What are your thoughts on challenge coins? If you know what they are, you probably have at least a vague idea of how they work. Challenge coins are traditionally given to military members as a token for their service and achievements.
In the last few years, giving these tokens to those who join a special group has become fashionable. The only catch is that they cannot show the coin to anyone else. There are several websites devoted to the challenge of coining.
The popularity of challenge coins seems to be in decline. The number of available designs has plummeted, and the ones that are still being made are not selling. Below are some of the top challenge coin designs of 2021, ranked according to personal preference.
1. The Phoenix
The Phoenix is a design that’s been around for some time. The idea was originally inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, which symbolizes rebirth. However, upon closer inspection, it seems as though this is not the case.
An eagle comes out of flames and into a new light. It is my favourite for its rich symbolism and beautiful design. It was popularized by the Navy during World War II, with the imagery being used on coins that they gave to bravery awards.
2. The Eagle
The eagle is universally recognized and has been around for a very long time. It is the national bird of the United States, and it has been on both coins and medals since the beginning of its use. It represents strength, vigilance, power, and great courage.
The eagle also symbolizes freedom and independence. It has been an important part of many military decorations since being adopted as the official symbol on the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal in 1919.
3. The Mascot
Everyone has a favourite mascot associated with a school. They are seen at games, parades, and other school events, such as graduation. There aren’t many mascot designs that are popular enough to make the top five, but I chose the Mascot as it is my favourite. The Mascot of my local high school is a cartoonish cartoon bear that looks kind of like Pete the Cat.
There are many others besides his, but this one was mine, and it still has positive associations with my school. He goes by a different name at other schools, but he’s still “our” Mascot. It’s the same kind of feeling that one gets when they see a piece of memorabilia from their childhood. It brings back good memories.
4. The Celtic Cross
The Celtic cross is a symbol that has been used for centuries. It is an important part of the Catholic faith and is also used to symbolize Christianity. The two main parts of the cross are called the “arms” or limbs, and they are shown as either pointed straight up or down. The arms are joined at the back by a horizontal bar known as the “bar.”
It can be straight up or down, but it’s usually vertical. The bar is known as the “staurogram,” a fancy Greek way of saying “cross with a horizontal stroke.” The knotwork decorations and lozenges at the ends of the cross represent suffering. These symbols have been used for centuries to represent Christ’s passion and those who imitated him.
5. The Modern Eagle
The modern eagle is a beautiful design first used by an air force squadron in 1951. The eagle is usually shown with its wings spread (similar to how the eagle on the American flag is positioned) and depicts freedom and power.
The bird’s neck points straight up while its beak points to the left. It’s easy enough to make your own, but it’s also easy to find one of these coins available for purchase. These coins are fairly inexpensive and are an excellent way to show your allegiance. It was also used extensively during the Vietnam War to symbolise patriotism.
Conclusion
Challenge coins for less than $10 are hard to find, and most of them are not available in a wide range of designs. There’s nothing wrong with the two eagles on this list, but they’re not designed. The Celtic cross is used on several medals and has a rich history that dates back centuries.
The Mascot is unique because it represents an entity commonly used as a symbol of loyalty and pride in your community. Finally, the Phoenix is one of my favourite designs for its symbolism and beauty.
