Ever since World War I, Challenge Coins have been a key factor in representing both military and personal accomplishments. A close connection to challenge coins is honor coins.
If you’re looking for rare coins to add to your coin collection or a fun way to honor someone in your life, honor coins are the way to do it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about honor coins.
What Is an Honor Coin?
Honor coins are at most two inches in diameter, but they don’t have to be round! They can be in the shape of shields, dog tags, pentagons, and more. The heart of the coin is copper, pewter, and nickel and the outside can be gold, silver, or a range of colors.
The goal of the coins is to showcase a military or personal event. The coins will have images and wording related to the reason for the coin. Many coins are engraved, which gives them a sense of dimension.
Many events result in honor coins, and some of them include:
- Secret Service Agents and White House Staff
- Military Servicemembers
- Police and Fire Departments
- Boy Scout Groups
How to Pick the Best Coin
First, you need to know what the coin is for. If you’re designing the coin yourself, you can start by looking for imagery and phrases related to the purpose. When you’re collecting a challenge coin, understanding the backstory gives the coin more worth.
Next, think about how you want the design laid out. You can click here for base designs that you can use as a starting point. Rare coins will have more intricate designs that are uncommon.
Lastly, don’t purchase a coin from a store. Customizing one yourself or receiving it from an authority figure has more meaning. Store coins have little significance and are usually mass-produced.
How to Give an Honor Coin
There is a specific way to give other people honor coins that are steeped with tradition. These coins are a symbol of respect and honor for the recipient. The process does not have to be dramatic, but it should be revered.
Start by placing the coin in the palm of your hand. As you give the recipient a handshake, you will pass the coin along to them. You want to do this in silence because it gives more respect to the coin.
After you give them the coin, explain the history and traditions of honor coins to them. They need to understand why this coin is important.
What Are Coin Checks?
Coin checks happen when someone calls out for everyone around them to show their coins. This can be done verbally, by quietly raising a coin in the air, or by slamming your coin on a table. This can only happen once at each opportunity.
After a coin check is called, everyone needs to show their coin. If you can’t produce your coin there is a punishment, like buying everyone’s drinks.
This is why it’s ideal to have your coin on you at all times. When your coin is further than four steps away, you will lose the challenge. If you drop your coin on the floor or lose it, it shows you don’t respect the coin and you will lose the coin check.
Caring for Rare Coins
When caring for the honor coin as both a recipient or a collector, you need to keep it clean and polished. Never give your coin to someone else. If you hand your coin to another person, it’s like you’re giving it to them.
It’s also disrespectful to wear the coin as jewelry. Drilling a hole in it is a form of damage.
Collectors should have a clean, stable display case and regularly polish the coins. If you are a recipient, keep it in a secure place that is easy to access.
Add an Honor Coin to Your Collection Today!
Now that you know what an honor coin is and all the rules that go with it, you can start giving them out or collecting. Every recipient will appreciate this great recognition for their hard work!
if you want to learn more about how to respect members of our military or fun and interesting facts about different topics, check out the rest of our blog!