Militairy Coin?

So I was in Cleveland a couple years back just visiting. In the lobby of the hotel I found this coin just sitting on a chair, as if it fell out of someone's pocket. The pictures aren't great quality, so let me add some detail. Its for the Blue Blasters, VFA-34. The words on the back around the outside read "Have Gun Will Travel". The condition is fair, not great, but definitely not terrible.

 

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Just from being in the military myself, I would definitely say that is a military token/coin of appreciation normally for a job well done. (Given from a person in Charge of a Cutter or Command etc...)

here's a link for the VFA-34 ( just googled it)
http://www.vfa34.navy.mil/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-34

 

Quite often called challenge tokens/coins here is quite a nice write up on wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin

 

Thanks guys! That's really interesting. Any idea what they would go for? (sidenote: I have no intention of selling, just curious)

 

Hi, dmbolf. As a former military member myself I have a couple of dozen of those types of coins that were given to me by various commanding officers and generals over the years. They are all special to me because they were given as a token of appreciation for a job well-done (as Shoewrecky already mentioned) or for being a member of certain military units that I was assigned to in my career. They are sometimes called "challenge coins" because according to military tradition once you are awarded a particular coin, then anyone who also possesses the same coin can challenge you to produce yours at any time. If you are challenged and cannot produce your coin on the spot, you must buy a round of drinks for the coin holders who are present. If you are challenged and produce your coin promptly, then the challenger must buy the next round.

I'm sure the person who lost that coin is probably kicking themselves right now....not just because they will be buying lots of drinks in the future, but also because that coin was probably a prized possession.

Some of these coins are engraved with a unique serial number that is registered to the person who was awarded the coin and may help with tracking down the original owner if you are able to return the coin to the issuing unit. Some are engraved with the person's name instead of a serial number. But sadly most coins that are given out are not identified in such a way.

I would hate to think that anyone who finds one of these would try to sell it for a profit considering what they mean to the service members who receive them. If returning it to the original owner or to the issuing military unit is not a possibility or an option, then at least show it the proper respect by giving it a prominent place in your collection in honor of the unit and service members that it represents. Just my $0.02.

 

Firing Squad

I have read the "Challenge Coin" tradition began where a captured pilot got placed in front of a Firing Squad by those who did not speak his language, but at the last moment someone noticed the medal around his neck, proving they were all on the same side.

The tradition evolved from there with many variations, but it was always considered best not to be without it.

 

I agree with this 100%. This guy probably carried it as a pocket piece.
If you want to persue this a little bit this squadron has their own website. Here's a link to the ombudsman,you could email him and explain what you found and maybe he could help get it back to the person that lost it.
http://www.vfa34.navy.mil/ombudsman.htm

 

Cool coin, Where did you get it??:hail:

 

Thats very cool, thank you. I looked around for anybody when I found the coin, but the lobby was completely empty. And it definitely has a special place in my collection. It is in the very center of my shadow box full of coins, and is definitely my favorite.

Sadly, there is no serial number or name on it.

 

Is there any value listed on the coin?? RE: 25 or 50 Cents etc??

 

mpcusa, There is no value listed on the coin. As a few have stated, its a coin to denote membership or commemorate something rather than to spend.

 

LOve challenge coins, in my unit if you are challenges and you dont have yours on you you owe the challenger lunch.

-Russ

 

If any of you have an interest in seeing more of these types of military "challenge coins", I can try to scan images of some of mine and post them on the forums.

 

For sure!! Please post some pics i would love to see more

 

Shooooot I have several that I will take home with me.

 

Thread started over on the Coin Chat board. I'll be adding a few more as I get them scanned in. Check it out.....

http://www.cointalk.com/t93334/