30th Anniversary Challenge Coin
What is a challenge coin?
A challenge coin is a small metal disk a bit larger than the United States currency coins, engraved with beautiful designs of special significance.
History of the challenge coin
There is no definitive answer for when the first use of the challenge coin concept came about. Many people suggest that the first appearance was during World War I when soldiers earned challenge coins for outstanding bravery. Soldiers would use these coins as a way to have healthy competitions with each other. Someone might yell “coin check” or slam a challenge coin down on the table and if any of the people in that unit do not have their challenge coin, that person then buys all the others a round of drinks. Some soldiers would challenge each other using the coins as betting tokens. Soldiers with the most challenge coins meant they were more prestigious and noteworthy than others. Losing your challenge coin was an embarrassment and merited ridicule.
Because many people became firefighters after leaving the military, the tradition of giving and trading challenge coins came into the private sector along with them.
Why is UCFRD issuing this challenge coin?
Beyond personal achievement or identification with a particular unit, challenge coins are often issued for firehouse related events such as fire department anniversaries, community parades, and the opening of new firehouses. We are issuing this special challenge coin to honor the 30th year anniversary of an officially recognized fire service on the island.
Be sure to visit the Fire District On Island Shop page by clicking here to get yours today!