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Challenge coins are used in a variety of capacities. They may be used in the military, business organizations, colleges, police departments and fire departments to name a few. The challenge coin is basically a symbol of honor for the services provided by a person, an association or an organization. Thought to have originated in the United States Air Force, the coins have different meanings depending upon who receives the coin.
What They Mean
For those in the military the challenge coins have a special meaning of honor and camaraderie. The coin is usually given by a superior officer to be carried because of what they represent or as a way of expressing appreciation. The coins will typically have the unit to which the soldier belongs and the emblem of the branch of service. They may be made of different types of material such as silver, copper, nickel and gold plating.
A challenge coin has a different meaning depending upon the organization that it is representing. The police challenge coin will be a symbol of the fraternity of the order of police. The protect and serve emblem that you see on their vehicles may be on the challenge coins as well. It is given as a symbol of the daily risks and the bravery of the men and women who have opted to work in this profession. The challenge coin is also considered to be an honor to carry by those who possess them.
The fire department has their own challenge coin or honor coin as some people call them. The department that each man or woman works for will be featured on the coin as well as the city. The purpose of this coin is to honor those who respond to the emergencies that arise daily. An honorable way of remembering those who have lost their life in the performance of this duty is another purpose of the challenge coin. Often the family will receive the coin as a sign of gratitude for the service of a family member who was killed while performing their service.
Creating a Challenge Coin
Creating a challenge coin for the organization that you serve is a way of honoring all the members who represent the team. Because many members of the organizations consider themselves team members this is an honorable way of uniting all in the cause for which it exists. From the establishments that provide relief efforts to victims of all types of disasters to those who provide the daily sustenance for those less fortunate, this is one way the members can be honored for the work they do.
When giving this type of challenge coin, the creation must be unique to that organization. There will usually be a motto of some sort that the organization uses to state their purpose. There may be a symbol as well. The material for the coin can be many different types of metal.
The Boy Scouts of America have their challenge coin as well as other groups. This group has been in existence for almost 100 years. In honor of the good deeds they perform, an actual silver dollar commemorating their service is being minted. As you can see, the challenge coin has many meanings. First and foremost is the service provided by many groups, organizations and military men and women who serve us all.
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Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource for creating and customizing your own Challenge Coins
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