The History of the Challenge Coin

Challenge coins surfaced during the WWII era. The practice of carrying a coin designed specifically for a military unit was popular with the Army Special Forces. Carrying the coin at all times and presenting it when “challenged” to prove affiliation with that unit resulted in a number of consequences for those who could not produce a coin; the most popular consequence required the coin-less soldier to buy a round of drinks. That practice continues to be popular today. (Courtesy of Symbol Arts)

As a matter of fact, today, if someone accidentally drops their coin while in the club, if everyone shows their coin, the one who dropped or initially challenged has to buy the drinks.

My coin rack with my New Mexico Military Institute Regimental photo- I’m the Regimental Drum Major.

DrillMaster

Author, drill designer, marching instructor, trainer for honor guard units, military drill teams, marching bands and drum and bugle corps.

Recent Posts

The Joint Military/First Responder Funeral

I speak with law enforcement officers and firefighters around the country on all matters of…

2 weeks ago

Responding To Your Own Commands

Commanders for Parade Staff, Flag Detail, and Color Guard, do not come to Attention (from…

3 weeks ago

Historic USMC Commands and Marching

In this clip from the 1962 TV show "I've Got a Secret", Jonathan Winters marches…

3 weeks ago

Fl Public Service Assoc. Cadet Honor Guard Competition

What a great day! Too bad other schools don't join in on the learning! Atlantic…

3 weeks ago

When Does the Commander Move to Port From Sling and Back?

Recently, I received a question that deserves to be an article. This happens constantly and…

4 weeks ago

“Cultured” Honor

Pearls are expensive and fairly rare. That's why cultured pearls came about. A pearl is…

1 month ago

This website uses cookies.