Coin Collecting Information

Frank Cassidy asked:


The original purpose of the challenge coin was to recognize the outstanding acts of Special Forces, boost their morale and build camaraderie. Today challenge coins are used by all military and law enforcement units.

Appearance of challenge coins

A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion that bears the emblem or insignia of the organization or club it represents. Members of that organization will wear it to prove their membership.

History of Challenge Coins

The history of the challenge coin began in World War I. Each member of an American flying squadron owned a bronze medallion. While in German captivity, an American flying squadron member was able to escape, but later was recaptured by the French. The French almost executed the American not knowing he was a friend. Fortunately one of the French recognized the bronze medallion that the American was wearing and spared his life.

A tradition emerged during and after World War 1 that squadron members must always carry their coin. This tradition was cemented when a member challenged another member to show his coin. If that member could not show his coin, he would have to buy the challenger a drink of his choice. If the coin was shown, the member who initially challenged him would have to buy the drink. This tradition continued many years following World War I.

Popularity of Challenge Coins Today

The challenge coin today still represents the unity and strong ties between members of the same military unit. It’s popularity now includes police and fire departments, scout troops, church groups, schools, weddings, colleges, etc. Challenge coins are often customized to suit a specific club or organization.

Challenge Coins may also be called Unit Coins, Unit Challenge Coins, Military Unit Coins, Commander’s Coins, Honor Coins, and Pride Coins.

Create a customized coin for your organization

If you want to promote unity, morality and camaraderie within your club or organization, consider creating a customized challenge coin for each of your members. It can easily be created at affordable prices.

Nicholas Tan asked:


When collecting coins, one thing to consider is how to arrange and take care of the coins. Coins that are collected may be antique, ancient, or limited editions coins. These coins come from many countries and are usually high in value. A collector must know how to keep and take care of them so that they will retain the same appearance and value.

One way to take care of coins is to purchase s selection of coin accessories. Not only are coin accessories used to make a coin collection presentable and organized; but the primary purpose of coin accessories is to take care and preserve the coins.

When buying coin accessories it is important to choose those accessories that will best satisfy the needs of the collector. Some factors that may be considered are durability, price and usefulness.

Many coin accessories can be found in collectible stores and even online. Here are some coin accessories that may be considered:

Coin Boxes

Coin boxes are the most common sought for coin accessories as they are very convenient to coin collectors and specialists. The compartments of the box provide for easy location of the coins. The compartments are also wide, which provides flexibility in placing the coins. The wide compartments also allow the collector to handle the coins the proper way.

Coin Albums

Coin albums are similar to any typical album with the difference being that the coin album is especially designed to hold coins. A coin album has a transparent layer that aids in the protection of the coins. The collector does not need to handle the coins one by one. All he has to do is turn the pages and the coins are all there protected from improper handling.

Coin Holders

Coin holders are best for those collectors who collect coins during their travels. They allow portability of the coin collection. In addition, the collector does not need to carry his entire collection. He can simply place a single coin in the coin holder. Coin holders provide safety for the coins and prevent a coin from the many elements that may depreciate its value.

Other coin accessories can be found in the market. Determine the primary purpose of the accessory and if it can satisfy your needs. Prices will differ depending on the durability of the accessory. Research the many coin accessories that are sold and compare prices before choosing one.