Your Challenge Coin

Author: DeadRinger
Courtesy of PlanetTR

Though the presentation of coins as a sign of recognition for service goes as far back as ancient Rome, the purpose and importance of the Challenge Coin did not come to fruition until just a few decades ago. During World War I the United States Army Air Service began manning their flying squadrons with volunteer pilots. Many of these pilots were wealthy students from Ivy League schools who walked out of their classes mid-term in search of adventure. One of these pilots, a wealthy Lieutenant, had small bronze coins minted and presented them to the other pilots of his squadron. The coins would serve as a reminder of their service together and bore the squadron insignia. One young pilot who received a coin placed so much value in it that he placed it in a small leather pouch that he kept around his neck at all times.

Not long after the presentation, the young pilot’s fighter was heavily damaged and he was forced to land behind enemy lines where he was quickly picked up by German soldiers. Though the soldiers confiscated all of the young pilot’s personal effects and identification they neglected to take the leather pouch that hung around his neck. Before he could be taken to a prisoner of war facility however, the small town in which he was being held was bombarded by the British and in the confusion the young pilot escaped. After securing some civilian clothes the young man made his way to the front lines and narrowly avoided detection by German patrols. Somehow he managed to make it across the front lines and found himself in a French encampment where he was immediately taken into custody by French soldiers. When he could produce no identification proving who he was he was slated to be executed until he remembered the leather pouch and quickly produced the coin which bore his squadrons insignia. One of the French troops recognised the emblem and the execution was held off long enough for them to verify the young pilot’s identity.

The simple gift of a coin bearing his squadrons insignia had saved the young mans life and upon his return to his unit it became mandatory that all members carry their coins with them at all times. To ensure compliance ‘The Rules’ of the Challenge Coin were instated and it didn’t take long for the tradition to carry over to other squadrons and, eventually, other branches of military service. Before long a Challenge Coin was given to members upon joining an organisation, as an award to improve morale or in recognition of services above and beyond the call of duty.

Now, decades later and light years away, the Earth tradition of the Challenge Coin has found its way into the ranks of the AFS. Though looked upon as unusual by our alien allies, the importance and purpose of the Challenge Coin is not lost on them and some even carry one as a sign of loyalty and respect for the tradition. On alien worlds, the Earthly concept of the Challenge Coin has been made to bond us with our allies. Whether presented to members of a squad as a show of unity or given to a fellow combatant as a sign of appreciation for service in battle, the tradition of the Challenge Coin lives on. Don’t be caught without yours.

Coin Check: The Rules!

1. The “Coin Check” can be initiated in one of two ways. You can either raise your coin in the air and announce verbally that you are initiating a “Coin Check” or you may slap the coin loudly on the nearest surface.

Note: Dropping your coin on the floor triggers an accidental “Coin Check” in which all standard rules apply. This is the price for improper care of your coin.
2. The response to the “Coin Check” consists of others displaying their coins in a fashion similar to yours. You MUST produce a Challenge Coin bearing the same markings as the one that initiated the “Coin Check”.
3. If you are challenged and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and the group being challenged.
4. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those he challenged.
5. “Coin Checks” are permitted at ANY TIME and in ANY PLACE.
6. There are no exceptions to The Rules.

Note: The Rules may be altered by the highest ranking Officer in the room.