If you wanna learn something about challenge coins, you are in the right place. As a professional challenge coin manufacturer, we witness millions of challenge coins from military, to personal uses.
In this article, I will talk about everything about challenge coins, give and take coins.
What Are Challenge Coins?
Custom challenge coins are a small coin medallion like the currency coins, but NO deal function. It is always around 45mm dia or 50mm dia. Featuring different designs, logo, texts on both sides. The coins can be gold/ silver / antique metal finishes, please check the metal finish options.
Challenge coins usually serve as recognition, and identity, so they are popular in business awards, gift stores, souvenir shops, military, police departments and everywhere.
Challenge Coin Rules
Traditionally, challenge coins etiquette is about military usage, the coin holders need to carry it all the time, how to play coin check games and how to take care of the coins without drilling holes, damage it, and anything else.
For the orders to military branches/ fire department/ police. we are often asked to laser engrave sequence number from 001, 002,….100. I believe it still means a lot in these departments. Anyway, these rules developed inside specific military communities and were never meant to be universal.
In modern use, during our conversation with our customers, It seems there are no fixed rules that must be followed. When the person hands you the coin, they usually explain why, tying that moment to the group so you can look back and feel connected to the team. The meaning of coin shows up when the moment is right, Let me tell you a story.
In 2021 fall, a US customer ordered 300pcs of custom coins, with a girl’s image, and he said the order is urgen, when I asked why, he said: the coin was used for fundraising to save a little girl. The moment matters as much as the coin itself.
In a word, Keep a simple, public rule set and don’t overdo it. Use coins after onboarding, at milestones, or after meaningful collaboration, and make sure you document and talk about what the coin really stands for. That keeps it meaningful, not just ceremonial.
What Is The Idea Behind Challenge Coins?
The core idea behind challenge coins is recognition, commemorative, and connection. If someone is given a challenge coin usually means:
• Someone noticed your contribution
• You are considered part of a group
• An effort is being acknowledged
What often gets misunderstood is that challenge coins are meaningful because of history. In daily life, their meaning comes from how they are used today.
A challenge coin feels meaningful when:
• It marks a specific moment, effort, or role
• It is limited to a certain group or occasion
A coin handed out casually may still be a nice keepsake, but it won’t carry the same weight as one presented thoughtfully.
What Are Challenge Coins Used For？
Today, challenge coins are used on many occasions, far more than military.
- Recognition and appreciation
They are often given to thank someone for exceptional effort, service, or support—especially when a formal award feels unnecessary or too public.
- Membership and team identity
Organizations use challenge coins to represent belonging, whether it’s a unit, department, club, or internal team. Such as Marine conservation organizations, Golf club, or volunteers.
- Commemorating events or milestones
Challenge coins are commonly created for business anniversaries, deployments, conferences, colleague graduations, or special projects.
- Symbolic gifts within organizations
Rather than promotional items, challenge coins are often used as symbolic gifts meant to be kept, not consumed or replaced.
What challenge coins are not typically used for:
• Daily incentives
• Mass promotional giveaways (unless intentionally designed that way)
• Replacing medals, trophies, or certificates
Challenge coins are not about tradition for tradition’s sake. They are about marking moments, recognizing people, and creating connection in a tangible way. When used thoughtfully, a challenge coin becomes more than a piece of metal—it becomes a reminder of trust, effort, and shared experience.
FAQs:
1. What are challenge coins made of?
Challenge coins are usually made of metal, such as zinc alloy, brass, iron, or copper. They may include enamel colors, engraved details, or special finishes depending on the design and purpose.
2. How To Give A Challenge Coin?
A challenge coin is typically given directly, often in person. Some organizations present them during meetings or ceremonies, while others give them privately. The key is explaining why the coin is being given, even briefly.
3. What Does It Mean If Someone Gives You A Challenge Coin?
It usually means your contribution, presence, or role was recognized. The exact meaning depends on the context, but it is generally a sign of respect, appreciation, or inclusion.
4. What Are You Supposed To Do With Challenge Coins?
There is no single rule. Some people keep them on display, others store them as personal mementos. What matters is not what you do with the coin, but what it represents to you.
5. Where Can I Get A Challenge Coin Made?
Challenge coins are typically custom-made by manufacturers that specialize in metal coins or commemorative items. If you are want to customize your own coins, welcome to reach out to us. We are ready to help.
