Why do we place such emphasis on military coins?

2016-02-11T11:39:36-05:00

Most of us have received them. Some of us have given them out and some of us carry them around to challenge others with the "rank" or "importance" of a coin in return for free drinks. We have earned them, had them given to us and maybe even commissioned them to be made. Why does a chunk of metal with zero real value matter so much to our military brotherhood?

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 11 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-02-11T11:53:28-05:00

I don't know. Never had one.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 12:04 PM

2016-02-11T12:04:59-05:00

The coin carries a more personal, sentimental value. In my experience, coins are usually handed out for specific events. The giver of the award hands it directly to the recipient right after the event. This personal acknowledgement creates a sentimental attachment to the award.

This attachment can be killed by the CSM who walks down the line and hands every soldier a coin on the way, however.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 11 at 2016 12:44 PM

2016-02-11T12:44:07-05:00

Don't think of them as coins. Think of them as history, experiences or as stories. Sure, we could hand out AAM's all day, but no one goes "ooohhh, look at all those oak leaves..." when looking at someone's shadowbox. A coin display is a physical narrative, a story of someone's career... Coins are a physical, tangible piece of someone's history..

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Feb 11 at 2016 1:37 PM

2016-02-11T13:37:50-05:00

'Cause they get you a free drink at the Club? Oh, wait...

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 11 at 2016 3:06 PM

2016-02-11T15:06:19-05:00

The beauty of coins are that they feel more personal than a ribbon or medal. Further, they are unique. A coin given by the 82nd Airbonre CG looks different than one given by the JCS. There is novelty in collecting unique things.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-02-11T15:52:15-05:00

They're cheaper and take up far less space than antique cars and trucks!!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 11 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-02-11T16:07:30-05:00

I gave 20 coins away save one.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 11 at 2016 6:51 PM

2016-02-11T18:51:57-05:00

Some of the fixation is actually laziness. Instead of the appropriate award, letter, etc. a coin out of the box of 1000 has become a leadership crutch. I had command coins as a Skipper. I had the SEL pick out enlisteds for me to chat and give a coin to in the workplace but I always wanted to know what the deal was so I wasn't lazy. Had the XO cue me for the officers. They both knew that during my watch, significantly less that half the command would be "coin worthy". Call me a hard A, but that's how we kept it special. Remember when everyone is special, no one is.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 11 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-02-11T19:42:13-05:00

They're small, easily distinguishable, and have a bit of "touch memory" to them. Mine are in the drawer under my desk, but if I grabbed one out it would take me take back to when I got that specific one. The same can't be said for a whole lot else.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 11 at 2016 8:11 PM

2016-02-11T20:11:47-05:00

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esprit%20de%20corps

Definition of ESPRIT DE CORPS

feelings of loyalty, enthusiasm, and devotion to a group among people who are members of the group See the full definition…

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Feb 11 at 2016 11:12 PM

2016-02-11T23:12:44-05:00

Well, the unit coins we've received are tangible, portable, colorful, and they evoke good feelings about people, places and times we recall with affection. A chunk of metal with a lot of attachments to important periods in our lives, perhaps?

Regards,

Hugh

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 8:59 AM

2016-02-12T08:59:59-05:00

idk but i sure do like the coins i got

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made Feb 12 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-02-12T12:38:59-05:00

Some Soldiers would rather have a coin instead of an award. Coins are more personal than an award because the receiver actually meets the presenter. With an award the receiver does not always meet the signer of the certificate.

Response by Kanika Misra made Feb 12 at 2016 1:30 PM

2016-02-12T13:30:34-05:00

There's a great CP on Challenge Coins, in case you're interested: https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/challenge-coins-what-i-know-about-them

Challenge Coins: What I know about them | RallyPoint

There are many wide-ranging stories, procedures, and misconceptions regarding military challenge coins. There is the ancient history that refers to Roman soldiers offering them to allied fighters to identify themselves as friendly. There are stories about downed fighter pilots in WWII using a coin stamped with a unit insignia to identify himself as American to the French who would rescue him. The modern history though goes back to Vietnam with...

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-02-13T12:07:21-05:00

I highly encourage you to check out the podcast, 99% invisible. The episode coin check is all about the development and culture of challenge coins. Here's the link: http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/coin-check/

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-02-14T10:30:59-05:00

Like others have said, coins are a little more personal in nature. There's a process to giving out awards, decorations, things of the sort. Often times it's a political process. Coins can be given on the spot as recognition for a job well done. That has more meaning to it than any piece of glass, crystal, or wood with my name on it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 10:18 PM

2017-02-01T22:18:50-05:00

I remember my first one, my Recruiter was the one to give it to me on my first drill. Then I got punched in the chest when my rank was "pinned" on. Memories is the way I look at it. Got another one for a project I did, picked up one from every Fort/Base I've been on. Each coin a memory.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 5 at 2018 6:41 PM

2018-10-05T18:41:56-04:00

I have given all my coins to an older veteran. He was tickled pink.