Challenge Coins

By Carl Austin

A challenge coin is a coin bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem carried by the organization’s members. It is suggested that it started with the Roman empire. The emperor would reward the soldiers who excelled in battle with a special coin. They would receive their normal pay along with the special coin.

The first instance of a challenge coin came during the 17th century religious wars in France. Christians were being persecuted for their beliefs. So, church members would carry a communion coin. The state would send out spies to infiltrate the hidden church. If someone did not have a challenge coin, they could not enter the church.

Challenge coins were used during World War I, World War II, and the Korea and Vietnam conflicts. If a soldier were in a bar, the challenge would come out. Once presented or “challenged,” the soldier must present his/her unit’s coin. If you did not have a coin, the next round of beers was on you.

The challenge coin continues today. The White House will miss presidential challenge coins starting in the ‘90s through President Barack Obama. President Donald J Trump changed and broke tradition by changing the reverse of the coin. The Donald Trump challenge coin has his message: “Make American Great Again.“