Coin collecting is about more than just finding and selling rare and valuable coins. Many coins have historical significance. They're more than just metal - they symbolize honor, unity, and achievement. You'll discover that the DoD (Department of Defense) often uses them for rating and recognizing exceptional service. Many of these coins feature soft enamel finishing, which adds a vibrant and tactile dimension to the artwork. Each coin tells a story, inviting you to read into its intricate designs and the history it represents. From the lustrous texture of soft enamel to the detailed imagery, these coins are not just tokens but pieces of art, embodying both history and honor. Challenge coins hold a particular sentimental value, especially when military units are involved. representing more than just a dollar amount. For starters, challenge coins are not made by the U.S. Mint and therefore hold no monetary value. They aren't accepted as currency, but instead, represent something much more valuable. As collectibles and symbols of honor and unity, challenge coins are priceless. These custom coins are shaped like a traditional coin or small medallion and carry the name or logo of a specific organization. Often times they display the insignia or emblem of a specific group. Military, police, and fire are some of the most popular types of challenge coins. Once used as proof of membership, challenge coins have evolved over the years. Now, they represent a symbol of respect, honor, and unity among groups and organizations.The Real Worth of Challenge Coins: Beyond Just Money
Are Challenge Coins Worth Anything?
Challenge coins are created and used as collectibles or memorabilia rather than a financial investment.
Buying and Selling Challenge Coins
While you can't use challenge coins as currency, that doesn't mean that coin collectors aren't willing to pay top dollar for rare or desirable medallions.
Coin collectors and history buffs are often on the lookout for sentimental challenge coins.
A recently enrolled soldier might want a coin from his grandfather's battalion. Other coin-enthusiasts might collect retired fire or law enforcement challenge coins from their hometown.
Collectors have different reasons for finding and purchasing challenge coins, but most hold sentimental value.
If you possess a rare challenge coin or one from a significant time in history, you may be able to sell it to an avid collector. That is if you're willing to part with it.
How Much Do Collectible Military Challenge Coins Cost?
A few factors impact how much you can reasonably sell a challenge coin for.
The coin's condition is the most important thing, which is one more reason to take excellent care of your challenge coins. Engraved coins with lots of detail and color are especially appealing to collectors.
The next factor to consider is how rare the coin is. A custom challenge coin designed for a well-known military group will be worth more than a generic corporate coin.
Some of the rarest military challenge coins ever produced include:
- Friday the 13th
- US Army Diver Coin
- Submariner Memorial Coin
- The Mikey Mouse Challenge Coin
- The Poker Chip
- Trample the Weak
One never knows what will catapult a challenge coin into infamy, which is what makes collecting these coins such a fun and rewarding past-time.
The Ins and Outs of Custom Challenge Coins
Because challenge coins aren't made by the U.S. Mint, that means you can design, create, and personalize your own.
The use of challenge coins as a symbol of unity and comradery is growing in popularity, even among civilian organizations. Companies and businesses are creating challenge coins for employees to keep, collect, and carry as a representation of their contributions to the team.
Personalized coins allow you to customize each coin using your logo, mission statement, and company colors.
Custom challenge coins are also used to acknowledge major events. Military, fire, and law enforcement challenge coins can display an officer's badge number, years of service, department name, and other important dates.
Corporate challenge coins are a great way to acknowledge a promotion, sales goal, or retirement.
The Purpose of Challenge Coins
Outside of monetary gain, there are other much more important reasons to collect challenge coins.
Honor, comradery, allegiance, and patriotism top the list.
Similar to an ID card, challenge coins are given only to exclusive members of a particular group.
In addition to police, fire, and military, fraternities, honor societies, Masons, and other special groups can all use challenge coins as proof of membership. Receiving a challenge coin is a special honor. It represents your inclusion in an exclusive group.
Receiving a challenge coin isn't something to be taken lightly. You're expected to carry it with you at all times and display it when called upon. This is known as a coin check.
If another member of the group gives you a coin check, you have to reveal your coin within a certain amount of time. Failure to do so comes with a "punishment". (Usually in the form of buying the challenger or the entire group a round of drinks).
While this is the more lighthearted side of possessing a challenge coin, etiquette is taken very seriously.
There are certain rules all coin holders must follow including:
- Never hand your coin to someone else
- You must immediately replace your coin if it's lost or stolen
- You must always be within 4 steps of your coin
- You cannot deface, mark up, or drill a hole in your coin
Challenge coins are a symbol of honor and must be treated that way at all times. Recipients of these coins understand their significance and place greater value on them than any dollar amount ever could.
Challenge Coins Are Priceless
Anyone who's ever received or purchased a personalized challenge coin understands their significance. The value of custom challenge coins extends far beyond a dollar amount.
Most coins are given as a symbol of honor, respect, and remembrance. Treat your challenge coins with the honor they deserve, and they might just give you a return on your investment in the future.
We proudly manufacturer challenge coins for military, police, fire, masonic organizations, and corporations.
Contact us today to share your vision for custom or personalized coins. In the meantime, head over to our gallery for more ideas and inspiration.
Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After retiring from the military, Jack moved to Austin, Texas, to start a new chapter in his life. He has always been passionate about storytelling and decided to become a writer and podcaster. He runs a successful podcast where he discusses military history, shares personal anecdotes, and interviews other veterans. Jack also writes often about military traditions and history.
