Political Challenge Coins and the 2024 Election

Custom challenge coins have long been an integral part of military life and lore. In recent years, they’ve also moved into the political realm as well. At least two of this year’s major contenders have their own challenge coins. Let’s take a look at how custom coins moved from the military into the political world.

Origins of Challenge Coins

Challenge coins as we know them today originated in the military decades ago. Although there’s no absolutely correct story of how they began, there are plenty of apocryphal legends, some dating their beginnings back as far as World War I. Traditionally, the “challenge” is for a fellow service member to present their unit, squad or group coin in the presence of others who carry the same coin. Those who are not able to typically must buy the next round of drinks for the group.

As members of the military move from the armed forces into the civilian world, and especially if they transition into politics, they continue the coin tradition into those jobs.

Presidential Challenge Coins

The most prestigious challenge coin a military member, or for that matter a civilian, can receive is one from the Commander in Chief – the President of the United States.

President Bill Clinton originated the presidential challenge coin, and every succeeding president has continued the tradition for more than 30 years. Each president designs their own unique coins, which are then minted. Presidents can give them to anyone they choose, most commonly presenting them to U.S. military personnel.

President George W. Bush expanded the distribution of presidential coins, presenting them to foreign dignitaries and guests visiting the United States. This gesture helped create closer bonds and stronger international relationships.

President Barack Obama often placed his presidential coins at the graves of military personnel killed in action, a token of the nation’s gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice for their country.

President Donald Trump’s coin design was tied more to his personal brand, rather than a universal message. The coin replaced the traditional Latin motto of “E Pluribus Unum” – Out of Many, One – with Trump’s signature phrase “Make America Great Again.” The coin also featured a blazon at the bottom that sticks out from the round shape, and prominently feature’s Trump’s name.

President Joe Biden’s coin returned to a more traditional round shape, and features the president’s home state of Delaware, his signature and the number 261, a tribute to the 261st Signal Brigade, his late son Beau’s unit in the Delaware Army National Guard. On the reverse, the coin features the Seal of the President of the United States.

Biden also ordered a unique coin design for the remaining veterans of D-Day, the World War II invasion of Normandy. He presented to coins to veterans present at Normandy on June 6, 2024, the 80th anniversary of the invasion crucial to the Allies’ eventual victory.

Congressional Challenge Coins

It’s no surprise that custom coins have become popular in Congress, given the fact that many members have served in the military. They’re seen in both the House and Senate.

Coins are a bipartisan issue, favored by both Democrats such as Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Republicans such as Tennessee Rep. Mark Green. Both are military veterans.

“Even though we no longer wear the uniform, we can continue to be an example of a nation in service to others,”  Houlahan told the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call. “It’s why I brought the challenge coin tradition to my office — to thank the many veterans and service members I meet for being part of that common cause.” 

In the same Roll Call article, Green was glad to see challenge coins become part of civilian life.

“Our country is made better  by many military traditions going out into the country,” he said. 

On the Senate side, Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican and Iowa National Guard veteran called presenting challenge coins “one of my favorite traditions while serving in the Senate.”

Political Coins 2024

As noted above, former President Trump had his own custom coins made while president. We don’t know if Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s rival for the presidency as this is written, has her own coin design.

We do know that Harris’ vice-presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has his own custom coin, which he frequently gives to others. He often distributes them at ceremonial events.

The governor’s coin depicts the outline of the state and a loon – the state bird – on one side. The coin features the state motto, L’etoile Du Nord [“Star of the North”] on top and the word Minnesota at the bottom. The reverse depicts the state capitol in the center coin, above Walz’s signature. The picture is bordered by Walz’s name above and “Office of the Governor” below.

Walz also has a large collection of challenge coins he has received through the years, beginning during his military service. He collected many during his 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives as well.

It’s a bipartisan collection containing coins from both House Speakers Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, and her predecessor Paul Ryan, a Republican. He has coins from both former Vice President Mike Pence and from President Joe Biden’s term as Vice President.

Who Pays for the Coins?

Members of Congress can’t use office funds to pay for challenge coins. The money has to come from either their personal funds or campaign funds only, according to rules set by the Senate Ethics Committee. If the member uses campaign funds, additional restrictions as to what the coins can display apply.

Political Challenge Coins and Election Results

No one expects challenge coins to significantly affect the outcome of elections. They are, however, a popular item for politicians of all stripes to give away, either to show appreciation of a job well done or to increase awareness of a particular legislator, presidential candidates or judges.

Custom challenge coins also serve as tangible reminders of politicians’  representations of their respective states. They can be used to honor accomplishments, support military deployments and successful missions.

No matter who wins the 2024 presidential election, a custom coin design will surely be created to commemorate the occasion.