by Amy Drew Thompson
The origin of “challenge coins” is debated, but the most common story centers on a World War I flying squadron composed largely of volunteers, each of whom was presented a bronze medallion by a wealthy officer in the group. One pilot carried his token in a pouch around his neck and, after being shot down and captured by the Germans, it was all he had left of his personal possessions when he managed to escape eventually (and miraculously—as the best stories are oft rooted in miracles) and make his way to a French outpost. Continue reading “A New Collecting Challenge” here.
