What Is a Marine Corps Challenge Coin?
Do you have your challenge coin? If not, then you owe a round of drinks! Find out why service members are proud to carry the Marine Corps challenge coin here.
Are you or a loved one a proud member of the Marine Corps? Are you looking for a way to show off your pride to the world? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about Marine Corps challenge coins.
They're an incredible way to salute the men and women that protect our great country. There is no better group of people to represent and show honor to than Military personnel, firefighters, and police officers.
See below for an in-depth guide on what a Marine Corps challenge coin is and why you need to start collecting them today.
What Is a Marine Corps Challenge Coin?
If you are (or were) an active member of the United States Marine Corps then you are part of a special group of people. As their slogan entails, you are one of the few and proud.
Challenge coins are a great way to show off your pride, as well as allow your loved ones to show off their pride for your service.
For those of you that are unfamiliar, challenge coins are used to represent different organizations, units, and groups. They signify that you were/are part of a team, such as the Marine Corps, and give you a symbol to identify your allegiance with.
These days, many people collect challenge coins. There are many different kinds, such as:
- First Responders Challenge Coins
- Military Challenge Coins
- Membership Challenge Coins
- Awards Challenge Coins
- Team Challenge Coins & more
The Beginning of the Challenge Coin
So where did this all start? Ask ten different people and you are likely to get ten different answers. Most historians believe that America's usage of them started way back during World War I.
A young pilot was shot down and captured by the Germans. Eventually, that pilot escaped and headed towards France. Believing him to be a spy, the French considered executing him until one of their men recognized the sympol on the medallion the pilot was wearing.
The medallion, which ended up saving his life, was initially given to him by an officer that handed them out to his entire squadron.
Others believe that the idea of challenge coins dates back to roman times, when Roman soldiers were compensated for their savviness in battle with coins that were imprented with the mark of their Roman legion.
Regardless of where the ideology started, the 17th infantry regiment was the earliest recorded to have used challenge coins. Their colonel at the time, Colonel Buffalo Bill Quinn handed out custom challenge coins to all his men with the regiment's symbol on it.
Pride and Identification
As a tribute to their history in our armed forces, challenge coins are used by the Marine Corps today as a way of identifying both active and retired personnel.
But you don't have to wait to be given one by your Colonel or someone else in a position of power. You can create them yourself!
Just like the story of the pilot, challenge coins can be made by Privates, Corporals, Sergeants, or Master Sergeants. Why only make one for yourself? Make challenge coins for your entire Battalion, Regiment, or Division.
They allow you to show off your pride and can even help you identify yourself if the situation ever arises. They will be a momento that you and your fellow Marines will hold on to and cherish for the rest of your lives.
Many Marine Corps veterans carry their challenge coin with them wherever they go. They use it to bring to reunions or to hang out with their fellow veterans of war.
Another cool aspect is that you can stock up on challenge coins for your Battalion, then trade them with others. Before long, you'll have a collection of different challenge coins with a story behind each of them. This is just one way to show the beauty of the Armed Forces.
Where to Create Your Marine Corps Challenge Coins
Once you've decided you want to create some custom challenge coins, it's time to find the right place to have them created.
Choosing the right challenge coin company is essential. You need to make sure you're investing in one that prioritizes quality and craftsmanship.
How? By looking at the challenge coins they've created in the past. You can use these to see how they've brought different groups and teams the honor and class through their custom challenge coins.
We also recommend looking at online reviews from previous clients. Ask yourself a few questions while reading the comments other customers have left behind:
- Do the previous clients seem satisfied with the challenge coins they had created?
- Do they have any pictures of the challenge coins that were made?
- How much did they spend?
- Does the challenge coin company have the capability to create your coins the way you want?
Once you've found a company to make them, it's time to bring your idea to life. Talk to the custom challenge coins company about your ideas for the coin, then use their input to create somethign that is entirely unique.
Remember, you'll have this challenge coin for the rest of your life! Make sure to find a challenge coin company that takes the Marine Corps as seriously as you do.
Create Your Marine Corps Challenge Coin Today
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on what a Marine Corps challenge coin is and what purpose they serve, it's time to schedule your very own today!
Be sure to read this article for an even more in-depth answer to what challenge coins are and why they're a necessity for any group or organization.
For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out online to receive a price quote for the challenge coins you wish to have created.
