History of the Challenge Coin
The challenge coin, usually a bronze medallion, is said to have originated with the United States Air Corps and has since become a favored means of proving a person's membership in a military unit. It bears the insignia of the unit. If a person is "challenged" to produce the coin, it must be displayed.
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History
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The exact origins of the challenge coin is unknown, but one version is that wealthy college men who joined the U.S. Air Corps to fight in World War I had coins struck to give to comrades as a gesture of fraternity. When one young fighter pilot was shot down behind enemy lines, he managed to escape danger by proving his membership to a French officer by displaying the coin bearing his military insignia.
Significance
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The coin today is part of bar game among military personnel. When challenged, personnel must produce the coin or buy a round of drinks for the house.
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Function
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The coin often is given upon graduation, such as the "Bull Dog" awarded to Korean War-era B-52 aircraft gunners upon completion of training.
Types
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The coin is now seen in every branch of the military, and police and fire departments and various fraternal organizations have adopted it to establish a brotherhood among members.
Features
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Some challenge coins feature police department logos combined with a specially designed element to illustrate the owner is a member of the Special Weapons Tactics Team (SWAT), or that a firefighter belongs to a specific firehouse with the likeness of the structure embossed on the coin.
Identification
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The coin is easily recognizable for its military design, but if it is defaced or altered, such as having a hole punched in it to accommodate a chain, then it has no value or significance.
Fun Fact
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The World Series of Poker issues its own challenge coins.
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Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. Air Force
