What Is a Submarine Challenge Coin?
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.
A Brief History of Challenge Coins
The tradition of carrying and exchanging challenge coins dates back to World War I, when soldiers would have them as a symbol of camaraderie and as a way to prove their membership in their unit.
Military challenge coins are often used by military units, law enforcement agencies, sports teams, clubs, and other organizations to foster a sense of camaraderie 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 serve as a means 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 let's 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.
The Meaning Behind Submarine Challenge Coins
A submarine challenge coin holds a deeper significance — both literally and symbolically. Designed for and by submariners, these coins often feature:
- Hull numbers
- Submarine classes (e.g., Columbia Class)
- Warfare insignia (dolphins, torpedoes)
- Watch station or division icons (A-Gang, ST, TM, etc.)
Submarine life is a world of tight-knit teams, silent service, and unmatched trust. Our coins capture that spirit through intricate designs that reflect the pride and mystery of life beneath the sea.
What Makes a Quality Challenge Coin?
Not all challenge coins are created equal. The best are:
- Crafted from durable metals like brass or zinc alloy
- Designed with 3D relief or hard enamel
- Double-sided with custom finishes (antique gold, silver, gunmetal)
- Sized for pocket carry (usually 1.75"–2.25")
At SubMerch, every coin is built to last — not just as a keepsake, but as a legacy.
Why Do People Collect Challenge Coins?
Whether you served aboard a submarine or admire the tradition, collecting challenge coins is about:
- Honoring military history and service
- Commemorating missions, classes, and shipmates
- Celebrating milestones (qualifications, deployments, retirement)
- Passing down a story that will outlive you
Why Choose SubMerch?
SubMerch was founded by a submariner with roots going back to WWII and the USS Grenadier. Our goal is to honor that heritage by creating authentic submarine challenge coins for veterans, collectors, and family members who understand what it means to go deep.
Explore Our Submarine Challenge Coins
Ready to discover a coin that tells your story? Browse our collection of high-detail, limited-run submarine challenge coins now.