The honor of showcasing the reasons for our freedom!
Coin Displays has been in business since 2000. Our interest in coins and the history they represented is what fueled our desire to create something to showcase the prize piece of the collection.
As time went on, we noticed that many of customers were current or former military. We were intrigued by this and found that these customers were showing their Challenge Coin collection. For those who are not aware, below is a short history of Challenge Coins and what they mean to those who protect our freedom.
"There are several stories detailing the origins of the challenge coin. According to the most common story, challenge coins originated during World War I. American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore about his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the medallion, the pilots' aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification. He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land.
Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing 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 his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine."
(Source: Wikipedia)
Our displays are perfect for military challenge coins, corporate gifts, service awards and more. The unique design and the natural beauty of the exotic woods we use make Coin Displays unlike any others. We hand select each piece to give you the best color and grain possible from the 10 different exotic woods we offer. Let us help you to showcase your coins with pride.
