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:


People engage in social activities for many reasons; most common is sharing in the same interest and passion as other people. It is in places like these that information about a certain subject is shared and new ideas and trends are revealed that keep its members up to date with current events that happen in that club.

A coin collection club is the same. Since the number of people who have been doing coin collecting has increased over the years, the vast network involves numerous clubs in several states. In these clubs amateurs and professionals can share, trade and bid for new items to add to their existing collections.

There is never a wrong time to join a club. The challenging part is looking for one. You can start by asking the local coin dealer for help.

Some coin clubs can even be found on the internet and they will require that a membership fee be paid. Coin clubs often can also be found in the newspaper especially when events are advertised that invite the public to come and visit the exhibit.

If a person is still having a hard time finding a coin club then inquire at the local library or the Chamber of Commerce as they may be able help provide information.

One benefit of being a member is that it is easier to find someone who will buy coins at a good price. Or perhaps other members may want to part with some of their coins in exchange (called bartering) for other coins. Most local coin stores only have a limited selection that is available for trading.

Another benefit of becoming a member is obtain articles which feature a certain coin collection or discover better ways of caring for a collection. The club also informs its members about upcoming events so the individual can plan ahead to be able to attend the events.

Coin clubs are formed so that everyone who loves coins can have fun. This means that it is not only for those who have a collection at home; it is open to novices, experienced collectors who have done it for years, as well as coin experts They build a network that enable collectors to assist others. To become a member of a club just find a suitable one and join the fun!