Challenge Coins Rule

Challenge Coins, also commonly referred to as commemorative coins, for much of our modern history have been associated with the notion that these are only tokens of solemn remembrance and reflection of duty, honor and sacrifice.  This serious notion is unsurprising as one of the first uses of Challenge Coins were by members of the office of strategic service (the equivalent of the CIA today) to identify themselves to one another at meetings to prevent Nazi infiltration in Nazi occupied France. From there, eventually, the use of challenge coins evolved to become a much cherished tradition in the military for members of units to identify themselves as members of that unit and to, along the way, to boost morale and to ultimately commemorate their service. 

However, it is important to note that this is not the only use of challenge coins. Challenge coins have a lighter, and rather engaging, side to them as well. The point here is not to deny that there is obviously a somber dimension to Challenge Coins. Instead, a greater emphasis upon the jovial aspect of challenge coins needs some much needed light to be shed upon.

Not only are challenged coins used as tokens of somber remembrance and reflection, but, they are also used by members of military units in lively and engaging rituals. 

One of the most appropriate manifestations of these traditions is known as a “coin check”. A coin check is perhaps one of the most creative ways to ensure that members of a unit are carrying around their coins at all times. For example, if a member of a unit draws his/her coin and blatantly taps it on the table, the “challenge” has been initiated. From here, every member of the unit is mandated to also draw out his/her coin.

If a member fails to draw his/her coin, that member must buy a round of drinks for the rest of the unit. If, on the other hand, everyone in the unit does draw out their coin, the initiator of the challenge is the one who must buy a round for everyone.  

Failure to comply with these rules is considered to be undignified and can result in the negligent member being asked to forfeit his/her coin. Challenge Coins rules, in contrast to the institution of the military, are not formal from unit to unit. Each unit or military branch has its own variation of challenge coin rules which is a direct embodiment of the creativity of that unit. And it is this contrast that makes challenge coins so interesting.