These challenge coins are so popular all over the country and have so respect for them that the Presidents and Ex-Presidents also make use of them for showing their respect in the honor of the slain soldiers at the Oval Office desk. Initially the basic aim behind the distribution of these coins was to instill the feeling of brotherhood and solidarity among the air force and army units but now this trend has been expanded in the other organizations as well. For this coin maker is hired, to whom you can order the number of coins to manufacture and use them for the purpose boosting the morale and confidence of the members.
How it all began
No one is sure of the exact origin of these coast guard coins and there are several stories doing rounds to trace their origin. Some says that this started during the World War II, when the air force pilot was able to save his life with the help of one of his medals. US military personnel were posted in the occupied Germany, where the West German Pfennig coin was considered to be a sign of someone who was broke as its value was very low in comparison to a US dollar. For ensuring every service person carries these coins, the tradition of challenging was made according to which any member may challenge the other for showing the Pfennig. If a person had the coin then he was called as the broke and not required to purchase the drinks. Persons who were unable to show the coin were liable to buy the next round of drinks.
Whatever the origin of this custom, but it became common in very short time among all of the military organizations and unit members started wearing these challenge coins with pride at the chest pockets.
Coast Guard Coins
The air force have the coast guard coins that are same as the challenge coins in army; as the air force is also the branch of army that serve for the country. Suppose if you are an officer at USCG then you are responsible for distributing the coast guard coins among the unit members so as to lift up their morale. The other purpose of these coins can be to honor any of your unit member for offering distinguished services.
The worth of challenge coin will remain the same forever, though people get these coins for their delight by purchasing them from different sources. There are number of experts or coin makers available in the country who can easily carve out the insignia over the metal. Due to increased popularity of these coins, this business is also becoming common and so you can easily find the coin maker, even you only need to search over the internet.
Now these coins are not only manufactured in US but other countries have also started this business like the China and South Korea who are even offering coins at less price than US.
