Challenge coins have evolved so much from the early days of military unit coins. But what comes next is up to you!
5-minute read
Today, there are teams using challenge coins all over the world. But that wasn’t always the case. They started out in the military on a much smaller scale than what you’d expect. Soldiers would take brass coins and stamp simple emblems and mottos on them to create keepsakes to share with friends and members of their unit. Over time, more and more service members began collecting and trading the coins, gradually forging the traditions we see today.
Challenge coins might have been simple keepsakes back in the day, but these days they are elaborate creations. They range in size and shape, come with all kinds of features like 3D artwork and custom metal plating, and they’re used in all kinds of different settings. But one thing has always remained the same; Challenge coins are a celebration of team unity, pride, and camaraderie. With all this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at what makes challenge coins so special, how they’re used in the world today, and what to expect in the future!
A challenge coin is a custom made coin designed for a team, organization, or event. The artwork usually includes logos and team mottos, and they’re shared to celebrate milestone achievements, unity, and team pride.
While they have a rich military history, challenge coins also carry significant meaning for teams and organizations throughout the private sector as well. Each is a cherished symbol of team identity and accomplishment, so it’s no wonder why they’ve become such a popular collectible for people across all industries.
As a general rule of thumb, challenge coins are used to celebrate team history, camaraderie, and achievement. It’s up to you to decide what will make a challenge coin special, but if you need some inspiration, here are our top five uses for challenge coins!
A good team is worth celebrating, which is why challenge coins have been such a popular tradition for so many years. In the military, soldiers band together to create unit coins with important emblems and slogans etched into the brass. Officers will also design personal coins to share with soldiers and with other military personnel. Every design captures a sense of team identity and history, making them a fun celebration of what makes a team so great.
Graduation ceremonies, anniversary celebrations, and years of service are all important milestones worth celebrating. We’ve also created coins to celebrate the completion of large-scale projects in construction, manufacturing, and even film production.
Challenge coins are highly customizable and affordable for anyone organizing a fundraiser or Kickstarter. Police and fire departments create coins for things like breast cancer and autism awareness, event companies design coins for marathons, and we’ve worked with entrepreneurs on Kickstarter projects for things like games, books, and other projects. Fans and supporters have all kinds of options available to support a cause, and custom coins are always a popular keepsake and symbol of belonging to the cause.
In today’s digital age, finding strategies that break through the noise and leave a lasting impression on your customers can be a struggle. Challenge coins offer a collectible, real-world connection to your brand, and we’ve seen them used in all kinds of creative ways to boost customer engagement and marketing strategies. For example, we’ve seen video game publishers bundle challenge coins with games sold at military exchange stores, and large companies will sometimes celebrate product launches at trade shows with custom coins.
Since the very beginning, challenge coins have been used to honor excellent service and celebrate achievement. Soldiers are awarded coins thanks to their courage and dedication, and employees often receive coins to celebrate years of service. The nature of every custom coin celebrates unity and pride, and receiving a coin for service makes them even more meaningful.
Challenge coins have evolved so much from the early days of military unit coins. But what comes next is up to you! It’s never been easier to create your own custom coin design and share it with the world. Whether you’re looking for a special award for your team or want to design something special for a fundraising event, all you need are a few ideas to get started. Fill out a free quote form, and watch as our expert team of artists bring your ideas to life!
Law enforcement coins are used as awards for special services, for community outreach and fundraiser activities, and to commemorate special events.
The right upgrades can turn a simple challenge coin into a true work of art.
Adding color to your custom challenge coins, can create beautiful, unique and striking designs. However, before getting started, be sure to check out...