Custom Military Coins Serve a Purpose

Although the general public may not know what the purpose of a custom military coin, members of the military know the meaning very well. The mission or unit to whom the coin was given cherishes the coin as a collectible memento known only to them. The coin may be personalized and if so, the unit or the mission for which it was given is contained on the coin.

The custom military coins are carried by all members of the military - no matter the branch. The Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy are all recipients of the coins. This can include the National Guard and the Coast Guard, as well. Each branch of the military has a personal insignia that depicts their particular division of the armed forces. The custom military coins are often given for bravery and courage in the performance of duty.

The coin is designed for the members of the branch to which they will be given. The designs as well as the act of giving the coin both have a special meaning for the person who is receiving it. They are called many things - collector coins, unit coins, honor coins and challenge coins - as well as military coins.

The custom military coins may be given by the unit's commanding officer or they can be given by an officer that is of a higher rank. The President has given military coins for outstanding performance. The coins are not given lightly. They have a meaning that is considered by those who receive them to be a special 'thank you' for their service. The unspoken meaning is far more expressive than words could provide.

The coins are and will be an everlasting symbol of the pride that is felt by members of the military as well as the brotherhood they share. The commitment that is shared by the brave men and women who protect our country is honored with the custom military coin.

It is believed that the origination of the coins began in the Army Air Corp more than one-hundred years ago during World War I. Today they are made of many different types of metals including gold plating, nickel, copper, silver and bronze. They may also be minted in a variety of shapes and sizes. This is entirely dependent on the branch they are being made for as well as the preference of the person having them made.

Regardless of the size or shape, the custom military challenge coin is a collectible coin that should be preserved and passed to future generations of the military member who earned the coin. Kept for the pride of a job well done, the coin should be an example to those that received the benefits of the dedication of the member of the military receiving the coin.