Challenge coins: How do you determine their rank?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:26:44 -0500

I have 3 coins, 1 given to me by my company commander at the time (army), 1 given to me by a marine 2nd LT and 1 given by a friend that just says Taskforce Balkh Afghanistan 2012 (army). How would these coins rank if challenged?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 24 at 2019 4:29 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:29:07 -0500

Very interesting question Kristen, I guess as long as someone doesn't have one from a General, the one from your CO would be higher, unless he was only a Capt.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 4:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:45:07 -0500

Sidebar CC story: Unbeknownst to me my *friends* armed the best man at my wedding with a coin and I was checked just prior to the “I do.”

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 4:55 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:55:15 -0500

I just noticed the Taskforce Balkh has a tiny LTC and SGT Major rank on the rim of the coin

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Nov 24 at 2019 4:57 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 16:57:19 -0500

Don't know there was any rank amongst challenge coins.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 24 at 2019 5:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 17:37:48 -0500

I use my affinity to a unit to prioritize them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 6:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:14:02 -0500

I have one from a medal of honor recipient where does that rank

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 24 at 2019 8:22 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 20:22:07 -0500

POTUS is highest, though I would really like to get one from "Norton I, Emperor of the United States"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Norton

Emperor_Norton

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Nov 24 at 2019 11:31 PM

SSG Matt Murphy — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 23:31:45 -0500

Family 1st .....I and my brothers cover many units in four branches....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 4:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 04:04:49 -0500

I received one from a pleasant, bearded fella at fb Maholic/Gecko.
I rarely got involved in the coin challenge game, but when I did, it usually came out on top.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Nov 25 at 2019 7:16 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 07:16:00 -0500

Whichever coin your are most proud of receiving. I have received a coin from the CJCS (GEN Pace), but the coin I am most proud of is FORCM Darin "Tuck" Williams, a friend and mentor.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 8:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:30:27 -0500

If i had to rank them, i would put them in order as follows: 1. Given to you directly by your C.O, 2, Given to you directly by the Marine LT, 3. The one given to you by a friend. Ive always appreciated the ones given to me directly, rather than passed along. But honestly, i would say whichever one you feel most proud of.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Nov 25 at 2019 11:03 AM

SPC Stewart Smith — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 11:03:13 -0500

I have a couple Air Force coins, 3 navy coins, and about a dozen Army coins. The only coin I truly value was given to me by my 1SG in my first unit. He was my squad leader, then platoon leader, then after we redeployed he was promoted to E7 and our first sergeant. I really have a lot of respect for that man.

Edit: Maybe Ricardo Samudio will one day be on here. I'd like to catch up with him.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 25 at 2019 11:26 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 11:26:22 -0500

The ranks are right on them... Seniority is no different between coins and people... A CPT Coin/person out ranks a Sergeant Coin/Person.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 12:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 12:41:59 -0500

where do foreign coins rank? I have one from a Swedish 3 star who was the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission at the time.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 25 at 2019 4:49 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 16:49:58 -0500

It's what they mean to you and how you earned them. If the Army coin was given to you in appreciation of a job well done then it may mean much more than a coin given to you by a Marine Officer or a casual "share where I was coin from a friend". If you earn the coin it will always mean more to you than just a casual gift coin. As far as any monetary value most coins are worth about 12-13 bucks or their purchase price at the PX. It's how you earned them that gives them value!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 5:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:21:42 -0500

I never knew rank went with it. Most of mine are engineer castles because I was in a combat EN BN as my first unit. I got one from I Corp CSM back in 08 or 09 while deployed. I can't remember what others I have. I made some when I was in my first S2...I thought they were cool. I only had 60 made and left some there when I PCSed.

Most of mine I got from BN or BDE Commanders.

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Nov 25 at 2019 6:09 PM

SSG Robert Peterson — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:09:36 -0500

No rank, just personal value

Response by SGT Philip Bahr made Nov 25 at 2019 6:15 PM

SGT Philip Bahr — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:15:38 -0500

I never really received any special coins, my brother, however was in the Old Guard and received coins from Colin Powell and SMA Kidd!

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Nov 25 at 2019 6:25 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:25:16 -0500

Challenge Coins were started during the Vietnam war to challenge someone claiming to be Special Forces in a bar setting. I believe the coins became an on the spot "atta boy" instead of a letter from the commander for a good job. I have several and only carry one from the Unit. Ranking is a personal matter.

Response by SPC Zach Lockhart made Nov 25 at 2019 6:53 PM

SPC Zach Lockhart — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:53:19 -0500

I’ve got one from my recruiter, one I stole from my uncle’s coin box when I was like 10, and one from SMA Dailey... I think I know how they rank.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Nov 25 at 2019 9:20 PM

SPC Angela Burnham — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:20:11 -0500

I have one from MG Foley from the ny guard. It's the highest one I have.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 25 at 2019 9:27 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:27:55 -0500

It’s either the Commander or 1SG/CSM of that formation. As Army policy is that BNs are the lowest echelon authorized a coin, that should help. When LTs give a coin, it is regifted. Company Commanders occasionally buy their own on the DL, unsanctioned

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Nov 25 at 2019 9:28 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:28:51 -0500

No ranking system exists that I’m aware of, although if the Commander-in-Chief presented you a “Presidential” coin, I would expect that would take precedence over all others.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Nov 25 at 2019 9:33 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:33:31 -0500

Shoot me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Kristen is talking about military rank on the coin, e.g. E-8 or O-3, I think she is asking about which coin should she use when challenged. I have 5 or 6 coins from some of the units I served in over 24 years. They are mementos and are tucked away in my treasure box. If anybody challenged me I would laugh and say you got me and go on with whatever I was doing.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Nov 25 at 2019 9:42 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:42:22 -0500

Perhaps in the near future a military historian will be appointed to research and record the rich history of the Challenge Coin, and from that research, they will be able to establish a ranking system throughout the military services designed to satisfy each service branch to include civil service groups who participate in the defense of our great nation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 10:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:27:46 -0500

When I served, there were no such things as challenge coins. It is a nice concept, but I do not understand the importance of them.

Response by SPC Richard Stengline made Nov 25 at 2019 10:34 PM

SPC Richard Stengline — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:34:43 -0500

I have 1 with the rank, he came to Bragg and I got the word to escort him. It eventually became him and his wife they were both pretty cool.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 26 at 2019 9:03 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 09:03:37 -0500

I have a coin from former Sec of the AF Whitten Peters as well as one from a former UnderSecretary.
However, one of my favorites is the one from the Commander of the Dover Mortuary Affairs in the shape of a folded flag.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Nov 26 at 2019 3:33 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:33:02 -0500

There is an informal rank structure. All very subjective. Typically it is the rank of the presenter. MOH, special school coins, and the like get subjective placement. Bought coins (like from the PX) rank the lowest in the hierarchy.

FWIW I have a coin from a Joint Chief of Staff, former Army Chief of Staff, Brigade (3-101), and about 4 company level coins. I place my 101st coin as highest sentimental value. If I am going somewhere where I expect or could be challenged, I pocket the JCS coin.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 9:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 09:33:36 -0500

Challenge coins are ranked by the rank of the individual issui g the coin that is shown on one side of the coin. Such as Secretary of Defence, commanding General, BDE Commander, BN Commander, Company Commander, platoon Leader, Plt Sgt, Squad Leader

Response by SPC Dennis Kregel made Dec 6 at 2019 11:01 AM

SPC Dennis Kregel — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 11:01:29 -0500

Challenge coins are typically "ranked" by the rank of the person who presented it to you. Also in most cases an enlisted coin wins over an officer coin. I still carry one from the 3rd ID CSM.

Response by PVT Jonah Gibson made Dec 25 at 2019 10:56 AM

PVT Jonah Gibson — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 10:56:25 -0500

But where does this one rank?

Response by CPL David Rice made Jan 1 at 2020 4:11 PM

CPL David Rice — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 16:11:57 -0500

I have several coins for operations or units, I do have one from my BN commander who became the Vice Chief of the Staff of the Army twenty years later.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 10:45 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 22:45:45 -0500

They rank however you want them to rank. I have one from Gen Petraeus when he was ISAF which I think is cool, but the one with the best story was from a Col at DFAS Denver they gave me for doing an AT Level I brief. I carry a generic Security Forces coin in my wallet just in case someone wants to play stupid games. The only "rank" is if someone decides to coin check a the club/bar you either have one (and don't pay for the round) or you don't (and you get to pay for the round). Hopefully everyone has a coin and the one who decided to coin check then get to pay....

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 6:37 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 18:37:12 -0500

Challenge coins work in the following manner: first and foremost is among members of a current of former organization. Members of the 82nd Airborne present a challenge coin to current and former members of the 82nd Airborne because the coin confirms assignment/recognition while serving with the unit. Second, for all members of the Army (challenge coins aren't as important to other services). The tradition is that if you were presented a coin, you had to carry it with you to avoid the punishment (usually a round of drinks) for failure to carry the coin. So, if a soldier was never presented a coin, they can't be challenged.

As a fortunate soldier, I received coins from Secretary of the Army, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, NATO Commanders, etc. When in the company of people in similar situations, if I am challenged with a coin (let's say 3rd ACR coin, which is presented by a Colonel) and I respond with a Secretary of an Army or Army Chief of Staff coin, then my con would 'outrank' the challenge. Since this is all in fun, I routinely buy the first round and have the 'loser' buy the next round (because soldiers often need more than one round of drinks).

Response by CPT William Jones made Jan 13 at 2020 6:45 PM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 18:45:56 -0500

Does the CO s coin have his rank on it Usually challenge coins that are used in the drinking games have the guys job and rank on them. M son was in Bagdad on Brigade security detail as an E5 sgt and he received one from SecDef. When he has that with him he hasn't ben beat. only one would be POTUS. It is usually in display case but gets out for special things.

Response by 1SG Don Jones made Jan 14 at 2020 2:52 AM

1SG Don Jones — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 02:52:30 -0500

Here's a back story you might find interesting. Back in 03 I was called to active duty to a special unit stationed near DC. My duties sometimes took me to the Puzzle Palace on the Potomac were I ran into several old buddies from years before who were now senor staff E-9s. One evening at a get together at one of their houses I was shown a heavy gold colored challenge coin and told it was part of limited number of coins that were casted from a gold bullion bar rescued from cash of gold captured in country. US forces were recovering a lot of treasure in those days. I have no idea if the coin was actually gold or not but it dose make a nice war story. I try to keep in mind that war stories and fair tails are a lot a like.

He had it displayed next to the gold bathroom sink facet controls he found in one Saddam's palaces. The person in the story passed away a few years ago and have no idea where the coin went.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Jan 23 at 2020 2:52 AM

CSM Patrick Durr — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 02:52:09 -0500

Coins don't rank. They have no value other than recognition of an event or accomplishment.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Jan 26 at 2020 9:02 PM

GySgt Gary Cordeiro — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 21:02:09 -0500

Don’t challenge when you had too much to drink. My Sniper coin is gone.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Jan 29 at 2020 4:49 PM

LCpl Stephen Arnold — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:49:30 -0500

Fuck it, "show em if you got em"! we're all veterans here, let's tell story. This coin was from Vietnam Veteran and former Prisoner of War Jon Cavaiani, whom I was privileged to meet many years ago after my deployment to Kosovo. Such an incredible man, I was blessed to spend the day with him and his wife (we met through mutual friends). Best part was his wife taking mine into their kitchen and talking one on one about their experiences. Remarkable people. Lets see those coins, and hear story!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2020 8:45 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 08:45:35 -0500

There is no ranking challenge coins five guys at the bar one guy drops a coin the other for a drop points also the guy who started it pays to guys don’t have coins two guys do the two without the coins pay what’s th

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Nov 15 at 2020 5:16 PM

SSG Robert Peterson — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 17:16:53 -0500

Rank is determined by the self value you have in it

Response by TSgt William Meyer made Nov 16 at 2020 2:34 PM

TSgt William Meyer — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:34:49 -0500

I think that a coin given to you as opposed to buying one in the PX, would have a higher “ ranking “. I was given a numbered squadron coin from Nellie AFB, which is special to me.