Does anyone collect Challenge Coins?

[douglas_knott]

I was just looking at them online. Some of them are pretty neat. If you have some, Do you mind showing them off and share the stories on them please. Thanks

[sdmc530]

I was just looking at them online. Some of them are pretty neat. If you have some, Do you mind showing them off and share the stories on them please. Thanks

WHY Doug yes I do...I only have a couple but give me some time tonight and I will post ours from SD....I have a couple of federal ones that are neat too.

[douglas_knott]

WHY Doug yes I do...I only have a couple but give me some time tonight and I will post ours from SD....I have a couple of federal ones that are neat too.

Very cool. I find some of them neat. I have bid on a couple online.

[sdmc530]

if you want of our SDHP coin get me your address and I will get one mailed off to you early next week.

Phil

[douglas_knott]

if you want of our SDHP coin get me your address and I will get one mailed off to you early next week.

Phil

Phil you need to update your profile to accept pm's please. Thank you

[AutoMag]

Douglas, I collect them and somehow they were misplaced. Most of mine were Military ones but I had some FBI, DEA and the like.

Sorry I cannot post pictures though. If they turn up I will post them.

I am always looking for unusual one.

[douglas_knott]

Well I hope you find them John. I bet you have some nice ones.

[AutoMag]

I really did Douglas!!

I thought I had them with my dad's Military medals but I guess I was wrong!!:confused:

[sdmc530]

OK now try to send me a message please, I am not sure if I did anything right but if not I will have to have Clyde help me out...

[douglas_knott]

OK now try to send me a message please, I am not sure if I did anything right but if not I will have to have Clyde help me out...

Click on User CP on top then down to edit options. It will have a box you can check to enable private messages.

[NAMVET72]

Click on User CP on top then down to edit options. It will have a box you can check to enable private messages.

+1 to what Doug posted........

Clyde

[NAMVET72]

I have some also from the military and a few states...........

Clyde

[AutoMag]

I have some also from the military and a few states...........

Clyde

Pictures Clyde!!!:D

[sdmc530]

Click on User CP on top then down to edit options. It will have a box you can check to enable private messages.

I think i got it, thanks Clyde

[sdmc530]

OK here are the coins....
The one named Member coin is a coin that we only allow our officers have, you can see if the pic turned out it has my badge number on it, "mc530"

the nonmember named coin is the coin we give out to the others, or people who do good things roadside or kids who need a pick me up or trade with other states that kind of thing.

the other two pics is from the first supermax prison, I really like that coin, kind of neat....

enjoy!

[AutoMag]

Very nice Phil, thanks for sharing the pictures my friend!!:)

[douglas_knott]

very cool Phil. thanks for sharing.

[Thedragonslayer]

if you want of our SDHP coin get me your address and I will get one mailed off to you early next week.

Phil

Very Cool:chopper:

[JimF4M1s]

Xxxxx

[douglas_knott]

Very neat Jim.

[sdmc530]

Jim, very nice. I work with a guy named Les, he is a 34 year vetran of the Air Force. He became a SDHP officer as a retirment job anyways he always I mean always carries 2 coins with him. One from one of his tours of duty and one from his retirment gift, he left as an Air Chief what ever that is. Anyways while in Thi Land he said he forgot his coin and had to buy beer for everyone, hasn't forgot it again....

[AutoMag]

Still waiting on pictures Clyde!!:)

[Zilmo]

Having never served, I haven't "earned" any, but have been given a few from some special friends.

[Snipersnest]

I only have a couple.

[Feathermerchant]

I have never been in the military so coins were not something I was aware of. I was given a challenge coin a couple of years ago by Sheriff Ken Campbell of Boone County Indiana. He is an instructor at Gunsite and was running the Cooper Cup during the GAS Match. This course of fire was way beyond my skill level, but he talked me into shooting it. What did I have to loose? It was my last day there and I didn't know if I would ever get back. At least I could say I tried. To my total amazement I did score - albeit a very low one. I was so over whelmed, Sheriff Ken gave me a Challenge Coin from the Boone County Sheriff's Department. I now have my very own coin given to me for something I accomplished.

[Snipersnest]

See, you don't know until you try. Nice achievement Mary and now you have a little token to remember it by!

[douglas_knott]

Very cool Sister Mary of the congregation. There is all this talk about coins but very few pictures. I have some in the mail headed my way that I have ordered. I'll post pics when I get em.

[douglas_knott]

Well here is my very first challenge coin. I ordered it online the other day. It's a US Army Sniper coin. It's 14ct plated and it honors those who have had the privilege to participate in Army Sniper School. I paid a mere $4.00 for it.

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j373/douglas_knott/IMAG0272.jpg

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j373/douglas_knott/IMAG0273.jpg

Oh and I have more ordered. Very cool imo.

[MajO]

I found a couple.

http://www.cotep.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=35&pictureid=406

:wave:

[Roverron]

I have only one but it's a special one given by a friend we met at our OU football tailgate party. Major General Geoffrey Lambert stopped by our tailgate on the way to go speak to the OU football team. We offered a beer but he declined until later, out of uniform. After the game he showed up in casual dress with his entourage. We didn't know who he was at the time other than a military person who wanted to visit with us! Long story short, we had a great time with him and how he ended up going to OU. When he was ready to leave, he shook each of our hands, and left the challenge coin I have. Later we were also invited to the Changing of the colors when he took over command of Special Forces, back in 2001. He came to a couple more games then disappeared for a couple of years. He's also written a book "The Singleton" since his retirement. This is the front:http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r631/roverron6/IMG_0372.jpg This is the back:
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r631/roverron6/IMG_0373.jpg

[AutoMag]

Very nice guys!!!:)

Douglas, just make sure they are not coming out of China!!

[girphoto]

Hi Doug,

My Challenge coin is from The Broward (Florida) Sheriffs SWAT Dept.

As some of you know, I am an active photographer at NASA, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

My usual shooting position is from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building and I ahem been up there for about 18 years. After blowing out my knees ( first the right and than the left) I had my assistant go up and I took a position in an area called Astronaut Road. After setting up, I noticed that there were a few people there shooting (or trying to). It is very easy to notice a rookie, so after I was set and waiting for the count down to start, I walked over and asked if I could be of assistance.
One of the photographers (Darin Dowe) said , sure. I helped him with his set up, exposure and wished him luck.
Yep, as the story goes, he made some nice photos and I used 1 of them for my Company (he did get paid). I still did not know who he was. Darin than started working for me on Shuttle Launches. I would send him to a position that I needed to be covered and he produce.
On one occasion, I asked him what he did for a living and he told me that he was the LT. in charge of the Broward County Florida SWAT team. He also invited me to come and shoot at his range when ever I wanted.
I thanked him and when we went to shake hands, he place one of his teams Challenge coins in my hand.
He said that I would never have to buy a drink again:D
I am sad to report that this past January 2012, Dain Dowe passed away from Brain cancer, he was 42 (much to young) and that I have carried his coin every day, day in and day out since he gave it to me.

It is my pleasure to share his coin with you all

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/girphoto/LTDDCOIN.jpg


I say to Darin.....God Speed

[AutoMag]

Very nice coin girphoto and a nice remembrance to your friend!!

[girphoto]

Very nice coin girphoto and a nice remembrance to your friend!!

Thank You!
Gary

[AutoMag]

Douglas, this thread has got me tearing the house apart looking for the challenge coins that I had. I cannot locate them anywhere!!!:mad:

I posted on a gun site that I am a member of inquiring if anyone wants to donate to my coin collection!! I will see how that goes.:)

[sdmc530]

Very nice coin girphoto and a nice remembrance to your friend!!

I agree, very nice memorial!
Bless!

[skosh69]

Here's mine....

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l538/skosh1/048.jpg

[sdmc530]

Here's mine....

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l538/skosh1/048.jpg

nice collection!

[AutoMag]

Very nice collection Ellison!!:)

[NAMVET72]

Very Nice Collections My Friends,


Clyde

[NAMVET72]

Gary that is the best Way to Remember Good friends,


Clyde

[AutoMag]

Here are 3 that a very good friend of mine passed on to me today!!:)

[girphoto]

Here are 3 that a very good friend of mine passed on to me today!!:)
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120317_5.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120317_4.jpg

Very Nice..... I have one I just found and when I do my Photos in the Am I will post it....

[AutoMag]

Sounds great Gary!!:)

I just wish I could take a decent picture!!!:D

[ColMike]

I was just looking at them online. Some of them are pretty neat. If you have some, Do you mind showing them off and share the stories on them please. Thanks
Here's my collection:
http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt204/davismh76/coins1.jpg

Mike

[AutoMag]

Very nice Mike!!!:)

[douglas_knott]

VERy nice guys I gotta get pics of the ones I just got.

[sdmc530]

Here's my collection:
http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt204/davismh76/coins1.jpg

Mike

Jumpin Jiminy..that is a lot of coints...how long did it take you to get those...very nice!!

[girphoto]

For Me this is one of the MOST IMPORTANT coin in my collection.
It was given to a select group of photographers at Kennedy Space Center sometime after the accident.
They were all great HEROES.........God Speed to them all.
Gary

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/girphoto/Coin1.jpg

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/girphoto/Coin2.jpg

[AutoMag]

Very nice Gary!!:)

[ColMike]

Jumpin Jiminy..that is a lot of coints...how long did it take you to get those...very nice!!

26 years

[douglas_knott]

Here is some of mine. Of course the ones from my buddy Phil in South Dakota are in there too.


http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j373/douglas_knott/IMAG0315.jpg

[girphoto]

Here is some of mine. Of course the ones from my buddy Phil in South Dakota are in there too.


http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j373/douglas_knott/IMAG0315.jpg

Very Nice collection!
Gary

[douglas_knott]

Very Nice collection!
Gary

Thanks I am just starting.

[AutoMag]

Here is my newest challenge coin given to me by a very good friend of mine on SEAL Team VI!!!:):)

[NAMVET72]

Very Nice John............


Clyde

[ColMike]

very special!

[AutoMag]

Here are 2 more challenge coins also given to me by a very good friend on the Team!!:)

[Snipersnest]

Those are nice!

[douglas_knott]

Those are nice!

+1 awesome.

[NAMVET72]

Here are 2 more challenge coins also given to me by a very good friend on the Team!!:)
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120802_1.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120802_2.jpg

Very Nice John,,,,,,,


Clyde

[sdmc530]

those are really nice jon, love the sniper one....

[AutoMag]

Here is my newest from a very good friend!!:)

[Roverron]

Dang that is too cool!

[AutoMag]

Here are a few challenge coins given to me by a very good Navy friend of mine. He is a Wounded Warrior and a great guy.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/012_zps72a81472.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/012_zps72a81472.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/006_zpsb9a5a34e.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/006_zpsb9a5a34e.jpg.html)

[sstpierre]

Loved seeing the one's that still had pics, some of the pics expired though I guess.
Here are a couple that I have:

One is very special and dear to my heart, it was purchased long after my Grandfather passed away, but he was very proud of his service, and was a member of the 95th Infantry Division during WWII. The "Iron Men of Metz" were incredible during the war, reading about their history was fascinating. My Grandfather (Robert Tavernelli Jr.) passed away before relaying most of his stories from the war, but I was blessed with an Email out of the blue one day after leaving a message on a 95th forum many years ago asking if anyone knew my Grandfather... One of his fellow servicemen was able to really catch me up with pictures, and first person history of their endeavors, he is 93 years old, and very good with a computer! (Thank You Elmer!)

The other coin was given to me for doing extensive computer work for a Chef that served at the White House for the Department of the Navy. It's an Official Presidential Food Service Coin.

Thanks for sharing your coins guys, and Colonel WOW what a collection you have!

-scott

[ColMike]

Thanks. Lots of memories.

[AutoMag]

Great pictures scott!!:)

I have my pictures on Photobucket and somehow I deleted a bunch of pictures, don't know how it happened though.

[AutoMag]

Here are a couple more I received today.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/003_zps3ced06d6.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/003_zps3ced06d6.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/002_zps7341a00c.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/002_zps7341a00c.jpg.html)

[sstpierre]

Here are a couple more I received today.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/003_zps3ced06d6.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/003_zps3ced06d6.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/002_zps7341a00c.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/002_zps7341a00c.jpg.html)

Those are VERY Cool, thanks for sharing the pics!

-scott

[Shadow]

Could someone please explain to this newb the significance of these "Challenge" coins? I have a couple given to me some years back by an old gent who served with my uncle who was killed in VietNam, Christmas Day 1965. Just trying to understand the meaning , thanks :)

[AutoMag]

Challenge Coin History and Rules of the Coin

The History of the Challenge Coin

During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons in Europe. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore about his neck.

Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.

He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.

Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner - a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued on throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.

Challenge Coin History Vietnam Era

Leisure time in Vietnam was a commodity, but when it came it was utilized to the max: catching up on sleep, writing letters home, or letting off steam at the hootch bar. The latter proved to be the most popular. But eventually, it too, could become boring and mundane.

To heighten excitement and foster unit esprit de corps, bullet clubs were formed. These were comprised of small, elite front line fighters who each carried a personalized bullet from the weapon they carried in combat. The ultimate use of the bullet, usually carried in a hip pocket, was to deny the enemy personal capture.

When an individual entered the hootch bar he would be challenged by fellow team members to produce his bullet. If he did, the challengers would pay his bar tab for the rest of the evening. If he failed to produce his bullet, he bought drinks for the remainder of the night.

Eventually, personalized bullets took on disbelieving proportions. Some "teamies" took to carrying 20-, 40-, or even 150MM cannon shells. Clearly these were not personalized, coup de grace munitions, but rather manifestations of perceived individual prowess in combat or perhaps on R & R.

At the height of the bullet club's heyday, it was not an uncommon sight to see strewn across a barroom table, a very respectable representation of the full range of bullets, rockets, cannon and artillery shells used in Southeast Asia.

In order to gain control of the situation and to avoid accidental discharge of the large, fully functional munitions, bullets were traded for coins, which reflected the units symbol and pride. A controlled number and/or the individual's name personalized each coin. The rules remained the same, although today they are greatly expanded. Loss of your coin was, and remains, tantamount to eternal disgrace and banishment. To forget your coin, in anticipation of a challenge, results in minor death.

Emerging from those small, elite groups using bullets are today's coin challengers. Known to strike anywhere, at anytime, they insidiously stalk, waiting for the right moment to attack. An innocent bystander may never hear the challenge, only the challengee's despairing cry, "OH I FORGOT MINE!!!"





Challenge Coin Rules

1. Rules of the coin game must be given or explained to all new coin holders.

2. The coin MUST be carried at all times. You can be challenged for it anywhere, at any time. You must produce the coin without taking more than 4 steps to produce it.

3. When challenging, the challenger must state whether it is for a single drink or a round of drinks.

4. Failure to produce a coin, for whatever reason, results in a bought round or single drinks (whatever the challenger stated). This type of transaction could be expensive, so hold onto your coin. Once the offender (coinless challengee) has bought the drink or round, they can't be challenged again.

5. If all that are challenged produce their coins, the challenger loses and must buy the drinks for all respondents. This too can be expensive, so challenge wisely.

6. Under no circumstances can a coin be handed to another in response to a challenge. If a person gives their coin to another, that person can now keep the coin -- it's theirs!!! However, if a person places the coin down and another person picks it up to examine it, that is not considered giving and the examiner is honor-bound to place the coin back where they got it. The examiner can't challenge while they hold another's coin. After negotiating a "reasonable" ransom", the examiner must return the member's coin.

7. If a coin is lost, replacement is up to the individual. A new coin should be acquired at the earliest opportunity -- losing a coin and not replacing it doesn't relieve a member of his or her responsibilities. This is especially true if your fellow CPO's know that you traditionally carry a coin.

8. There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to clothed or un-clothed. One step and an arms reach are allowed.

9. A Coin is a Coin. They are not belt buckles, key chains or necklaces. Coins worn in a holder around the neck are valid.

10. The coin should be controlled at all times. Giving a coin to just anyone is like opening a fraternity to just anyone. It is an honor to be given a coin, let's keep it that way. A given or awarded coin is of more personal value than a purchased coin.

11. No holes may be drilled in a coin.

12. The above rules apply to anyone who is worthy to be given/awarded a coin, has a purchased coin, or who is known to be a previous coinholder.

[Shadow]

Wow ! Thanks for the detailed explanation. Given all that was explained, how does that carry over to non-military collecting the many varied coins shown in the photos of this and/or another thread? Also the COTEP coin that will be available?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to understand :confused:

[edgehill]

Wow ! Thanks for the detailed explanation. Given all that was explained, how does that carry over to non-military collecting the many varied coins shown in the photos of this and/or another thread? Also the COTEP coin that will be available?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to understand :confused:

Same basic rules. I was recently given a coin by one of the members. I just have to avoid Milkmanjoe around Boca because I know he'll challenge me if he runs into me.

[Feathermerchant]

Thanks John. I didn't know the detailed history. I learned the hard way to have one in my pocket when my brother visits!

[Shadow]

Same basic rules. I was recently given a coin by one of the members. I just have to avoid Milkmanjoe around Boca because I know he'll challenge me if he runs into me.

I think I get it! But can you only be challenged by the person that gave it to you??

[US.45]

The first two are from my deployment; the triangle from the regional medical commander and the other is my coin. In the second set is one given to me by a special operator that I fixed up and the other from the CC of the best AF wing in the world.

[US.45]

I think I get it! But can you only be challenged by the person that gave it to you??

You can be challenged by anyone with a coin. If you challenge without a coin in your pocket, you're doomed.

[AutoMag]

Very nice coins US.45 and thanks for answering the question.:)

[AutoMag]

This is probably my favorite challenge coin. It was given to me by a very special friend from SEAL Team VI!!

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/001_zpsb5a0290d.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/001_zpsb5a0290d.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/002_zpsbd85dc6d.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/002_zpsbd85dc6d.jpg.html)

[AutoMag]

Here is another from a very good friend.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/003_zpse6e28f7c.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/003_zpse6e28f7c.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/004_zps43713d2c.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/004_zps43713d2c.jpg.html)

[sdmc530]

Nice one, that is cool. I have maybe 100 coins not sure what my favorite is but love them all.....easy to give and take..small and simple.

[edgehill]

I think I get it! But can you only be challenged by the person that gave it to you??

As was said, anyone with a COTEP coin can challenge you.

[TLE2]

I only have a few.

On the challenge rule are we using military bar rules?

[NAMVET72]

I am waiting for a few I just ordered will post pics when I receive them,

Clyde

[US.45]

This is probably my favorite challenge coin. It was given to me by a very special friend from SEAL Team VI!!

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/001_zpsb5a0290d.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/001_zpsb5a0290d.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/002_zpsbd85dc6d.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/002_zpsbd85dc6d.jpg.html)

Here is another from a very good friend.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/003_zpse6e28f7c.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/003_zpse6e28f7c.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/004_zps43713d2c.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/004_zps43713d2c.jpg.html)


Now those are very nice.

[AutoMag]

Another new one from a very good friend of mine who is also a Wounded Warrior!!Clyde

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/005_zpsb4eeea9b.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/005_zpsb4eeea9b.jpg.html)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/004_zps61a45bd7.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/004_zps61a45bd7.jpg.html)

[sdmc530]

very nice...

[Caleb]

John, those are Awesome! Thanks for sharing.