Challenge Coins

Celebrating our new display and coin drive this week. Challenge coins are an important part of military history and tradition. They are a fascinating insignia that represent the U.S. Military and have set a leading example of pride, achievement, and camaraderie.

Challenge coins are small medallions that represent achievement or affiliation with a specific group. This typically applies to veterans or active duty members of the military. These coins are used to represent an achievement, a mission, or meeting someone important. Many keep challenge coins in their wallets or display them as achievements in their homes.

The founding story of challenge coins dates back to World War I. The story goes that an army lieutenant wanted to give everyone in his unit a memento and produced small bronze medallions with the unit insignia inscribed on them. The lieutenant wore his around his neck in a pouch. The lieutenant was shot down in his plane over enemy lines and was stripped of everything except for the pouch. The lieutenant was taken to a town near the front and was able to escape to French troops who thought he was the enemy due to his clothes and accent. The French troops were going to kill him, but when he showed them his medallion, the troops recognized the unit insignia and let him live. Once he returned, it became a tradition for everyone to wear a medallion with the unit insignia inscribed on it.

Though this story has some holes in it, it is a widely accepted version of the tale and how challenge coins became tradition within the armed forces. The impact of challenge coins has only grown since then. It is a common tradition to keep a challenge coin in your wallet in case tradition holds, and if a member of the military pulls out their challenge coin, you are supposed to pull out your own. This common tradition is important for showing connection and camaraderie throughout the entire U.S. military.

Not just military services hold challenge coins. So can first responders, civilian members, and even the president, who has their own distinct challenge coin they can give out. This widespread knowledge and pride for service members is important to preserve, which is why we at the museum are starting our challenge coin drive. Anyone who brings in a challenge coin to donate will be given free admission to the museum and other perks. We appreciate the service military members have given to this country, and our display of service and accomplishment shows our gratitude. Come by soon to donate or ask us any questions!