Are you looking for a way to honor special occasions for your military or first responder unit? Do you want to support the veterans in your life? If so, then you need to start by learning about all the different types of challenge coins.
Doing so can help you show your appreciation for team members, incentivize a team-first mindset, and help you create a design the world has never seen. But what is the different types of challenge coins are there?
See below for an in-depth guide listing the many different types of challenge coins that you should be aware of.
First Responder Challenge Coins
Perhaps you’re looking for a way that you can show support for the first responders in your life. Maybe you want to honor those in your department for all of the bravery and commitment they’ve shown over the years.
Whatever the case might be, first responder challenge coins are one of the most popular types out there. They are a great way to show appreciation for the difficulty that both police officers and firefighters face on a day-to-day basis.
Police challenge coins are often used as a way of awarding someone for an act of bravery, their dedication to their community, or going above and beyond to serve others. The day in a life of an officer is dangerous, so the challenge coins represent the brotherhood and sacrifice that come with taking up the badge.
Firefighter challenge coins signify those that have dedicated their lives to keeping others safe from unforeseen emergencies. Fire is unpredictable and does not discriminate on whose life it endangers, and firefighters are the only ones that can save them.
Military Challenge Coins
Military challenge coins are the most popular type of coin out there—and for good reason. The entire premise behind the challenge coin comes from a historic tale in our nation’s military.
While some say they are loosely based on the coins Roman soldiers used to receive, the most supported story comes from the days of World War I.
One lieutenant ordered a collection of custom challenge coins to commemorate the bravery of his unit of squadrons, most (if not all) of which were volunteers.
One day, while flying, one of those squadrons was grounded on enemy lines, where the pilot was then taken, hostage. He wound up escaping and making his way to an ally post, using the challenge coin his lieutenant gave him to identify himself.
These days, military challenge coins are used for far more. Every branch of the military uses them as a way to unify different groups. They’re also used to commemorate accomplishments, events, and anniversaries.
These come in more designs than we can name. A few of our favorites include polished gold, nickel, copper, and antique brass. The details and colors in these challenge coins will blow you away!
Government Challenge Coins
Did you know that Presidents of the United States all have their own challenge coin? This tradition goes back a few decades to when Bill Clinton (an avid coin collector) first designed his own. These days, the POTUS generally holds them back to be given to war heroes and members of their security service.
Government challenge coins are quite commonplace. They’re designed to show the dedication and individuals have shown to their specific departments. A few examples include:
- Department of Economic Development
- Health and Human Service Agencies
- Protective Divisions
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Department of Veteran Affairs
The results are astonishing. They show off the pride that comes with being a civil servant. Any time that government workers need a refresher on their “why”, the challenge coins they’ve been given can reignite that spark.
Team Challenge Coins
Very few moments in life show off as much passion as when you’re playing for a sports team. It’s the chance to team up with people from other walks of life to pursue victory. If that isn’t worthy of a challenge coin, what is?
Just like with military challenge coins, team challenge coins can be used to commemorate a big event, such as a tournament championship, undefeated season, or joining the elite ranks of an umpire association.
You can invest in a high-quality challenge coin display and prominently show all of your achievements in your office, sports cave, etc.
Corporate Challenge Coins
Perhaps you need a way to motivate your employees. Maybe you want to incentivize them to take part in a corporate initiative your company has created. Whatever the case might be, a corporate challenge coin is sure to do the trick.
What better way to acknowledge employees that have lived out your brand? You can show them your gratitude for carrying out the company’s mission statement in everything they do.
These days, it’s harder than ever to retain top-tier talent. Using corporate challenge coins, you can give them a reward that their peers don’t have and give thanks simultaneously.
Invest in Custom Challenge Coins for Your Needs
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the different types of challenge coins out there, be sure to use all of this information to your advantage.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on military challenge coins, as well as many other topics that you will find helpful.