What is a challenge coin in the Navy?

A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit.

What does it mean to receive a challenge coin?

In coin collecting, a challenge coin is a uniquely designed coin that represents an organization or occasion. Being given a challenge coin represents comrade or unity and proves membership of a certain group, as well as honoring the actions of those who receive them.

What is a military challenge coin used for?

In the military, challenge coins are proof that you are a member of a unit or served on a specific tour of duty. They mean you are a member of an elite group of people. In early military history, they were used for security. A service member may have been required to show the coin to prove their loyalty.

Does the Navy give challenge coins?

Challenge coins represent a bond that sailors in the Navy develop with each other. Members of a unit may get coins from a superior during their service to honor that bond or celebrate an extraordinary accomplishment.

Are military challenge coins valuable?

The coins signify the blood, sweat, and tears of those in the military. For those that were active members during times of war, these coins serve as a representation that they were able to make it out alive. As such, military challenge coins are often considered to be priceless in value to those that received them.

How do you present a military challenge coin?

Some rules state that if you’re more than four steps away from your challenge coin, then it can be taken by someone else. The rules can also vary depending on what branch of the military you’re in (or where you are in the world), but the gist of the challenge remains the same.

Can civilians collect challenge coins?

Whether you’re advertising a business, honoring a group you’re a member of, or designing a special family coin, there are many reasons why you might be interested in a coin of your own. So, no. You don’t need to be a member of the armed forces to carry a challenge coin.