What do you think of challenge coins in the military today?

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:45:13 -0400

Lots of military organizations use challenge coins to reward their members. I have had my share of challenge coins before from those who I respect and those who I do not. I always found that there was a sense of respect required to really care about the coins, but that is just my opinion.

I started to make my own challenge coins for my business a few years ago and wanted to see what others thought of the traditions. I have made them for sports teams to give to military members and other civilian organizations. I am wondering if the members here think that it’s a good thing to get others involved in the challenge coin tradition and what exactly people think today those traditions still are.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 18 at 2015 10:47 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 22:47:45 -0400

I think they are awesome. I spent a lot of time and put a lot of thought into my Last Brigade Coin for the 89th Sustainment Brigade. The CSM and I went to a lot of trouble to make sure we had a great coin to give to soldier throughout the Brigade. Here are some pictures.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 18 at 2015 11:06 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 23:06:14 -0400

I never got the impression in the Army (2006-2011) that people took Challenge Coins seriously. Older SMs seemed to be the only ones -- the younger generation of SMs didn't really care at all, beyond promotion points.

Response by SSgt Everett Jones made Jun 19 at 2015 4:52 AM

SSgt Everett Jones — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 04:52:22 -0400

I haven't received very many, but I was fortunate enough to meet a man named Nick Bacon once, and he coined me. Needless to say, it's my favorite.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 3:19 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:19:32 -0400

I enjoy collecting them from places that I've visited and been stationed. They are HUGE on deployment.

Supposedly, the story behind challenge coins is that you "challenge" someone to produce their coin by placing yours on the bar. If the other person cannot produce his or her coin, he or she owes you a drink.
I designed this one, and so far, they are a big hit! :)

I was thinking about designing my own coin.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 29 at 2015 3:47 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:47:43 -0400

I can understand why some people find them silly. I however like 'em...even the non-specialized ones such as for a given military instalation or branch. From the "legitimate" ones I got, I appreciate from whom and why I got them.

Response by CDR Laurel Meadows made Oct 12 at 2015 10:01 AM

CDR Laurel Meadows — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:01:20 -0400

I haven't found a display yet which grabbed at me. I have my retirement flag, a few medals, but quite a few coins I'd like to combine. I think unless you are active, or belong to a group that actively uses them, they are a display item for memories. Still, there are some coveted ones out there (Secret Service, NASA, POTUS, etc) which would be pretty cool to have front and center.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:33:32 -0400

I value my challenge coins more so then the majority of my chest candy.

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Aug 1 at 2016 9:33 AM

MSG David Rogers III — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 09:33:38 -0400

I got my first couple coins in the early 90s. One was heavy pewter (felt like lead) and the second was a nicely struck bronze coin. They were a little more than half-dollar sized (for anyone who remembers what a half-dollar was) and no coloring or enameling. Although they are a little crude by today's standard.... they are my most cherished!

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Aug 7 at 2016 10:22 AM

SSG Todd Halverson — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 10:22:58 -0400

I am not sure how todays Soldiers feel annoy the coins. I for one loved getting coins from various personnel. I actually value them more than most of my badges and awards. I now collect them since I retired.