Page 6 - topcoverissue19

6 TOP COVER SPRING 2024

Take up the challenge tradition

Challenge coins have been around
for centuries, but are becoming
increasingly popular in the military,
emergency services and many other
organisations. Those that have taken up
the tradition use them as a symbol of
unity, camaraderie, and belonging.
They are also a way to commemorate
special events, recognise achievements
or accomplishment and to show
appreciation for a job well done.
Challenge coins can also be exchanged
as gifts, sold to raise money for charity
or used as a marketing tool.

What are challenge coins?
Challenge coins are small metal
coins, typically about the size and
shape of a poker chip, although they
are becoming increasingly more
ornate, with many different shapes
and finishes. Each coin is designed
differently and normally inscribed with
an organisation’s logo or insignia.
Their origins date to ancient Rome
when soldiers were given special coins
to prove their identity if challenged
and as payment or reward for loyal
service. By the early 20th century,
American military personnel started
awarding them when someone joined
a unit and to commemorate special
events or missions. Their popularity has
since grown worldwide.
Today challenge coins remain
popular among active service members, hundreds of pounds. But they don’t My first project involved a lot of
veterans, and civilian organisations need to be expensive – something work but was a huge success; I not
around the globe. Some have adopted special can cost the same as a coffee. only got the coin I really wanted, I also
strict rules around their challenge coins raised £2,000 for charity. Fast forward
– typically this involves “challenging” Unique and affordable three years and I have now produced
someone to produce their coin on My story starts with being presented thousands of coins for a wide range
request. Failure to do so results in some a coin while on a course in Germany of clients. I pride myself on unique
consequence or fine. from an American colleague; I was designs and affordable prices, and I’m
For many challenge coins are impressed and slightly embarrassed particularly proud of the money some
symbolic of their service and a tangible that I had nothing to offer in return. I of these projects have raised for charity.
connection to the past, or a reminder investigated producing my own coin, If you’re interested in producing
that they have faced unique challenges but the costs were high with limited a coin, I’d be delighted to help.
and overcome them. They have also options available in the UK, so I used You can find us on social media @
become very popular among collectors my design skills and international challengecoins.club, or check out our
with some exchanging hands for contacts to produce my own coin. website at www.challengecoins.club.

WWW.PFOA.CO.UK