History Of The Challenge Coin

For the newer Dogs in the Yard

“The History of the Challenge Coin goes something like this:”
During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit.

Shortly after acquiring the medallions, a pilots’ 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 that contained the coin. He did escape; however, he was without personal identification.

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.

To ensure that all members carried their coin at all times - a challenger would ask to see the coin. 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 continues.

So if you catch me without my coin then I owe you a drink of your choice. ColdOne collected last year at Blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I try not to leave home without it

Dan

I hope I remember to wear mine, because I am likely to be where adult beverages are sold. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/loopy.gif" alt="" />

i got mines on me all the time!

thanks for the info dan. i didnt know it went back as fas as WWI.

cool story..
i keep one on me & one @ home...just incase!



***waiting on that jyd ...that needs this number

Good story and good to know the history and future of my #82 coin. thanks again renee!!!!

hey dan what are the specs on the coin? thought i saw them posted but i don't remember where and they'd do good in this thread.

Yup!

Up until that point I did not think a Guinness could taste any better.

Turns out a free one from Dan does taste better! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I believe I got in on that session too, unless this was a totally different boozing event. I know there were at least a few. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the info BOSS! I had no idea it went back to WW1. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If you're challenged and you don't have the coin, can you respond with a serialed SYKCO knife instead? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thank you for that bit of history. Very interesting story <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I think the only guy who could have challenged me would've been MC. Other than that, I believe I'm relatively safe...unless there are plans to have a booth at the bi-annual gun/knife show on Oahu <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the info - That is very cool and I did not know that they came from anything like that.

Ever since I received mine, back when they first came out, I have not had a day where I did not have it with me.

The coin challenge is still alive and very popular in most regiments, both American and Canadian.

It got so bad at one point here at my current regiment, you had to shower with your current Regiments' coin, otherwise some wiseguy would slap his in front of your face as soon as you stepped out of the shower stall! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Needless to say, with a handy supply of duct tape, I made sure I ALWAYS had my coin on me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

A good, sound strategy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Dan

Wow, didn't know that.

I don't recall any posts about someone finding a good, non-custom challenge coin holder. I carried mine in the plastic envelope that it came in for a while, but that's pretty much disintegrated. I've been to the Louisville Numismatic Exchange few times when I was younger, but not in several years -- they carry coin collecting supplies, so perhaps I should check there.

I thought some of the Dogs figured out a carry system. Maybe they will jump in and remind us.

Different subject...did you get my response to your PM to me? The system looked like it sent it but I do not show a sent memo in my file...just curious

Dan

im pretty sure p0p has his encased in leather. it is to be worn around his neck.

iirc....bruce found some plastic coin holders for them.they add a bit to the diameter of the coin though

ok im new to the yard and i was just going to ask how do you get the coin cause now knowing the story behind it and every thing i would like to get one some how

cliff, the store: http://shop.scrapyardknives.com/product.sc?categoryId=6&productId=30

Welcome to the Yard

There are few left in the store

Dumpster Dan

ok man thanks i may as well get one just to commemerate my first yard knive as well

Dan,
Thanks for the history lesson. I had heard stories from my dad about being challenged and stuff but that was the Viet Nam War. Sure is nice to know the whole story now!

You did...but it is hard to remember <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Dan

[color:"blue"]Meet me at the bar!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />[/color]

[color:"blue"]I'll be there, too! [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I just ordered some 50mm Lighthouse brand Coin Capsules. I found them online for less than $8 for a box of 10 (including shipping). I found a place on eBay where I could have just gotten one "2 IN (50MM) HARD CAPSULE FOR A CHALLENGE COIN" for $2.40 ($1.40 + $1.00 shipping), but I might want to replace the case if it cracks or gets scratched up, and 10 for just over the price of 3 bought individually seemed like the better deal. Considering the money involved, I probably way over-thought this purchase, but I just can't help myself sometimes.

I was wondering if ppl actually carried them in their pockets..I probably would. The neck case is nice. Where do you get them?

I think Rainwalker (Jeff Law) made the leather ones; David Brown made some Kydex holders just before Blade.

Renee emailed me back and I have officially ordered mine to come with the S5s. This will be cool.

I did for a while, but I almost lost it a couple times, so I didn't want to risk losing it. I only carry it to gun shows now. I carry enough stuff as it is anyway. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />