The challenge coin tradition is one of the oldest traditions in military history. It is also a well-established tradition among civilian groups like police and first responders.
The earliest known accounts of the challenge coin tradition come from Ancient Rome, where soldiers were given unique coins as tokens of appreciation for their bravery during battle. Soldiers then kept these coins as a reminder of their service to the army.
World War I
The challenge coin tradition has been around for nearly a century, but it is still a fascinating tradition to take part in. It symbolizes exemplary service, shared sacrifice, and unit esprit.
Some of the more well-known military units that have adopted this tradition include the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the 10th Special Forces Group, and Air Force One. The custom coins vary in style and size, but they all have the same basic concept: to help people prove their loyalty and affiliation to their organization. The challenge coin is typically 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick, with copper, pewter, or nickel being the most common metals. They can come in many shapes and designs, including pentagons, shields, dog tags, and arrowheads. The challenge coin tradition is an excellent way for military members to show their pride in their service. Not only is it a fun way to show your appreciation, but it also helps build camaraderie amongst your peers.
The tradition of challenge coins began during World War I when a wealthy lieutenant ordered a set of solid bronze medallions to be made and handed them out to pilots in his unit. Each coin had the team’s emblem pressed into one side of the coin, and the pilot carried his coin in a leather pouch that he carried around his neck.
Shortly after he received the coin, the pilot’s plane was shot down over enemy territory. When he was captured, the German soldiers took everything except his pouch with his coin. Fortunately, the French soldiers recognized the symbol on the coin, and the pilot was spared.
As the challenge coin tradition grew, it became a way for all military members to carry their medallion or coin with them at all times. It was a way for them to prove their identity. They were captured and taken into custody.
Many stories about how the challenge coin tradition started, but some of the most popular ones concern soldiers who fought in World War I. The most famous story is about a lieutenant who handed out bronze coins to his squadron’s pilots. He was so proud of his unit; he wanted to give each member a special moment.
During the First World War, one of the Lieutenant’s pilots was shot down over Germany. The Germans took all his items except for the coin he carried in his small leather pouch. The Germans planned to execute him, but a French patrol found the coin and discovered the pilot was American.
When the soldier returned to his squadron, he told them the story. They decided that every member of his unit should have a coin and always carry it with them in case they were ever captured.
This tradition is still in place today, and it is a way for all service members to have something special that they can carry with them at all times. It is a tradition that reaches even the White House and President’s valets.
Ancient Rome
The challenge coin tradition has a long history in the military, dating back to Ancient Rome. Roman emperors rewarded soldiers who performed well during a battle with unique coins minted with the symbol of their legion. The recipients kept these coins as a memento of their time in service.
During the Roman Empire, many different types of mercenaries served as legionaries for the emperors. They were armed with various weapons and used them to fight and defend the Roman Empire from invaders who tried to take over the land.
In addition to the monetary payment from the Roman emperors, these legionaries were also paid in metal coins. These coins were pressed and shaped into shapes that resembled the image of their king or emperor.
These pressed coins were usually made from gold or silver and were a great source of wealth for the emperors. They were also an excellent way to reward these legionaries for their work in the field, and they helped keep the Roman army well-financed.
Another typical story of how the challenge coin tradition started is that enlisted soldiers would be monetarily rewarded for their bravery in combat with unique coins minted with their legion’s symbol. These coins were given to the enlisted soldier as a special reward for their courage and treated as a memento of their time spent in service.
It was also a custom for Roman emperors to mint celebrative coins for soldiers who had completed their battle and returned home. These coins were often engraved with the emperor’s sigil and were a wonderful gift with a sense of pride and accomplishment for the soldier.
It was also an excellent way for the emperor to reward their legionnaires, as these pressed coins were decorative and helped the soldiers feel like their emperor valued them. These coins were a way for the emperor to recognize their legionnaires, and they became a trendy gift given to soldiers throughout the Roman Empire.
During World War I, another story said that officers in some flying squadrons would give their men bronze medallions with the symbol of their unit. They would present these coins to their men before leaving on European missions.
When a soldier was shot down over Germany and later captured by the Germans, they stripped him of most of his clothing and personal belongings. However, he could still carry a bronze medallion with his unit’s symbol. Fortunately, one of the French fought against the Germans and recognized his coin and saved his life.
