What is a challenge coin?

A challenge coin is a metal coin or medallion used to symbolize membership or affiliation with a specific group, organization, or military unit. They are often used as a form of identification or recognition, or as a symbol of achievement.

Challenge coins are usually about the size of a large coin, such as a US silver dollar, and are often stamped with the emblem or symbol of the group they represent.

The tradition of carrying and exchanging challenge coins dates back to World War I, when soldiers would carry them as a symbol of camaraderie and as a way to prove their membership in their unit. Now, challenge coins are often used by military units, law enforcement agencies, sports teams, clubs, and other organizations to foster a sense of belonging and to commemorate important events or milestones.

The word "challenge" is used because of the practice of challenging another person to produce theirs, usually in a social setting such as a bar or a gathering of members from the same group. For example, a person who cannot produce their challenge coin may be heckled by their friends to buy a round of drinks for everyone else. Rituals like this are a way for members to demonstrate their membership, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and camaraderie within the group.

In other words, having the right challenge coin makes you cool.

(Not that you were worried! But if you might be, we've got what you need.)

And need we point out that challenge coins make great gifts? For the people you love, nothing says "I get you" more than a tangible object memorializing their membership in a secret club. Something to feel and touch. (But with a wink and a nod.) Buy one for your partner. Buy one for your shipmates. Buy one for yourself. Hand them out at parties. Give them as an acknowledgement for a job well done.

Tell your friends about submerch.com.