gerald23's Journal

Collecting custom challenge coins provides for an addicting hobby
CHALLENGE COINS

A Challenge Coin is a small coin which bears the name of an organization and it is carried by all the members with the organization as a sign of unity and solidarity. It's given to a person to show his membership towards the group. It is also utilized as an instrument to enhance morale.

The origin of this coast guard coins is an issue which is subjected to a lot debates and discussions. There are many organizations who claim that they are the originators of coin makers but it's most generally accepted that the United States Army Air Company came up with the concept of challenge coins.

The concept of challenging is probably the most efficient way to make sure that the customers of a particular organization are bearing their coin with the unit. The rules of challenging may differ from one unit to another and may also apply to only those participants who have been given a challenge coin. It's truly a source of morale inside the organization.

One can find many Presidents of the United States who carried rows and rows of challenge coins as a mark of service to his nation. President Bill Clinton had several rows of challenge coins which he obtained from the United Nations for his service to his nation. President George Bush was given a challenge coin by a Marine combat patrol unit. He was provided this coin when he visited Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq for a very short and sudden visit.
Coin Makers have become much less expensive these days because its demand has increased to a great extent and also its availability. Price of challenge coins is a good deal less in nations outside the United States for example in Chine, North Korea etc. But in reality original and authentic challenge coins can only be found with a higher ranking military officer.