All you need to know about military challenge coins

Juliet D'cruz

Updated on:

 

Military challenge coins have been around for several decades and years. They hold a lot of importance and value and they tell a very unique story. The view among military personnel is that military challenge coins like the Air force challenge coins are ‘earned’ instead of being bought. Military coins are of various types. Read on further to know everything there is to know about military coins!

What do military coins look like?

Military challenge coins like the Air force challenge coins are around 3 millimeters thick and around 1.5 to 4 inches wide, which makes them a lot bigger than regular coins. The designs of military coins can differ substantially and Air force challenge coins can look very different from other types of military challenge coins. Some military coins might have normal shapes and designs while others might feature different shapes like hexagons, dog tags, shields and also arrowheads.

What is the significance of military challenge coins?

Military challenge coins are small coins or medallions and they carry the symbol of the organization. They are often present to military personnel to validate their membership in a particular department, unit or branch of the military. You might have seen many military personnel receiving such coins during a military ceremony that you might have attended in person or might have seen on TV, in a show or a movie.

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What are the different types of military challenge coins?

Military coins are of various types and they are quite varied which makes it very to spot the difference in their design and style. Read on further to know about the different types of military challenge coins!

  • Army Challenge Coins: – These coins have a very rich history and tradition. These coins symbolize the sacrifice and time devoted by the soldiers serving their unit and country in the field of battle and otherwise. These coins are very common in award events where they are used to recognize the dedication and efforts of different soldiers. Such coins are available in a wide range of styles right from epoxy dome to antique copper to 3D mold, so on and so forth.
  • Air Force Challenge Coins: – The air force challenge coins have been around ever since the air force become a self-governing service branch of the US military. These coins are a very important part of the life of every Airman. Air force recruits are officially recognized as airmen when they are awarded air force challenge coins on the completion of their basic training. The design of the air force challenge coins might have changed over the past couple of years, but their significance has remained, more or less, the same. All recipients of these coins, hold them in very high regard and for most of the recipients these coins are treasured accessories. Such coins serve as a symbol of honor at air force award ceremonies.
  • Coast Guard Challenge Coins: – Just like the air force challenge coins and other types of army coins, the coast guard coins are used to show gratitude to the men and women serving in the Coast Guard. These coins are one of the best ways to show support for the men and women serving in the Coast Guard and for the purpose of building long-lasting friendships and bonds.
  • Marine Corps Challenge Coins: – The Marine Corps have been keeping the nation protected for over two centuries and they are one of the most important branches of the US military. These coins are available in various types and styles and they are one of the best ways to honor the bravery acts of different marine personnel. Further, Marine Corps challenge coins make for valuable keepsake as they denote many hours of sacrifice and service for the nation and the unit.

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The Bottom Line

Military challenge coins mark the bonds shared by the soldiers and these coins are believed to have been earned through sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears. It is very common for military personnel in different units and branches of the military to carry these coins because such coins are a sign of identity along with serving as a symbol of inspiration. In today’s day and age, many professionals use challenge coins for one purpose or the other. But the use of challenge coins is the most important in the military, especially in the air force.