Challenge coins have been used for years in the military as a way of creating bonds, friendships, strengthening moral, encouraging success and a way of telling who is who in different military sectors.
The purpose of a challenge coin is the entire above but to also provide a challenge to an opposing person. The idea is that all members of a particular squadron carry their unit coins on them at all times. At any time a person within that squadron can present their challenge coin. If other members do not present their military coins, they fail the challenge and have to forfeit. Usually this means buying a round of drinks or failing that drinking game.
Up until recently challenge coins were only used by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. They are now becoming increasingly more popular amongst collectors and other sectors of communities.
A challenge coin is much the same as a normal coin, round, shiny and has a stamp in one or both sides. Usually they have writing and an image. The image and writing tend to reflect the badges worn by that particular military squadron. Sometimes they are also presented as a reward for outstanding performance.
Where challenge coins originate from is up for debate. A lot of people say that they started in the US Navy; others say that they were started by the Air Force. The origin, to this day, has not been confirmed.
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