From the military family that lives in your neighborhood to the first family of the United States – millions of Americans use challenge coins. What are challenge coins, you might ask? These are custom coins that can be used to memorialize accomplishments, achievements, etc. They’re typically made of metals like zinc, brass, bronze, silver, and gold.
Modern-day military challenge coins come in all shapes, and they typically fit into the palms of users. They can be engrained with all types of design elements. From engravings to pictures – you can decorate your challenge coins any way you want. Here are 5 shocking things you probably didn’t know about these coins –
Bill Clinton Made Challenge Coins Popular
Challenge coins have been created, traded, and cherished by US military officers since WWII. Senior officers would often gift junior members specially customized coins to commemorate their professional or personal achievements. But, these coins became more than mere ‘bonding tools’ once Bill Clinton started using them.
The ritual of handing out these coins became very popular when president Bill Clinton was pictured with his collection. He had preserved all the coins he received from service members on his desk in the White House. Some of his challenge coins have also been pictured in official White House portraits.
He popularized the tradition of handing out presidential challenge coins. Even the highest-ranking officials in the country covet this coin. President Clinton had also gifted these coins to foreign diplomats as a representation of acceptance.
President Obama Continued the Tradition
Although President George Bush also used military challenge coins, President Obama made these coins’ household names. He was often pictured leaving challenge coins on the graves of departed US soldiers. In 2012, he was famously pictured giving out one of these coins during a ‘secret handshake’ with an officer.
When the commander in chief of your country surprises you with a challenge coin handshake, it means a lot for officers. That’s why top military officers amass hundreds of challenge coins throughout their careers. They all signify important achievements, memories, and interactions.
These Coins are Invaluable for the Families of Recipients
One of the primary uses of challenge coins is to recognize the achievements of public servants. That’s why these coins signify recognition and pride in certain families. When public servants pass away, their graves are honored with these customizer challenge coins. Many even create custom challenge coins to specifically commemorate such events.
For example, a challenge coin that commemorates 25 years of service in the military will be invaluable to the family members of the military officer.
They Are Very Common in Military Weddings
In military weddings, it’s traditional for members of the same unit to give small gifts of recognition. Challenge coins have become a key part of this tradition. Grooms often give these coins as souvenirs to their groomsmen. They’re also ideal memorabilia for guests. That’s why these coins are extremely popular at family parties, birthdays, children’s naming ceremonies, etc.
They Dictate Food Etiquette in the Military
Military officers treat their challenge coins very seriously. Many units even create specific rules that coin-holders have to observe. For instance, if all the members of the same unit are at a bar, only the ones who don’t hold the coin pay.
Failure to buy drinks or meals is considered a punishable act. Plus, coin holders can be asked to show their challenge coins by superiors, anywhere and anyplace.
Once someone agrees to carry a challenge coin, it comes with certain obligations. These coins represent the shared values of the group. These coins are now used by all types of people – not just civil servants.
