Significance of Challenge Coins
Posted by arun on November 21st, 2014
A Challenge coin is a small medallion or coin bearing an organization’s emblem and belong to the organization's members. Challenge coins are given to members joining an organization as an award to improve their morale and sold to commemorate special occasions. Normally they are given to prove one’s membership when challenged and carried by service members too. Challenge coins are presented by unit commanders to a member of the unit in recognition of special achievement by the member and also exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.The Challenge coins vary in size, shape, style, and the metals they are made of. The symbol on them vary according to their significance and various factors. It is impossible to definitely know why and where the tradition of challenge coins began, but definitely these go back a lot further than our modern age. There are various stories detailing the origins of the challenge coins.
The Army challenge coins or the military coins capture the essence of military affiliation and instill pride to those who carry them. Their use is highly prevalent in many arenas. In the Army, tradition of carrying such coins symbolizes the unit identity and brotherhood. Each coin has its units unique symbols and mottos and identifies and represents the unit or group they represent. The Army challenge coins are also presented to a soldier for his valor or in recognition of special achievement, by his unit commander. It is even given as a token of appreciation for a job well done. There are coins that a soldier uses like an ID badge to prove they served with a particular unit. The men in the unit carry their coins with pride.
The Navy challenge coins have a long standing tradition that symbolizes the unit identity and brotherhood. These coins are given for various deeds. They are categorized as, Navy golden dragon coin, combat action coin, Navy shell back coin, Navy Veteran proudly served coin, Submariners silent service coin, sailors creed coin, Navy core value coin and a number of other coin of value and symbol. The Navy Challenge coins include a large selection of Navy ships coins, Aircraft carriers, Naval bases and installation, Navy surface warfare, Navy Submarines and more.
There is no doubt that challenge coins have a significant and deep-seeded role with the Army and Navy Organizations. Only those who have served and received a coin will truly appreciate their meaning, but it is a closely held tradition. Challenge Coins are now being used by many Organizations. These coins besides being used for challenging are used as rewards or awards for outstanding service or performance of duty and basically to build morale. Military officials occasionally give these coins to non-military personnel for outstanding services.
