Military
Coins Used to Honor Members and Prove Their Identity
The military coins are also known as memorial
coins, challenge coins, unit coins and commander's coins. They represent as an
identification and proof of membership of the bearer. The specially made military coins were identified
to raise self-respect as well as promote team spirit. They are utilized to show
respect as well as to honor the members for their great work. The challenge
coins are prized possessions and they symbolize the unit, firm or organization.
These special coins date back in World War I. The Air warfare was a new idea at
that time. The volunteer pilots from the different populations streamed in the
flying squadrons formed by the army. Many of them had rich students who quit
school to experience the romance and adventure linked to the new concept of
warfare.
One student was really impressed of the whole idea that he decided to disseminate bronze medals which are gold plated. He gave it to every member of the battalion. The act was for the purpose of cherishing their military days together. The custom challenge coins were engraved with the insignia of the unit and the cost was a bit expensive. One pilot in the war who happened to be a rich American placed the coin in a leather pouch and he carried it around his neck. At the course of the war, he was held captive and his belongings were taken from him. The coin was luckily not found. He used this to prove his identity to the French patrol that were looking for German soldiers in disguise. When he presented the coin, they recognized it and the pilot was able to escape the execution. This is how valuable the military coin is for them.
Today we can find these examples in just about every walk of life and all professions. They are traded among old people and young students worldwide, and some are even quite rare. If you are interested in starting a collection you can find many support groups and online resources to get your very own challenge coins with little to no money involved - all it takes is a desire to be in the group.
One student was really impressed of the whole idea that he decided to disseminate bronze medals which are gold plated. He gave it to every member of the battalion. The act was for the purpose of cherishing their military days together. The custom challenge coins were engraved with the insignia of the unit and the cost was a bit expensive. One pilot in the war who happened to be a rich American placed the coin in a leather pouch and he carried it around his neck. At the course of the war, he was held captive and his belongings were taken from him. The coin was luckily not found. He used this to prove his identity to the French patrol that were looking for German soldiers in disguise. When he presented the coin, they recognized it and the pilot was able to escape the execution. This is how valuable the military coin is for them.
Today we can find these examples in just about every walk of life and all professions. They are traded among old people and young students worldwide, and some are even quite rare. If you are interested in starting a collection you can find many support groups and online resources to get your very own challenge coins with little to no money involved - all it takes is a desire to be in the group.