If you’ve ever attended a military presentation you’ve probably seen soldiers being honoured or awarded for their efforts and duties. Oftentimes they’ll be presented with a coin with a unique design on it – this, essentially is a challenge coin.

But, you must have so many questions.

What does it symbolise? And why did the soldier receive it? Are they only reserved for soldiers?

Let’s look into the details further around what it means exactly to receive a challenge coin and what they’re all about.

Who receives Challenge Coins?

Put simply, almost anybody can give or receive a challenge coin. It’s more about the reasoning and meaning behind the desire in giving them, rather than the who.

Challenge coins are small, palm-sized metal coins and do not necessarily always have to be perfectly round. The emblem or logo is embedded into the coin along with the associated colours, textures and design concept of the organisation in which it represents.

Wording, a person’s name and other features; basically, whatever you’d like, can be permanently engraved onto the coin depending on the nature of its representation.

The best things about these is that they are possibly the most highly customisable gift or award you could give someone. They can be constructed into all shapes, sizes and even items like bottle openers, keyrings and endless other options.

They are usually made out of brass, zinc or bronze while others can be made from real gold.

Sometimes these days challenge coins can be given out for corporate recognition or branding purposes. A company may opt to award a member for the efforts in the form of a badge (coin), with the company’s or business’s logo featuring on it as part of a branding strategy.

Why are Challenge Coins given out?

Challenge coins are specifically designed for purposes that vary wildly among those giving them out, and those receiving them.

Most commonly, challenge coins are given to someone to reinforce confirmation or emphasise their commitment to an organisation, team, club or any other means of membership.

But why a coin? Why not a certificate or some other type of award?

That’s simple. Because:

1. Coins are a much more personalised gesture of recognising achievement, and
2. They’re more displayable, unique and visually intriguing to an audience or admirers.

A paper-form certificate or membership is extremely boring and is nowhere near as sentimental and personal as you could make a challenge coin.

Also, the main concept of a challenge coin is to create and strengthen team bonds, representing unity and exclusivity among a particular group.

For example, if you’re relatively new to an organisation and you know every member has a coin representing their commitment or loyalty, you’d feel much more respected and appreciated upon receipt of yours, wouldn’t you?

Especially more so than a print form of certification or membership.

But it’s also about pride and feeling a sense of self-establishment within a group dynamic as well.

Modern society and work culture doesn’t necessarily offer that same emotional connection and belongingness as it once did. Which is another beneficial reason to design the perfect challenge coin to mark that special event or milestone.

What do they represent?

Although challenge coins generally represent a sense of membership to a particular group, they are also used to honour those who have attained insurmountable achievements.

These are usually military personnel, or a person involved in a heroic act or bravery-related field.

The coins are customised and personalised in design and are tailored to represent a specific event or accomplishment.

That’s why they’re great for special occasions like anniversaries or those one-time achievements and recognition periods. These could include an initiation or introductory event joining a team for the first time.

Traditionally, challenge coins were used strictly in the military. However, today they’re popular among a broad range of professions, groups, hobbyists and many other organisations across international industries.

Certain government agencies would also use them, with politicians offering the coins to people who have achieved a heroic status.

Emergency services and personnel also were once given challenge coins as commendation for their bravery.

Regular businesses are also starting to incorporate them into their everyday operations as an effective way of boosting staff morale and introducing goals and incentives for employees.

So, there you have it! By now you should have a firmer grasp and better understanding on what challenge coins are and what they represent.

The next time you see a challenge coin, or witness someone being presented with a one, you’ll know exactly what it is and the incredibly meaning and purpose behind them.

Whether you’re in the military, part of a team or a regular social club group, challenge coins can be the perfect gift to honour somebody close to you, so get out there and look for a good supplier today!