Challenge coin
Introduction


[thumb\|Original [United States Air Force](/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force") [Airman](/wiki/Airman "Airman")'s coin.](/wiki/File:Airmans_Coin.jpg "Airmans Coin.jpg")
[thumb\|right\|The front of a [U.S. Marine Corps](/wiki/U.S._Marine_Corps "U.S. Marine Corps") birthday ball medallion](/wiki/File:USMCBDayCoinHeads.jpg "USMCBDayCoinHeads.jpg")
[thumb\|Huguenot [méreau](/wiki/M%C3%A9reau_%28token%29 "Méreau (token)") used as a challenge coin during 17th century Protestant persecution in France](/wiki/File:Huguenot_Mereau.gif "Huguenot Mereau.gif")
A **challenge coin** is a small [coin](/wiki/Coin "Coin") or [medallion](/wiki/Medallion "Medallion"), bearing an organization's insignia or [emblem](/wiki/Emblem "Emblem") and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.

Modern day challenge coins may feature popular culture attributes or organizational values. Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and are often made using popular culture references, including superheroes and other well\-known characters in a way that creates a parody.


Why were challenge coins exchanged in the past?