Log in or Sign up
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Coin Chat
>
Vintage Challenge Coins
>
Reply to Thread
Message:
<p>[QUOTE="Jwt708, post: 3545222, member: 32619"]Hello everyone! Those of you that have kept up with me the last couple of years know that challenge coins are a passion of mine. If you don't know, challenge coins are a sort of unofficial medal given from one military member to another - typically as recognition for a job well done but also to commemorate certain missions, deployments, or sold as a symbol of unit pride. There are a few stories about the origin of challenge coins, however, I'm in agreement with numismatist, retired Master Sergeant Ray Bows that these stories are legends. If you would like to read his opinions, check out the article below:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n18a04.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n18a04.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n18a04.html</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Over the years in my military career, I've accumulated a few. These are the first coins I've collected, even before I considered myself a collector. As I began collecting trade tokens and learning more about military monies, challenge coins became an interest, specifically early examples. I only "collect" coins relevant to me and what I consider early examples. I've been fortunate here recently to acquire a few examples and would like to share them.</p><p><br /></p><p>Below is the 2nd Infantry Division "penny". This one I've had for a while but thought I would toss it up here since it is specifically mentioned in the above article from Bows. </p><p>[ATTACH=full]942333[/ATTACH] </p><p>The date and the hole makes it special. Another Army challenge coin:</p><p>[ATTACH=full]942346[/ATTACH] </p><p>The above Army token is from the 1st Engineer Brigade which was originally formed 15 May 1846. I imagine this coin is not very old 80s, more likely the 90s. Not a lot to learn from this coin except the unit.</p><p><br /></p><p>From Europe:</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]942335[/ATTACH] </p><p>This one was made by a specific class while attending the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. USAFE stands for United States Air Force Europe and 56-A is the class designator. 56 would be the year, and the A is which session. I actually attended the USAFE Academy in 2016 and my class was 16-2. I want to reach out to the Academy and see if they have any historical information about the class - if it was held at Kapaun Air Station, Germany at the Kisling NCO Academy (that's where it was when I went).</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]942339[/ATTACH] </p><p>This is another from Europe, from Spangdahlem Air Base. The base is still in operation and currently flies F-16s. I have one trade token imaged from Spangdahlem AB handy:</p><p>[ATTACH=full]942345[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>I'm not sure what the Frontier Fiesta was, but I imagine it was an air show type of event. This piece is more like a typical trade token - made from aluminum. I love that it's dated with the launching missile.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]942340[/ATTACH] </p><p>Some trade tokens from Offut Air Base:</p><p>[ATTACH=full]942341[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]942343[/ATTACH] </p><p>[ATTACH=full]942344[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>I hope you all enjoyed my most recent additions to my vintage challenge coin collection and the associated tokens. I'm certain many do not collect these - tokens or challenge coins, but feel free to share any you have! Here's an example of what current challenge coins look like: </p><p>[ATTACH=full]942357[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Jwt708, post: 3545222, member: 32619"]Hello everyone! Those of you that have kept up with me the last couple of years know that challenge coins are a passion of mine. If you don't know, challenge coins are a sort of unofficial medal given from one military member to another - typically as recognition for a job well done but also to commemorate certain missions, deployments, or sold as a symbol of unit pride. There are a few stories about the origin of challenge coins, however, I'm in agreement with numismatist, retired Master Sergeant Ray Bows that these stories are legends. If you would like to read his opinions, check out the article below: [url]https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n18a04.html[/url] Over the years in my military career, I've accumulated a few. These are the first coins I've collected, even before I considered myself a collector. As I began collecting trade tokens and learning more about military monies, challenge coins became an interest, specifically early examples. I only "collect" coins relevant to me and what I consider early examples. I've been fortunate here recently to acquire a few examples and would like to share them. Below is the 2nd Infantry Division "penny". This one I've had for a while but thought I would toss it up here since it is specifically mentioned in the above article from Bows. [ATTACH=full]942333[/ATTACH] The date and the hole makes it special. Another Army challenge coin: [ATTACH=full]942346[/ATTACH] The above Army token is from the 1st Engineer Brigade which was originally formed 15 May 1846. I imagine this coin is not very old 80s, more likely the 90s. Not a lot to learn from this coin except the unit. From Europe: [ATTACH=full]942335[/ATTACH] This one was made by a specific class while attending the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. USAFE stands for United States Air Force Europe and 56-A is the class designator. 56 would be the year, and the A is which session. I actually attended the USAFE Academy in 2016 and my class was 16-2. I want to reach out to the Academy and see if they have any historical information about the class - if it was held at Kapaun Air Station, Germany at the Kisling NCO Academy (that's where it was when I went). [ATTACH=full]942339[/ATTACH] This is another from Europe, from Spangdahlem Air Base. The base is still in operation and currently flies F-16s. I have one trade token imaged from Spangdahlem AB handy: [ATTACH=full]942345[/ATTACH] I'm not sure what the Frontier Fiesta was, but I imagine it was an air show type of event. This piece is more like a typical trade token - made from aluminum. I love that it's dated with the launching missile. [ATTACH=full]942340[/ATTACH] Some trade tokens from Offut Air Base: [ATTACH=full]942341[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]942343[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]942344[/ATTACH] I hope you all enjoyed my most recent additions to my vintage challenge coin collection and the associated tokens. I'm certain many do not collect these - tokens or challenge coins, but feel free to share any you have! Here's an example of what current challenge coins look like: [ATTACH=full]942357[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]
Your name or email address:
Do you already have an account?
No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?
Stay logged in
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Coin Chat
>
Vintage Challenge Coins
>
Home
Home
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Activity
Recent Posts
Forums
Forums
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Posts
Competitions
Competitions
Quick Links
Competition Index
Rules, Terms & Conditions
Gallery
Gallery
Quick Links
Search Media
New Media
Showcase
Showcase
Quick Links
Search Items
Most Active Members
New Items
Directory
Directory
Quick Links
Directory Home
New Listings
Members
Members
Quick Links
Notable Members
Current Visitors
Recent Activity
New Profile Posts
Sponsors
Menu
Search
Search titles only
Posted by Member:
Separate names with a comma.
Newer Than:
Search this thread only
Search this forum only
Display results as threads
Useful Searches
Recent Posts
More...