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CHALLENGE COINS

FOR THE armed forces of Australia, Emergency Services and Sporting Organisations

Forged in the defence force tradition of comradeship, Challenge Coins were first presented to soldiers to identify their units. They became more – they became a badge of honour for diggers. Today, Challenge Coins are a unique way for senior officers, commanding officers and regimental sergeant majors to reward troops for exceptional service. Soldiers also exchange the coins as a memento of mateship. With their many unique designs, the coins are also highly collectable.

We’d like to make an honourable mention to Cam’s Cause – a remarkable initiative to raise awareness of PTSD. Our specially produced Challenge Coins are designed and produced to help this wonderful organisation ‘aspire to inspire’.

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Find your unit's Challenge Coin today

 
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Commemorate

Celebrate

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How are Challenge Coins used?

Challenge Coins for the Australian Armed Forces are presented to soldiers, sailors, airman/airwomen and officers from military units or other national associations to identify troops and boost team morale.

Challenge Coins are also used to show respect for personal achievements, energise commitment and reward people for exceptional accomplishments. While Challenge Coins are most popular among military units, they are also used by emergency services, corporate organisations, sporting and hobby groups and other membership clubs.

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HOW THE ‘CHALLENGE’ BEGAN

The legend of Challenge Coins as a lucky token took flight in the First World War, when a US Lieutenant had coins struck for each member of his squadron. For one pilot shot down behind enemy lines, the coin proved to be a lifeline. Stripped of his dog tags, the pilot used his Challenge Coin to prove to allied French troops that he was not a spy. It saved his life.

Following their use as a badge of identity, the Challenge Coin tradition evolved to individual military personnel being challenged to display their unit’s coin as a sign of belonging. If the coin could not be produced, the soldier had to complete a ‘challenge’ to prove their team spirit. Today soldiers exchange Challenge Coins with colleagues as a memento of mateship. The coin holder can still be ‘challenged’, but this is performed with more esprit de corps (and usually involves a round at the bar)!

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ABOUT OUR CHALLENGE COINS

Our specially crafted Challenge Coins represent every Corps in the Army. The front of the coin features your unit’s unique colour patch and insignia. On the back, the iconic Trophy of Arms symbolises the respect and comradeship that exists between the Commonwealth’s military forces.

Challenge Coins can also be customised to match your specifications. If you have an idea you would like to try, let us know. Our customer service team will make sure your design works for your particular requirements.

View our coin gallery

Featuring The Trophy Of Arms

Some of our Challenge Coins for the Army feature the Trophy of Arms. The first design of the Rising Sun was created in the early 1900’s. Major General Sir Edward Hutton, the British officer who was appointed the Army’s first and only Commander of Australian Armed Forces otherwise known as the “Father of the Australian Armed Forces” was presented the Trophy of Arms by Brigadier General Joseph Gordon, a shield made from cut-and-thrust swords and bayonets mounted in a semi-circle around a Crown. The Major General saw the trophy as symbolic of the collaboration between the military forces of the Commonwealth, many of whom he had led and served with. The trophy inspired the badge worn by Australian Armed Forces in the first world war, its distinctive shape evolving into the Rising Sun emblem used today.

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Completely customisable

Our specially crafted Challenge Coins represent every Corps in the Armed Forces of Australia. Coins can be custom-made to incorporate any colour combination, including your insignia, flag, motto or logo. If you would like a bespoke design, let us know when you contact us for a quote. Our team will work with you to create a unique coin tailored to your specifications.

 
 

About Us

Challenge Coins business owners, Darren and Tracey, are both Defence Force veterans who have each served in the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force for more than 30 years respectively. They opened the doors of their locally owned small business in Brisbane in 2017 with the vision that it would be a great privilege and honour to design challenge coins from all Armed services (current and past members) including emergency services, sporting clubs, charities and corporate organisations, to recognise achievements and reflect back on the past with great memories.

 
 

Testimonials

“I am indeed impressed and happy with the coins. The raised text and icons make it stand out when compared to poker-chip-style coins that are unfortunately becoming more prevalent.”
— Salvatore Messina, CAPT (USA), US Exchange Officer
“About 12 months ago, a friend introduced me to the hobby of Challenge Coin collecting. I purchased my first coins and was hooked by the quality and detail. I highly recommend Challenge Coins to collectors, or as fine gifts and presentations.”
— Robert Cousins, private collector
“As a military unit, we have had Darren and his team create several coins for us and have been supremely impressed with the quality, timeliness and customer service. The 3D finish gives a more expensive look and the quality is excellent for the price.”
— Charles Tomlinson, Aust Army Sports Pistol Association and Air Mission Training School
“The customer service is first class. They met their delivery times and aided us with the design of our key ring through consultation and the use of their design team. As a business owner of 32 years, I have no hesitation in recommending Challenge Coins as a business with the highest integrities.”
— Darron Heselden, Variety Australia: The Children's Charity for children in need
 

Challenge Coin Features

All our coins are 45mm in diameter and 4mm thick. Cast from high-quality zinc-alloy, all coins feature solid enamel colours protected with a fine epoxy finish.

For events and awards, 
presentation packaging includes:

  • Velvet bag

  • PVC pouch

  • Clear plastic sleeve

  • Acrylic box

  • Clear EVA sleeve

  • Paper board

  • Paper card

Choose from a range
of metallic patinas:

  • Gold

  • Silver

  • Bronze

  • Nickel

  • Copper

  • Antique gold

  • Antique silver

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How to Order

Challenge Coins can be ordered in bulk as presentation items or purchased individually as collectibles. For your special set of Challenge Coins, simply call or email the following details for an obligation-free quote:

 
 

Gallery of Work

 
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PAYMENT & DELIVERY

Delivery times can vary, depending on your order, location and delivery choice. Options include economy, express and registered post, and overnight express service. Payment can be made via bank transfer after we issue your tax invoice. We also accept cheques
and money orders.

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Contact our customer service team:

Phone: 0438 531 906
Email: info@challengecoins.com.au