There are many stories floating around on the ‘internet’ about what the exact origins of the unit coins are and how it all got started. There are stories About WW I pilots, Roman and Civil War soldiers, even Special Forces units in the 1950′s all have claim variations of the story. However to date as far as we are aware no one has been able to conclusive prove they were in fact ‘the first’ to issue unit coins to the troops. The reality is that the principal behind the unit coin has been around since the as long as mankind has coalesced into organized groups, tribes, family and military units.
There are many stories floating around on the ‘internet’ about what the exact origins of the unit coins are and how it all got started.
Challenge coins have been made and exchanged for special accomplishments, shared training, accompanying awards of medals for valor; or as congratulatory tokens of gratitude by the presenter for going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’; since before Roman times. They are specially commissioned by units, squadrons, teams, and other groups to show pride, esprit de corps, ‘membership’ or belonging to a certain organization, group or unit, or taking part in a specific mission or campaign.
Today, with the ever burgeoning popularity and wide spread exposure to military culture, veterans, and the unit coin traditions. They have become immensely popular across a huge part of our society. There is a large and growing collectors market for these special and unique items that some call unit coins. These days it seems like everyone has a need for custom ‘unit coins’ to be made and which commemorate their achievements. Read more here
While there are some “generic” layouts we can use, our layouts are all custom made to each of our customers specifications. We can put any picture, emblem, or text that you would like on your coin. We can do all the design work for you, all we need is a little information.
While there are some “generic” layouts we can use, our layouts are all custom made to each of our customers specifications. We can put any picture, emblem, or text that you would like on your coin. We can do all the design work for you, all we need is a little information.
As our ‘minimum’ standard we make all of our coins at 3.5 or 4mm thick. We are able (making it thicker or thinner) to adjust this for your particular custom project depending on your budget, preferences, design, needs, and other factors. Increasing challenge coin and medallion thickness does have an effect on your projects cost. The fact is that our coins are ‘thicker’ and ‘heavier’ than many of our competitors.
A lot! There are too many for us to list here actually, but we don’t want you to feel empty handed so here are a few of the basic options: High Polished Gold, High Polished Nickel, Antique Gold, Antique Silver, Antique Copper or Brass, Black Nickel, Rhodium, Palladium, Duo-plating, tri-plating and in some cases we have even done quad-plating, etc…… see what we mean! You can learn more on our challenge coin plating pages here