Custom Challenge Coins For Your Military Unit

Custom military coins are a symbol of glory which deserves our memory and respect. And it’s a good idea to give honor coins like this as a proof of identity or as a gift to the military members. The size of challenge coins was originally about one inch in diameter. Now, they’re about 1.75″ in diameter. Most of them are round, just like a coin, but there are some that are in the shape of a rectangle or pentagon. They’re issued to show appreciation, for serving in a military operation. Soldiers will show them to identify themselves as part of a particular unit. They can be traded and exchanged like trading cards or business cards among military members.

History of Military Challenge Coins

During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in midterm to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore around his neck. Back at his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallions or custom made coins at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner which a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenger could not provide the personalized coins or medallions, they are required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member is able to provide a medallion, then the challenging member is required to pay for the drink. So that is the story behind challenge coin history and traditions.

You have a lot of choices to make when it comes to creating your own custom challenge coins. Here are Quality Challenge Coins different plating options. If you are not sure which one goes best with your design, consult our trained artists by emailing or calling us. View all of our options and decide what works best for your custom challenge coins. We’ve created Army Challenge Coins, Navy Challenge Coins, Air Force Challenge Coins and Marines Challenge Coins. View examples of our work to get some inspiration for your design. You’ll be surprised at the amount of detail you can fit on a small coin.