Patriotic Challenge Coins

Patriotic challenge coins have long been a military tradition. In recent years, civilian organizations as well have come to appreciate them. Many have discovered that custom coins can be an outstanding way to commemorate patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

When it comes to design, challenge coins offer a tremendous range of flexibility. You can create a coin that perfectly reflects your organization’s beliefs and honors our nation, flag or armed forces.

The Appeal of Patriotic Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have been used to build camaraderie and honor soldiers since Roman times. They are a way to reward excellence, honor notable achievements, and commemorate significant battles, deployments or special operations. 

The prevalence of challenge coins has grown exponentially since World War I. Today, they are still an essential part of military tradition, and civilian life as well. They have even become collector's items, popular for veterans, friends, and family.

Fire and police departments, emergency medical services, civic organizations and nonprofit groups have also adopted challenge coins as a way to show their pride and patriotism.

Honoring Veterans with Patriotic Coins

Challenge coins are an ideal way to honor veterans for their dedication and sacrifice. For veterans, patriotic coins are a way to remind them that we value their service and appreciate their commitment to keeping us and the world safe. Recipients will appreciate the tangible expressions of gratitude, and will look fondly on them for years to come.

You can honor spouses, friends and family of military members as well. Military life can be challenging for family members. From living on base to frequently moving, the stress can take its toll. Challenge coins to honor those who work so hard to keep the family functional through deployments and special operations are a small way to say thank you for all they do. 

Memorial Challenge Coins

Patriotic challenge coins are an outstanding way to remember fallen heroes. A coin can be a respectful way to honor a firefighter, police officer, or military member who gave their all in the service of others. Memorial coins keep their spirit alive and remind all who knew them of their dedication and sacrifice.

Military Challenge Coins

Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has its own specific challenge coin insignia, symbols and meaning. 

Army coins are the original challenge coins, steeped in tradition and history. They are widespread throughout all ranks. Army coins show soldiers that their hard work and determination doesn't go unnoticed, and also help promote unit camaraderie and cohesiveness. Each challenge coin represents a particular milestone in a soldier’s career.

Navy challenge coins are iconic for every sailor. They promote camaraderie and a sense of belonging, from SECNAV all the way down to the newest sailor. Navy coins are often produced for specific deployments, missions, and ship assignments. They have become a time-honored way to commemorate the Navy's vital role in protecting our country. As with other military challenge coins, they are presented in a low-key fashion via handshake. Sailors hold well-designed and crafted coins in high regard, and carry and display them with pride. 

For the airmen of the U.S. Air Force, Air Force challenge coins are highly sought-after. The first one a new recruit receives is the Airman's coin, presented to those who successfully complete Air Force Basic Military Training. The special memento is presented at its own ceremony that marks the end of 8.5 weeks of intense training. It serves as a reminder of the transition from trainee to Airman. While an Airman’s enlistment likely will feature more milestones and more challenge coins, the satisfaction of receiving the Airman's coin is something truly unique.

Marine Challenge Coins commemorate and honor the achievements of the Corps. The storied history of the Marine Corps is filled with examples of dedication, sacrifice and victory. Custom Marine coins give current members a sense of belonging in distinguished company.

For the men and women who patrol our shores, Coast Guard Challenge Coins carry special meaning. They celebrate the commitment of those who stop drug trafficking by waterway, protect our nation’s ports and conduct search and rescue missions on the water. 

The Most Sought-After Coin: The Presidential Challenge Coins.

The ultimate patriotic challenge coin is the one presented by the Commander in Chief. Presidential challenge coins originated in the 1990s with President Bill Clinton. Every succeeding president has had his own unique presidential coin design. 

The tradition of presenting challenge coins is well-established, though there are no formal rules. Presidents design their own coins however they like, and give them to anyone they choose. These coins are commonly awarded to military personnel, dignitaries, and the family of service members.  

Each president has their own traditions. For example, President Clinton, a collector of coins, displayed a collection he had collected from service members. The display was even featured in one of the official portraits of the former president. 

President George W. Bush frequently presented challenge coins, often handing them out to family members of soldiers killed in action. President Obama was also a fan of the tradition and was photographed handing coins to the soldiers guarding Air Force One and Marine One. The exchange was subtle and discreet, presented through a "secret handshake." 

President Trump created his own design and was even given a challenge coin by Vice Admiral Dave Johnson. 

Designing Patriotic Coins

There are a few things to consider when designing custom patriotic coins. It’s easy to craft a strong design by keeping a few simple factors in mind:

Color – The First Step

Start by choosing the color of your commemorative coins. Do you want gold, silver, copper, brass, or another color? Any reputable coin provider will offer you a choice of polished or antiqued finishes, and even duo-tone coins that offer a blend of two colors. That’s the base of your coin.

Next, consider any colors you want in your design. Red, white and blue, of course, are obvious for patriotic coins. Any good provider will offer you 5 to 7 colors free, with additional colors available for a small extra charge. You can choose to have color on one or both sides of your custom coins.

Coin Shapes 

Don’t forget, you’re not limited to just round coins. Reputable coin suppliers can craft patriotic challenge coins in virtually any shape you can imagine. Whether you want a waving flag, the Statue of Liberty or any other shape, all you have to do is ask.

Additional Options

Additional options can add a unique touch to your custom coin design. Offset printing, cutouts, 3-D designs, engraved text and more can increase the beauty and elegance of your design. Your coin provider can advise you which options will work best with your chosen design. 

Depend on ChallengeCoins4Less for Patriotic Challenge Coins

Custom coins are a great way to show your patriotism and pride in your country. You can design them exactly how you want. No matter the shape, the size, the details, or the color, we can transform your  design into a stunning challenge coin. If you’d like to find out more, call us toll-free at (855) 272-8451, or email us at [email protected]. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our no-obligation Free Quote form, and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your design. We’re here to serve all your custom patriotic coin needs!