Challenge coins

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

I've got a couple, I'll try to upload some pictures later tonight.

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

A newer one by Battelle and an older one by the 95th

[d4671]

Late 1970's I was a USAF Combat Controller stationed at Clark AFB RP. While TDY to Korea working with the 1st SF stationed in Seoul Korea we were issued the SF coin and introduced to the coin rules. Before returning to Clark we had our own CCT coin made. These were wore under scuba watches and on neck chains as you were likely to be coin check at any time. 1980 I was assigned to the Tactical Air Control Party assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Div. at Ft. Bragg NC. In 1983 just as we were deploying to Grenada with the 82nd I had a TACP coin made in the US. The drawings were made by two enlisted members of Det. 1 507 TAIRCW assigned to Bragg. These coins were serial numbered. Numbers 1 and 2 were held out and starting with number 3 they were issued in the order the TACP members deployed to Grenada. After all the these were issued coins were issued as they were requested. At the same time the USAF TACP members were authorized to wear a black beret with a cloth flash and metal device similar to the Army Airborne. I had the first cloth flashes and metal TACP crest made and they were issued with the coins until I retired in 1986. After that the USAF supply or clothing sales provided these items. I will add pics of all three coins as soon as I can make the file size smaller

[d4671]

Here are the pics of the three coins mentioned in my last post.

 

1-2 1st SF Gp Korea

 

3-4 USAF CCT

 

5-6 USAF TACP 1983

 

These two USAF coins I believe are the first modern Air Force Coins.

[bryang]

I received my first coin as an Army Reservist with the 11th Special Forces Group in 1980.

 

Given to me by my First Sergeant with instructions that it was to be on my person at all times (sleeping, showering, didn't matter). This coin is numbered:

 

 

 

 

I later served 22 years on Active Duty, the majority of it with the 5th Special Forces Group:

 

[bryang]

[jmpmstr]

Really great topic, I stumbled on it researching challenge coin displays. I agree they’ve lost their luster and meaning in the traditional sense over time; but I still feel connected to mine because they were individual thank you’s from the giver. For me they were folks I worked for Orr units that I served with or commanded in. I’ve purchased commemorative ones for myself such as a Jumpmaster coin when I graduated the AAS, and a Senior Parachutist when I hit that milestone. Outside that all were given and luckily beyond a simple “thanks for coming” token. I’m lucky I left the service prior to the tradition being watered down as it is today. 

[SKIPH]

Just caught this thread. From the history I've read, and been told,  in the past, Special Forces did have group coins at least in the late 60s. This is my 5th SFGA challenge coin from 1978. We used to go to the SF museum to get our team numbers engraved on them.  I was on ODA 523. The pics are front and back. This coin I carry in my wallet at all times, (since 1978) in a clear plastic coin protector. My 7th SFGA, and other unit coins are put away, and a nightmare to dig out.  SKIP

[USMarineCorps]

I always thought these 10th SFG(A) coins were among the first challenge coins. The one on the left appears to engraved to COL Vernon E Greene who allegedly coined the idea (pun intended).

 

[USMarineCorps]

4 minutes ago, USMarineCorps said:

I always thought these 10th SFG(A) coins were among the first challenge coins. The one on the left appears to engraved to COL Vernon E Greene who allegedly coined the idea (pun intended).

 

 

Here's some interesting info on these: https://sfach95.org/challengecoinrules.pdf

[Boy Howdy]

I found this thread and wanted to see if it can be resurrected. 

I believe this is an older challenge coin.Possibly something covert since no specific unit is mentioned? Just spit balling here.

It was produced by Don K. Phillips (DKP) (Ret) Lt Col Don K. Phillips, 20th Special Forces.  He made coins from the 1970s to early 2000s.

Enjoy!

[Salvage Sailor]

On 1/26/2009 at 9:48 PM, Plant#4 said:

In the 1930s, on capital ships at least, there were "coins" for the plank holders. I got to see one for the USS Louisville, but I did not get to photograph it, it was later sold on ebay. I believe one story refers the beginning of the challange coin to these Navy origins.

Although I like the story of the WW 1 pilot, I have never herd that before. ( Dosent mean it's not true though, I havent herd everything! ) My two cents, Dave

 

Post WWII Navy Commissioning Pendants - Not to be confused with "challenge coins" which are not at all related to this tradition.

 

Plankowner coins (or plank owner, not plank holder) or more correctly, pendants, were distributed to pre-commissioning crews (and some honored guests) as they brought the vessel from launching status to commissioned status.  This was not a fleet wide practice but exercised by commands at their discretion when preparing the commissioning packets for the ceremony.  There would be an invitation for the guests, a ships' characteristic brochure with details on the Officers and Crew, a sexy cheesecake photo of the ship or submarine, plus builders data.  Some made a Plank Owners Certificate, a decorative keepsake usually made of paper and ribbons, others, a commissioning Patch, and some had a commissioning pendant struck.

 

 

Here is an example of a Plankowner (Commissioning) pendant from my collection.  (I have others but not photographed yet)

 

 

They often ended up with the sailor's sweethearts or wives on a necklace or charm bracelet, or on a swabbies keychain, but I've also seen them attached to the Commissioning patch too as in this 1971 example.

 

 

 

[USMCR79]

This early coin was with the effects of a Marine Corps Captain KIA from Vietnam

 

Bill

[Salvage Sailor]

3 hours ago, Salvage Sailor said:

 

Post WWII Navy Commissioning Pendants - Not to be confused with "challenge coins" which are not at all related to this tradition.

 

Plankowner coins (or plank owner, not plank holder) or more correctly, pendants, were distributed to pre-commissioning crews (and some honored guests) as they brought the vessel from launching status to commissioned status.  This was not a fleet wide practice but exercised by commands at their discretion when preparing the commissioning packets for the ceremony.  There would be an invitation for the guests, a ships' characteristic brochure with details on the Officers and Crew, a sexy cheesecake photo of the ship or submarine, plus builders data.  Some made a Plank Owners Certificate, a decorative keepsake usually made of paper and ribbons, others, a commissioning Patch, and some had a commissioning pendant struck.

 

 

Here is an example of a Plankowner (Commissioning) pendant from my collection.  (I have others but not photographed yet)

 

 

They often ended up with the sailor's sweethearts or wives on a necklace or charm bracelet, or on a swabbies keychain, but I've also seen them attached to the Commissioning patch too as in this 1971 example.

 

 

 

 

 

For Illustration, another USN Commissioning Pendant from my third ship, USS STEPHEN B. LUCE circa 1961 DLG-7, The Fighting Luce

The lapel pin is our second crest and motto, USS LUCE DLG-7 Pride Power Knowledge

 

 

 

 

[Boy Howdy]

Here is an interesting SF coin talking about VICTORY IN VIETNAM 1966.

I like the detail where you can make out the SF crest on the beret and the infantry collar disc.

Silver dollar sized. Darker patina than in the picture. No edge markings.

Has anyone seen one before?

[FriarChuck]

I’ve been meaning to post this for awhile and the resurrection of this post presents the perfect opportunity. Here is what I have carried my whole career as my RMO or challenge coin. 

 

It’s a 1943 Liberty Walking Half Dollar stamped USAAF on the front and back. The letters ZB are also stamped on the reverse. 

Has anyone ever seen something like this before. I feel like ZB might be an aircraft tail code but I have not had any luck finding out more. Looking forward to hearing ideas.

 

Friar

[Boy Howdy]

I'm thinking that was the original owners initials?

Sort of an unofficial ID disc ala US Civil war?

[e19]

Here are a few of mine.

[e19]

Here are a couple of links to coin history.

 

https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v10n14a25.html

 

http://www.omsa.org/files/jomsa_arch/Splits/1999/38197_JOMSA_Vol50_4_19.pdf

 

 

[Boy Howdy]

thanks for the links e19

[e19]

On 10/4/2021 at 9:30 AM, Boy Howdy said:

Here is an interesting SF coin talking about VICTORY IN VIETNAM 1966.

I like the detail where you can make out the SF crest on the beret and the infantry collar disc.

Silver dollar sized. Darker patina than in the picture. No edge markings.

Has anyone seen one before?

I Was in SF at Ft Bragg in ‘66 and never saw that coin…it looks like Barry Sadler’s RCA record album photo.

[Boy Howdy]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing.

I have seen these for sale in solid silver on coin sites but with no information as to origin.

1 minute ago, e19 said:

Was in SF at Ft Bragg in ‘66 and never saw that coin…it looks like Barry Sadler’s RCA record album photo.

 

[Boy Howdy]

On 11/6/2021 at 2:40 PM, e19 said:

Here are a couple of links to coin history.

 

https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v10n14a25.html

 

http://www.omsa.org/files/jomsa_arch/Splits/1999/38197_JOMSA_Vol50_4_19.pdf

 

"I've got 6 pence..."

 

[Boy Howdy]

The sizzle that came with this steak is that the outer rim comes from a section of a captured field gun.

This was said to have occurred during the Spanish American war. The Morgan is gold plated and then mica covered both sides.

That's the story I was given by 'the person who bought it from the family years ago.

 

[Boy Howdy]

This may or may not be a "First Salute" dollar.

I think the insert is gold.

No Idea here....