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Challenge Coin History

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Challenge Coin History

Challenge Coin History

Challenge Coins were first carried by pilots in World War I! A wealthy lieutenant presented his fellow squadron members with gold-plated bronze coins that bore the insignia of the squadron. One of the recipients of the precious gift cherished it so much that he wore it in a pouch around his neck.

One mission that pilot was forced to land behind enemy lines and was captured by the Germans, who took everything from him except the pouch with the coin inside. During transport to the POW camp a British bombing mission allowed him the chance to escape and evade into France where he came upon a French patrol.

The French were going to execute the pilot thinking that he was a German saboteur because he didn't have any identification. Desperate to prove his allegiance, he produced the coin from the pouch and showed it to the soldiers. One of the soldiers recognized the insignia and delayed to confirm the pilot's identity.

When the pilot returned to his squadron, the tradition was born of carrying the coin on their person at all times. To make sure that every member of the unit had their coin, the pilots would challenge each other to produce their coin. If the challenged person did not have their coin with them, they would buy a drink for the challenger. When they did have their coin, the challenger would be the one buying the drink. This challenge is called a "coin check".

The tradition spread throughout other squadrons and units and eventually into all the branches of the military and other organizations. Today challenge coins are given for special occasions, upon joining an organization, to celebrate milestones and events, as awards, and as fundraisers.

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