How to Present a Challenge Coin？ | Applications |

Understanding The Challenge Coin: Tradition and Custom

We've put together a complete guide to challenge coin etiquette. Before we dive in, though, let's explore a simpler topic: what is a challenge coin, anyway?

While different organizations use challenge coins now, it all started as a military tradition. For soldiers, the
coins served as a symbol of their shared military experience. Other organizations now use coins to serve as a symbol of their camaraderie and teamwork.

It's possible for different kinds of coins to indicate things like special ranks or special types of service. On
the most basic level, though, coins serve as a sign of devotion. And if someone initiates a "coin check" (more on this later), you must have your coin on you.

Explaining the Rules and Traditions of Challenge Coins

We're going to get into the coin check process soon. First, though, you should know that there are typically winners or losers when a coin check happens.

The check usually happens in a bar or other setting where alcohol is served. Generally, a "loser" (someone
who either does not have the coin or cannot quickly produce it) will have to buy someone else alcohol.

Sometimes, the rule is to buy a single drink (for instance, to the person who initiated the check). Other times, the rule is to buy a round of drinks. Make sure everyone knows the rules ahead of time when you give them a challenge coin so they aren't blindsided by the actual check.

Obviously, people may present coins outside of these settings. In that case, the check may not be a
competition but instead an opportunity for one person to remind another of their shared experiences
together.

Always Have Your Challenge Coin at Hand

The general expectation is that you should have the coin on you at all times. You should not alter the coin so you can do things like wear it as a necklace. Instead, you should keep it in your wallet, pocket, or another accessible place.

When someone declares a coin check, you have to move quickly to produce your challenge coin. How
quickly are we talking? If you have to take more than 4 steps to retrieve your coin (for example, moving from the bar back to your table to get it), you have already lost the challenge.

Of course, even the most experienced challenge coin veterans will eventually fail to produce a coin in time. That's part of the fun of checking coins: there is almost always a loser, and the experience of buying the next drink will help them remember their coin in the future.