What exactly are challenge coins? Seems like they are used for a heads or tails coin flip or am I way off base. Any help would be awesome. Thanks, Danny

 

Low on cash maybe?

 

old military tradition amongst unit members. Each member would carry a special coin to remind them of their service with that unit. If you encountered a fellow unit member anywhere, anytime in the future, not being able to produce your coin on challenge resulted in you buying the house a round. kinda cool tradition...I know it goes back as far as the Korean war

 

A challenge coin is a specially designed coin carried by members of an organization to show membership. Usually you were given one for doing something out of the ordinary. We used to carry them all the time in the Army and if you are at the bar and a challenge coin was laid down you laid yours down. If you did not have one you bought the drinks.

Now you can buy a challenge coin for just about any organization or cause. Still a nice way to show affiliation with a group without sporting patches or tats.

 

What exactly do challenge coins have to do with Harleys?

 

Some riding groups use/have challenge coins. I know the one I ride with has them. I never took one as the rules that go along with it were too weird and I'm not into the 'group' mentality thing.

 

Harley is trying to promote within its Harley sphere the same challenge as the military has established.. I worked with a veteran that had several challenge coins that he had collected during his service.. The premise behind these are as stated from other members.. Rcv'd my HOG challenge coin when I rode in the Pony Express ride last year..

 

The one BIG difference...

a "challenge" coin is a gift from your CO. In some units you can buy them, but they are exclusive because you have to *earn* them.

I bought a company coin in one unit--they had a big group purchase. But you can't buy a battalion coin, or higher. You have to do something pretty hua to be recognized.

That's why when you coin a guy at a bar, he has to coin you back with a higher level coin. If he can, then *you* buy the beer.

If HD is selling Harley 'challenge coins'--that is LAME!!!!!!!!!!!

 

For instance; I was given a challenge coin from the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps once.

Pretty honored to meet him.

 

Used to carry a coin for the Chief of Staff for the Army, usually had a free one for that.

But I ALWAYS buy "operators" a beer. Gotta be good Karma.