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The Tradition of Military Challenge Coins
Challenge coins are coins or medallions that carry a specific organization’s emblem. These coins are carried by an organization’s members to prove their membership and also boost their morale. In 
practice, these medallions are collected and kept by the organization’s members. Some keep it as personal souvenirs and display them at their home or office. These medallions are usually presented to the organization’s members to acknowledge a special accomplishment of a member or the whole group, in some instances. There are also situations wherein these medallions are given to visiting dignitaries or some other celebrities.
These coins come in various designs and finishes. These can range from the simple tin and lead-alloy to a magnificent 24 carat gold medallion. Although there are limited choices when it comes to base metals, the finish can have a wide range of selection such as copper, silver, brass, nickel and gold. One can also have the coins look antiquated or trendy depending on the choice of insignia and blend of colors. The challenge coins are usually a masterpiece of art that bring pride to the bearer.
These challenge coins or military medallions used to be exclusive just for the military servicemen during World War I and II, if the stories of their origins are to be believed. Several stories have been told and retold about the coin having been the instrument for saving its bearer’s life or for helping soldiers verify who are their allies and enemies. In recent times however, other non-military organizations such as public servants, bureau of fire protection and even business groups have started to adopt the military challenge coin practice.
Producing and designing these coins is relatively cheap. It depends on the design and type of casting. If you want a top-quality product, die struck bronze should be your choice. Although much expensive than zinc alloy casting, using bronze yields a far more excellent quality. Complex designs and a gold finish would definitely command a higher cost but depending on the craftsmanship of your chosen manufacturer, it will all be worth the cost and effort.
Considering that military challenge coins have an illustrious history which dates back to the Roman Empire, recipients and holders of these medallions put great value to it. Members of all the branches of
the armed services of the United States definitely take great pride in owning up to each of their unit or group’s particular coin. It is not only a symbol of their achievement but it is one thing that signifies their link to their colleagues.
Civilian and other public servants’ groups who are adopting this coin-emblem practice also place great importance to it as keepsake and physical symbol of their membership to a particular organization. Instead of body tattoos that connote a negative image, these coins provide some fun ways of interacting with colleagues or members of other organizations. If your organization did not yet obtain its own coin and you do not know how to produce one, you can turn to trusted makers who have already proven their mete in the field for several years now. You can suggest your own preference and let these people enhance it or you can leave everything to them and just wait for the outcome.
They already have pre-designed emblems and colors from which you can choose or modify in accordance to your needs and preference. Better still, you can ask them to create something unique for you that would suit the particular organization you belong or the specific occasion your group is commemorating. Come up with the design that would make you, its bearer, proud. They are easy to talk to and you can have your own set of challenge coins in no time.
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