Vol.V, No.8
www.realestatenewsline.com
August 2019
Do You Know The History Of The Challenge Coin? By Pat Farrell
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Texas Paid Permit #1590
Perhaps you have heard the term “challenge coin,” and although it may have little meaning among the civilian population, it is pretty widely recognized and appreciated among active duty military and the veterans in our communities. The coins in question are usually round in shape, though in some cases have been found in a variety of other shapes, but those that are round generally measure anywhere from one to two and a half inches in diameter and the design on the coin will vary depending upon which group they represent and the message they wish to convey. Since the recipient of one these coins may perceive it to be recognition of their value to the group, the overall purpose for these coins in the military seems to be as a morale booster. The history behind the origin of the challenge coin varies and one will learn of that history depending upon which account the one reciting it finds most plausible. There is a suggestion that the first challenge coins recorded
were those passed on by the Roman Emperor Maximus to not only his legionaries but also to the mercenaries who fought along with them and expected payment for their services. As the coins were passed along quietly from hand to hand it was a simple matter to slip an extra coin in payment to the mercenaries who most likely would not have stayed around to fight had they not received the additional compensation. Since the Romans were among the first to stamp precious metals into coins, and when one considers their large-scale military forces, it would be easy to presume that the Romans were responsible for what is now known as a challenge coin. Another, most popular historical account dates back to World War I during the years 1914 to 1918 when a wealthy Lieutenant was said to have had bronze coins made bearing the squadron’s logo to give to each of his squadron mates prior to their leaving on their missions. As the legend has it, one of the pilots placed the coin in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck before he took off on his flight. During his mission his plane was shot down over enemy territory and as he was taken prisoner by the Germans, was stripped of all personal identification and belongings except the pouch around his neck. During an attack on the camp where he was being held he was able to escape in the confusion and made his way to French territory where rather than being welcomed he was captured by the French and as he was thought to be a German spy, was condemned to death before a firing squad. Fortunately for him one of the French officers recognized the squadron logo on the coin he carried in the pouch so he was then identified as an American. Upon returning to his squadron the others realized the impor-
tance of always carrying their coin on their person and were often challenged to be sure they had it. For a video of this account go to: https://vimeo.com/120522345?ref=em-share. Additional claims to the challenge coin’s origins revolve around how the coins were used and include one which reports their first use by the Office of Strategic Service
(OSS) personnel who were deployed in Nazi held France during World War II (WW II). They would use local coins that were, for each meeting, specific as to the combination of the denomination, date or imprint to establish one’s credentials or legitimacy (bona fides) prior to passing on any confidential messages between them. And though not a coin, the Army Air Forces Air Transport Command pilots started a practice known as “Short Snorters” where they would glue together strings of autographed paper currency from the countries where they had a drink or a “short snort,” and could be identified by their having their string of paper. Yet another claim to the challenge coin was also during that conflict, but on the Asian side, and concerned an American soldier who had to present the appropriate coin so he could be identified by the Philippine guerrillas, to be sure he was indeed their valid contact in the mission against a common enemy, the Japanese. Other legends identify Colonel William
"Buffalo Bill" Quinn responsible for the coins he had made for those who served in his 17th Infantry Regiment during the Korean period in 1950 and 1951. And later, carrying on the tradition of challenge coins, the commander of a group of the 10th Special Forces, Colonel Verne Green, had a unit coin bearing its motto struck in 1969 for his men which until the 1980s was the only unit still carrying on an active challenge coin tradition. So, what is the challenge of the coin? Well, since as far back as that pilot who was saved from the firing squad during WW I, the coin has become a reason, especially at gatherings of those who have previously been given a coin, to have a “coin check” to see who has theirs on their person. When the coin is tapped on the bar (or on the table) and all show the coin, the person who does not have his will then buy a drink for each of those with their coin. Ouch! Best to carry the coin once you have received one! Whatever the true origin of the challenge coin is there can be no doubt that the coins do still exist. And today, U.S. Presidents also have their special coins and even some corporations have had their coins struck. Not to be outdone, the San Antonio Chapter of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) has had their own coin made (as pictured here) and have them available at all their events for a donation. For anyone, especially REALTORS® or lenders, who want to say “thank you” to an active-duty military person or a veteran after the closing of a home sale or a loan, there is no better way to do that than to “slip” a coin to them during a handshake! If you can’t make one of the VAREP Events that are posted on the VAREP FB page, just ask any VAREP Board member or call 210-912-8115 and we’ll get them to you.