What does it mean if you are given a challenge coin?
A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel.
Can you give away a challenge coin?
Challenge coins are supposed to be secret. No one is supposed to know that someone else has them until they issue a challenge. If you are giving a coin to someone else, you must present it in a handshake. You can conceal it in your palm or up your sleeve and then shake the recipient’s hand.
What is the purpose of a military challenge coin?
Military commanders often give pocket-size medallions, called challenge coins, to service members as a mark of camaraderie. A commander’s unique coin — often copper, bronze or nickel — carries symbols and mottos denoting the unit or office.
Can you sell military challenge coins?
If you want to pare down or sell a military challenge coin collection, it could be worth your time to call a collector or dealer. Because the values fluctuate according to what’s in favor with collectors at any given time, it’s difficult to know where the price is going to go.
How do Marine Corps challenge coins work?
Military members still carry one challenge coin to prove their loyalty and in case of a “coin check.” A coin check occurs when a member challenges the others to reveal their challenge coins. If any member fails to do so, it is their responsibility to buy a round of drinks for everyone.
Are military coins worth anything?
Common and plentiful coins will hover around the same value ($5 to $15 apiece) The coins that likely place on the low end of the value scale include those issued by: Veterans Groups. Military Supply Units. Military Artillery Units.
How do you know if a challenge coin is real?
You can also contact the unit from which the coin is said to come. (They may be able to help you but remember that they are not in the business of vetting your coin collection.) My recommendation is that if you get a coin from a former unit member, ask for a letter from them talking about the authenticity of the coin.