2016-07-30 Sat

Each challenge coin has a story behind it and is awarded to soldiers for their outstanding performances. A higher commander in US military supplies them at the headquarters or in the field. Commanders at platoon level also sometimes purchase the coins. Soldiers are given the challenge coin by the commander as a personal token of appreciation. US AirForce holds a Coin distribution ceremony for its cadets during graduation. US military organizes a salutation event when all war heroes are presented with challenge coins. The commander of a company often gives one Challenge coin to each soldier during deployment to build a bond. All retired officers or senior non-commissioned officers have a huge collection of Challenge coins. The tradition has now spread across fire, law, police, sports departments and even NASA.

The word challenge is associated with "Coin Check". It’s a casual gathering where the challenger drops a challenge coin to challenge everyone to find their unit's coin. Anyone who fails must buy drinks for the challenger and everyone else who participated. But if everyone is carrying their coin, the challenger has to buy drinks for the group.

Earlier, each Military unit designed a unique coin reflecting their forte, now anyone can design a coin and sell it online. Military officials get these coins designed and manufactured by different service providers online.

There is a level of hierarchy with these coins. The higher grade officers do not commonly offer coins to soldiers but to the Commanders. They are more valuable, rare and exquisite.

Read more about challenge coins here:

What are challenge coins?

ARISS Fundraising Event Driven by ARISS Challenge Coin Door Prizes