Space Force: In a newer but meaningful tradition, graduating Guardians give special lapel pins to their families during Basic Training graduation, recognizing the important role loved ones play in their service journey.

U.S. Coast Guard: For the Coast Guard, challenge coins often emphasize the branch’s core values—Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. These values are commonly engraved right on the coins and shape the spirit behind their presentation.

Understanding Proper Challenge Coin Etiquette

The heart of challenge coin culture is respect—both for the coin and the tradition it represents. Here are the key etiquette rules to follow:

Always Carry Your Coin

You never know when a coin check might happen. If you're caught without your coin, you're responsible for the consequence—often paying for drinks or performing a task.

Present a Coin with Respect

When gifting a coin, present it palm-to-palm during a handshake. This gesture conveys honor, recognition, and mutual respect.

Tip: If you're designing a custom military coin for a unit or organization, consider including these etiquette guidelines in your onboarding materials. For design inspiration, explore our favorite military coin designs.

For more on military traditions and ceremonial behavior, the U.S. Army Customs and Courtesies Handbook (PDF) offers great context.

Treat It with Care

Coins should never be defaced. Avoid drilling holes, turning them into jewelry, or allowing them to get dirty. If you want to wear it, use a pouch or case designed for coins.

Keep It Within Reach

Your coin should always be within arm’s length—especially when seated. If you need more than four steps to retrieve it during a check, you've lost.

✅ Do’s:

• Carry your coin at all times
• Display it respectfully (on a wall, desk, or case)
• Explain the rules if you give someone a coin
• Participate in coin checks with pride

❌ Don’ts:

• Forget that coin checks can happen anywhere, anytime
• Hand your coin to someone unless you're giving it away
• Alter or deface your coin in any way
• Brag about your collection or misuse the tradition

The Symbolism Behind the Coin

Many coins commemorate milestones—graduations, deployments, leadership recognition, or heroic actions. Some hold more weight, like receiving a coin directly from a commanding officer or during combat service. Each coin tells a story, and that story deserves to be respected.

Want to see examples of coins created for military units? Browse our challenge coin gallery for inspiration and design ideas.

Looking for a coin that reflects your mission, values, or heritage? Learn how to create your own custom challenge coin.

When to Give a Challenge Coin

Challenge coins are often awarded to recognize achievement, build morale, or honor a shared experience. While there’s no single “right time” to give one, here are some of the most common and meaningful moments:

• Promotion or Retirement: A coin can mark an individual’s career milestones and service to their unit or organization.
• Completion of Training or Deployment: These coins serve as mementos of dedication and camaraderie during important chapters of service.
• Outstanding Performance: Leaders often present coins on the spot to recognize excellence or going above and beyond the call of duty.
• Ceremonial Recognition: Coins are commonly given during formal military events, ceremonies, or change-of-command transitions.
• Unit or Team Bonding: Some commanders or departments distribute coins to foster identity, unity, and morale among their members.
• Cross-Branch or International Exchange: Coins can be exchanged between branches or allied military partners as a gesture of respect and diplomacy.

The key to giving a challenge coin is that it should feel meaningful—not transactional. Whether formal or informal, the moment of presentation carries weight and history. It’s also a timeless way to honor someone’s service, sacrifice, or impact—whether in uniform or beyond.

Final Thoughts: Honor the Tradition

Challenge coins aren't just mementos—they're emblems of commitment, service, and identity. Whether you’re carrying one or giving one, treat every challenge coin with the reverence it deserves.

By practicing proper challenge coin etiquette, you join a legacy of shared respect, honor, and service that spans generations.

Why Choose Custom Challenge Coins?

At Custom Challenge Coins, we don’t just produce coins — we help tell your story. With over a decade of experience crafting coins for military units, law enforcement, fire departments, nonprofits, and private organizations, our team takes pride in delivering coins that reflect tradition, purpose, and pride.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Free artwork and unlimited revisions
• Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
• Fast production and delivery timelines
• Knowledgeable, U.S.-based customer support
• A commitment to craftsmanship and quality

Whether you need coins for an upcoming deployment, recognition ceremony, or commemorative event, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

👉 Start your free quote today and experience why thousands trust us with their challenge coins.