From their beginnings more than 100 years ago, custom challenge coins have been part of United States history. Over the years, they’ve been adapted to many different uses. In recent decades, presidential challenge coins have become a symbol of the highest office in the land.
Origins of Challenge Coins
Although there are varying timelines, there’s general agreement that challenge coins originated in the U.S. military sometime in the 20th century. In the intervening years, every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has used challenge coins to unify groups, mark special occasions, and reward extraordinary actions. With a custom design for each group, they have special meaning to the recipients. For example, the Air Force presents an Airman Coin to every new enlistee who completes basic training.
In recent years, custom coins have found a place in many different organizations, including businesses, public service departments, and community groups.
Presidential Challenge Coins
In the 1990s, President Bill Clinton introduced the first presidential challenge coins. Every president and vice president since then has released their own custom coins, presenting them to diplomats, dignitaries and enlisted service members.
A key tradition of presidential coins is the presentation. When the Commander in Chief shakes hands with a member of the military, he palms the coin first and hands it off in the handshake. Witnesses usually don’t even notice because the exchange goes smoothly and is over quickly.
The coins the president presents to military members are a unique design. A different design is usually available for sale to the public. The rarity of presidential military coins make them a cherished keepsake for all who receive them.
Collecting Coins
Many people enjoy collecting custom challenge coins. The presidential coins are truly rare and special, which makes them highly desirable to collectors. The White House gift shop sells presidential coins (the non-military style) on premises and online. They can be a wonderful keepsake of a visit to Washington or a presidential term you want to remember.