A Challenge Coin is a small coin which bears the name of an organization and it's carried by all the customers with the organization as a sign of unity and solidarity. It's provided to a individual to show his membership towards the group. It is also used as an instrument to enhance morale.
The origin of this coin maker is an problem that is subjected to much debates and discussions. There are many organizations who claim that they are the originators of coin makers but it is most commonly accepted that the United States Army Air Service came up with the concept of challenge coins.
The idea of challenging is probably the most efficient way to ensure that the members of a particular organization are bearing their coin of the unit. The rules of challenging may vary from one unit to another and may also apply to only individuals participants who have been provided a challenge coin. It's truly a supply of morale inside the organization.
One can find many Presidents of the United States who carried rows and rows of challenge coins as a mark of service to his nation. President Bill Clinton had several rows of challenge coins which he received from the United Nations for his to his nation. President George Bush was provided a challenge coin by a Marine combat patrol unit. He was given this coin when he visited Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq for a very short and unexpected visit.
Coast Guard Coins have become much less costly these days because its demand has increased to a great extent and also its availability. Price of challenge coins is a lot much less in nations outside the United States for example in Chine, North Korea etc. But in reality original and authentic challenge coins can only be found with a higher ranking military officer.
