Depending on who you ask, the “challenge coin” has historical roots
dating back from fifty to nearly one-hundred years. The most documented and
familiar story about these coins comes from an American fighter pilot who was
shot down during World
War I and forced to land in hostile German territory. The pilot was subsequently
captured and temporarily held in a detention facility that was later attacked
by British Forces. This attack afforded the American an opportunity to later
escape.
At some point after his escape, and without many of his personal belongings
with him, the American was confronted by French soldiers who detained him. He
was presumed to be a German at the time, which led the French to nearly take
his life. The American plead with the French Officer that he was indeed an ally,
and presented a challenge coin he had received from his Lieutenant some time
before being deployed. The coin was struck with the American’s Unit insignia
and other identifying marks.
The French Officer immediately recognized the insignia on the coin and postponed
any plans to take the American’s life until his identity was validated.
Later, the pilot was released, and the legend has it that the challenge coin
presented to his would-be French executioner saved his life.
Today, the popularity of the challenge coin has evolved into more than just
a mark of representation for military personnel. They are actively traded among
active-duty, retired, and civilian
personnel within government agencies. It has also become customary to present
a challenge coin to dignitaries and special guests to certain locations as a
sign of “welcome” and respect. Presidents William Clinton, George
W. Bush and Barack Obama have minted challenge coins to present to White House
guests and diplomats of foreign countries. The tradition has expanded to other
countries as well, to include Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Over the years, military coins have evolved from seemingly simple designs to
more complex and colorful varieties. This can mainly be attributed to the advances
in manufacturing techniques that have been perfected over the years. One of
the earliest challenge coins known to exist was a simple, die struck brass coin
with a faint emblem and barely discernible text. Modern coins are manufactured
in a fashion that allows each to display 3-dimensional images that rival the
detail found on actual currency. Virtually every element of a custom coin now
can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Some of the more popular features
of challenge coins made in the last ten years include numbering, specialty edging,
and photographic inserts, which allow and actual picture to be affixed to one
or both sides of a coin.
Throughout the career of an armed services member, he or she will have the
potential to encounter and receive a substantial number of challenge coins.
For example, the United
States Air Force holds a coin ceremony for its cadets upon graduation, and
for many Airmen, this is the first of many they will hold dear during their
service term.
Major news agencies have recently covered the presentation of challenge coins
by high ranking officials to war heroes upon their return from duty in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Such media awareness has helped to create an increasing popularity
of these coins in venues beyond the military as well. Law Enforcement and Firefighter
organizations have followed suit by distributing challenge coins to their staff
for recognition and achievement purposes. Many have recognized that a small,
personalized token can build unity among a team, which also promotes morale
along the way.
There is no doubt that challenge coins have a significant and deep-seeded role within many military organizations, both here in the United States and abroad. It has been said that only those who have served and received a coin for certain accomplishments will truly appreciate their meaning, but along the way it is clear that this closely held tradition has evolved and expanded outside the military.
