A Legacy Born in Service

The tradition of the challenge coin is believed to date back to World War I. According to one of the most widely shared stories, a wealthy officer had bronze medallions struck with his unit’s insignia and presented them to his men as a sign of unity. One soldier carried his coin in a pouch around his neck and, after being captured behind enemy lines, used it to prove his identity when he escaped and encountered Allied forces. The coin saved his life, and from that moment forward, the idea of a “challenge” coin as a symbol of belonging and loyalty spread.

Over the years, the military adopted the practice more formally. Challenge coins became a way to recognize achievement, to honor service, and to solidify the unspoken bond among those who had served together.

Carrying the Tradition Forward

Today, challenge coins are not limited to the military. In corrections and law enforcement, they have become treasured tokens of respect and remembrance. Agencies and organizations present them to mark special achievements, milestones, or acts of extraordinary service. Coins are often designed with a department’s insignia, motto, or a memorial for fallen officers.

The “challenge” aspect comes into play in social settings: members may call for a “coin check,” and those without their coin might be expected to buy the next round. While lighthearted, the ritual reinforces the importance of always carrying the symbol of one’s service.

What Challenge Coins Represent Today

For correctional professionals, a challenge coin represents more than just a keepsake. It symbolizes:

• Belonging: A visible reminder that no officer serves alone.

• Recognition: A mark of appreciation for dedication, courage, or exceptional service.

• Memory: A way to honor and carry forward the legacy of fallen colleagues.

• Unity: A tangible link between officers across agencies, states, and even nations.

Many correctional staff members carry their coins daily, just as they would their badge or keys, knowing it represents not only their own service but also the collective strength of the correctional family.

A Modern Tradition of Respect

At memorial services, conferences, and in day-to-day exchanges, the passing of a challenge coin is a quiet but powerful moment. It says: I see your service. I respect your sacrifice. I stand with you.

In the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, coins have become a way to strengthen connections, mark important milestones, and, most importantly, ensure that the bond of “Taking Care of Our Own” continues with every officer who carries one.

Challenge coins may fit in the palm of a hand, but the tradition they carry is far larger — a tradition of loyalty, honor, and remembrance that connects generations of those who serve.