Challenge Coin
The background information for this item can be found in A Catalogue of New Zealand Challenge Coins (3rd edition) by Rodney Hall, courtesy of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand Inc. This is a highly informative and significant work on the advent of Challenge Coins within New Zealand.
Challenge Coins – What are they?
A challenge coin is a coin or medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and is carried by the organization’s members. Traditionally, they are carried to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members, law enforcement personnel, and numismatists.
The Origins of the Challenge Coin
There are several stories detailing the origins of the challenge coin. Many coins originated in popular culture based on events of the day. The Roman Empire rewarded soldiers by presenting them with coins to recognise their achievements. Challenge coins were also known as “Portrait Medals” during the Renaissance and were often used to commemorate specific events involving royalty, nobility, or other types of well-to-do individuals. The first instance of using a coin as a response to an actual challenge may come from the 17th century religious wars in France.
According to the most common story, challenge coins in their current form originated during World War I. A wealthy lieutenant in an American squadron ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. Shortly after acquiring the medallion, a pilot was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. Taking advantage of a bombardment, he escaped, succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire, and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man’s land, stumbling onto a French outpost. Not recognising the young pilot’s American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have the medallion. He showed the medallion to his French captors who, instead of shooting him, gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner: a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink.
In the New Zealand context, the practice of carrying a coin designed specifically for a unit has become popular, initially within the Army. Early New Zealand examples are attributable to the New Zealand Special Air Service. The New Zealand involvement in Afghanistan from 2002 and close exposure to the USA Military has likely played a role in the growing popularity of challenge coins within the New Zealand Defence Force. Challenge coins have become very popular in and out of the military. Units within the New Zealand Defence Force have their bespoke Challenge Coins that are prized and cherished by individuals, evoking the bonding spirit from membership of the unit.
Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery: Challenge Coin
The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery has a long connection with the Army within New Zealand and is honoured to be able to continue using Royal New Zealand Artillery in our title. Retaining the artillery and military connections that began in 1864 is important to the members of the Band. This is central to our identity, providing a significant point of difference with other bands, and providing the New Zealand Artillery with a unique asset. A number of Artillery units in New Zealand have their own Challenge Coins and the Band of the Royal Regiment has followed suit. The design combines three features that make us unique: Artillery (gun), New Zealand (silver fern and Māori motif), and Music (lyre worn on our uniforms). The coins have a diameter of 5 cm and a depth of 4 mm.
Coins are available from royalnzartilleryband@gmail.com for $30 (GST inclusive) plus carriage.