Challenge coins are specifically designed metal coins given to someone to confirm membership in a group. They bear an organization’s emblem or logo and are carried out by the members of that particular group.
Traditionally, challenge coins were awarded by the United States military as army challenge coins. These were rewarded as a recognition of special achievements made by the unit member.
Modern challenge coins used by many companies are designed to build morale in teams, or link people with the same interests, or promote a brand. Personalized coins are a good medium to strengthen the sense of bond between the giver and the receiver.
More about a challenge coin
These coins are small, made of metal with a unique design representing an organization. They can bear the company’s logo or be engraved with the organization’s motto, with colored combinations depending on the specific requirements.
Usually round, many army challenge coins are also offered in different shapes. It may be in the form of a cutout or other unique styles as per the company’s specifications. Mostly these coins are made of bronze and brass, but some expensive challenge coins include gold or silver making them more exclusive.
Purpose of a Challenge Coin
These coins are in demand for various purposes. They need imagination and your perspective to be used. They can be used for special memberships, or for some special events. Some of the applications where these coins can be used are:
- Membership Programs – Carrying Army challenge coins are proof that you are a recognized member of that particular unit. Many clubs also use these coins as a token portraying that you are a member of that elite group.
These coins are also used for security purposes, as a member is required to show the coin as their identity of a group.
- Used For Branding Purpose – Many organizations use challenge coins as a corporate brand or logo. They gift these coins at conferences, and other events to promote their brand. A metal coin has a long life and is memorable when compared to other branding items, therefore it has growing demand, and many businesses are designing their own special coins.
Moreover, these customized metal coins are used by most schools and colleges. Students like to show off them as a symbol of their affiliation with that particular university. Sports teams also use them as mascots while taking part in various activities.
- Helps create bonding – Military coins provide a deep impact on the mind of the bearer, bonding them emotionally with a particular group. These customed coins were used as prized recognition of the armed forces so they naturally inspire the bearer. Army challenge coins are a fantastic way to build brotherhood between teammates.
Another area where these coins have started cheeping is Fire Departments. Used as Firefighter Challenge Coins, these have joined the tradition of rewarding the personnel for their various achievements, and for the team that puts their lives in danger to save people.
- As Awards – Challenge coins are a strong medium to reward for excellent performance to various team members. Companies use them as an award, given to the team member coming up with the best performance on their duties. Rewarding is a good concept to build morale and to appreciate an individual’s effort.
Start With Your Personalized Challenge Coin
A custom challenge coin is something novel and is still used by elite groups only. The signature coins are taking on a new story and people like to be proud owners of these metal emblems. The tradition of military challenge coins is much older than we think and goes back to colonial times. These have withstood with time and provide a strong impact on building team loyalty.
Whatsoever your usage is or whatever may be your design idea, a simple or a complex 3D designed challenge coin, is a perfect piece to express your group values and a recognition of extraordinary skills.