Giving out Challenge Coins: Any suggestions?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 05:31:29 -0400

I am looking at having my own coin made in order to show appreciation for Soldiers achievement above the every day norm. I have seen a few posts on here regarding this issue. I have been researching coin companies on line and have pretty much decided on a company.

My quandary is: I know the coin is my design and I have an idea of what I want on one side but the other side design is escaping me. The design I'm interested in is:

Side A: CAB on the top with the Air Assault Badge underneath encircled with the phrase 'PRESENTED FOR ACHIEVEMENT' 'PRESENTED FOR EXCELLENCE'.

Side B: I would have PRESENTED BY MARVIN P. MANN encircling the top half of the coin. Problem is I can't decide on what else to put on Side B. As I am Cavalry and Transportation, I was thinking the crossed sabers on top and the transportation wheel underneath.

Second: what criteria do you usually use to decide if you reward with a coin? I have ideas but I want to know what you all think.

Third: Being as I'm having a hard time deciding on a design. I was thinking about ordering a generic "Thank You" coin in bulk. But that seems cheap.

Any suggestions? I'm all ears.

Edited content follows

Challenge Coin Company (the ones you find in clothing sales on post) have an ARCOM and AAM Coin. I was thinking about buying those in bulk and presenting them with SM's name and Presented By SSG Mann engraved on them. Anyone think that would fail?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 5:41 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 05:41:59 -0400

What coin company are you using? I need to buy some coins for our unit and I've been considering a few different companies.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 6:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 06:07:01 -0400

It is nice that you want to show appreciation to soldiers, I think this would be the first instance that I personally have encountered anyone below LTCOL or CSM acquiring personalized coins to give out. My only question is will everyone believe that this is a coin presented for excellence in a Air Assault unit / School due to the imaging? I love the sabers and transport idea. as for the final statement, the manner in which you show appreciation does not matter but the fact that you show appreciation to soldiers, well that will hold a lasting impression over them.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 6:28 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 06:28:30 -0400

To me, a Challenge Coin is presented for anything from thanking someone for doing something they didn't have to do, and doing a good job with it, to something that really went above and beyond, but doesn't rate the award of a medal.

I've gotten coins for everything from just answering a unit history trivia question, to helping out when I wasn't required or requested to, because to me it was just the right thing to do, to speaking my mind (I'm good at that).

My highest coin (2 Star) came from the fact that my BCT Sr. Drill Sergeant ended up being the commo guy for the 25th ID CG while I was in Iraq, and he put my name in front of the general.

At my last unit of assignment, since I worked at the battalion level, I was given coins from each of the companies, as they said that every company benefited from my service to them. That meant more to me than the AAM I got as a PCS award.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Mar 23 at 2015 10:19 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 22:19:42 -0400

I like the idea of the Cav Sabers above the Trans wheel. Are toy in a Cave or Trans Unit as that would have some bearing on the coin design.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 7:57 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:57:35 -0400

I think that the best way to give out a challenge coin is to have it mean something to the person. Make sure that when you give it to them that you truly care about what they did for you or your command. People can read honestly pretty well and I can see it at the many commands that I have been with that people who just give coins to give, dull the whole tradition of a challenge coin down.

Also if you are looking for some help designing your coin, check out this image and see if it hits you as something you would like. My business helps a lot of people make some pretty awesome coins and I would be glad to help you out.

Response by Sam Carter made Mar 31 at 2017 4:38 PM

Sam Carter — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 16:38:07 -0400

Hi SSG,

You can also check us out at http://www.challengecoins4u.com and our email is [login to see]

What makes us different is that we do not rush the process and we make sure to get your design right. Also we donate a portion of each order to charity (our way of giving back to the community year round, not just in the holidays).

Here is our facebook and instagram where you can check out some cool coins we have done before:

http://www.instagram.com/challengecoins4u
https://www.facebook.com/Challenge-Coins-4-U [login to see] 13128/

Let me know if you have any questions sir.

V/R,

Sam Carter

Custom Challenge Coins | Military Coins | Firefighter | Air Force

High Quality Custom Challenge Coins For Law Enforcement, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, Firefighter / EMS. Free Air Shipping. Free Artwork.

Response by SSgt Andres Garza made Jun 2 at 2017 8:47 PM

SSgt Andres Garza — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 20:47:08 -0400

They must be a extreme significance so the one who receives it knows they are held in high regard.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 19 at 2018 7:47 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 19:47:03 -0500

I designed a coin for a place I worked at. If you have the coin made stateside, you are going to fork out so much per side, cost of the material or color, then what ever the set up fee is, then on top of that a minimum quantity. At that time (2004) I think it was 600 for the set up, art work and the two coin sides. Then what ever the per coin cost was. I have heard of people having it done in Korea, but I can't speak on that.

Response by Kamil Faizi made Feb 21 at 2020 8:01 PM

Kamil Faizi — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 20:01:13 -0500

Kamil Faizi, Owner at challengecoins4u.net :

I realize I am late to respond here, but if you are reading this post and you want ideas, make sure you give your subordinates something that they will really remember. Check out some of the coins we recently did. One thing they have in common is that they look unique, badass, and it is something that catches the eye while sitting on a challenge coin holder/rack. You also want to think of the intent and message you want to convey. It is an award of excellence? Perhaps being handed out for excellence in conduct or success in making a mission?

Feel free to check out our portfolio at challengecoins4u.net