Do you have a challenge coin in your pocket right now? If not, then you need to read this article. Challenge coins are given out as a sign of respect and pride in the service of one’s country or organization. If you don’t have one, that’s alright. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to get your challenge coin online.
THE ORIGIN OF CHALLENGE COINS
The modern-day challenge coin traces back to WWII when they were issued to airmen as good luck tokens. After a mission, airmen would often buy souvenirs from their destination country. They hand them out as mementos of their time away from home. Pilots would also receive gifts from people in each city they visited after their return. These tokens of gratitude could take any form—such as coins, paperweights, etc.
Throughout Vietnam, troops collected and even traded coins and other objects. They did this as a symbol to bring good luck to their operations.
In some cases, people believed that losing your good luck charm meant bad luck for you in your next mission.
5 UNIQUE USES OF THE CHALLENGE COIN
Coins have been used in ritualistic practices since ancient times. These coins are crafted to commemorate special people, teams, and events. The five uses of the challenge coins; are gifts, awards, appreciation, reminders, etc. If you are interested in collecting challenge coins or have one lying around your home, you can take advantage of all these features. So here are 5 unique uses of challenge coins to get you started –
Challenge Coin As An Icebreaker
These coins are also used to encourage camaraderie among command members. They also provide an informal icebreaker for staff and non-commissioned officers. Having a challenge coin on hand can be an important piece of kit when meeting new people for the first time.
As A Gift
Sending a challenge coin as a gift is a great way to show someone you care. You can engrave it with a personal message or use your design. You can even add a custom image or motto. Challenge coins make fantastic gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special events since they are so durable. They are also useful as rewards or promotional products. It’s easy to understand why challenge coins have grown in popularity in recent years. They’re ideal at any event where you want to express gratitude, loyalty, or respect.
As A Token For Achievement
Being awarded a challenge coin is a great way to commemorate that achievement when you achieve a goal. It can also be used as a daily reminder of your successes. You can also pass on your coin to others to show how well they did in meeting their goals.
To Start A Conversation
With a challenge coin, you have a unique and customized item to start conversations. If you work in a large office, there will be some people who don’t know each other very well. This is an excellent opportunity to get them talking. Hand one person a challenge coin and ask them to find someone they’ve never talked to before.
In Exchange For Something
For example, most businesses challenge coins they award to customers or employees. These coins are sometimes called challenge coins. They are custom-made medallions or lapel pins representing an organization or a group. These are often awarded as rewards for exemplary service, promotions in rank, or other similar achievements.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING ONE
Challenge coins are popular and useful gifts, but they’re also one of those items with an expensive price tag. When you know what you’re looking for, it’s pretty easy to find a quality challenge coin. But if you have no idea what goes into a good one, knowing which questions to ask can help you get over your confusion. Here are some things you should know before buying:
What material will my coin be made out of?
Quality varies depending on what you choose. It is important to understand how each material affects the durability and wear and tear. For example, military challenge coins are mostly made from brass. This is because they don’t tarnish or rust like other metals when exposed to moisture. Silver or gold may have a better appearance but won’t hold up as well under tough conditions (e.g., exposure to water). If possible, try to handle a few different options before making your final decision. You might even be able to compare them side by side at local retailers or online shops that carry many brands.
How much does it cost?
Price ranges for challenge coins can range, with some costing less than $10 while others are costing hundreds of dollars. The price difference usually depends on quality. A cheaper option may look nice, but it won’t last very long if you use it. Also, if you want durability to pass down generations, expect to pay a premium for quality craftsmanship and materials.
How will I receive my coin?
This may seem like an obvious question, but it can make a big difference in how much value you get from your order. Some sellers offer free shipping on all orders regardless of size or destination. While others charge extra for delivery outside certain regions (e.g., international shipping). If you’re looking at options and one seems more expensive than the other, ask why before deciding. You might save money in other ways down the road by going with a different seller.
