BMW challenge coins?

[brownie0486]

Anyone know if challenge coins have ever been available from BMW or possibly a vendor that's made them in the past or presently making them? I've collected dozens of challenge coins and wondered if any were ever made available anywhere for purchase

thanks

 

[20774]

Nothing from BMW has been discussed on the forum or the main website.

 

[brownie0486]

Nothing from BMW has been discussed on the forum or the main website.

Hmm, an idea is born

 

[kevinsclo]

And how would one acquire such coin if it goes in circulation?

 

[royce]

One method used by H-D is to have them available at all dealers for riders who ride in and ask for one. I have a Harley riding buddy who rides all over the country just to see the countryside and to collect coins at the dealerships. Not exactly my cup of tea, but it is an idea . . .

 

[PGlaves]

Huh?

 

[brownie0486]

And how would one acquire such coin if it goes in circulation?

Companies can be contacted that make all manner of challenge coins for various mils etc.

There might be an issue with using the BMW logo without the fatherlands approval. They would be available through various outlets on the net [ for max exposure and profit ].

 

[PGlaves]

What is a challenge coin and why pray tell would I want one?

 

[brownie0486]

What is a challenge coin and why pray tell would I want one?

Seriously? You've never heard of challenge coins?

https://www.challengecoins4less.com/

https://www.coinmakers.com/

 

[azgman]

I have never heard of them either.

 

[markl]

History of the Challenge Coin

Anyone know if challenge coins have ever been available from BMW or possibly a vendor that's made them in the past or presently making them? I've collected dozens of challenge coins and wondered if any were ever made available anywhere for purchase

thanks

According to the most common story, challenge coins originated during World War I.[6][7] Before the entry of the United States into the war in 1917 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.[8][9][10]

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 pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol.[11] 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. 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.[4][8][9][12][10]

 

[brownie0486]

I have never heard of them either.

I've got many from mils from different units challenge coins. The last one given last year by the highest ranking USAF pentagon officer when he came out to train with me in the desert summer 18.

There's all manner of orgs that issue the coins. US Army ranger challenge coins [ unit specific ], Seal coins [ unit specific ], etc

The idea with the coins is, keep it on you. When challenged by another in a same group to produce it, if you can't, you buy the next round for everyone or maybe their next meal etc.

Having a BMW challenge coin would be nice. HD obviously knows what challenge coins are based on another members post. Like collecting patches from different events, coins could be made for the national rally's, or really any local event commemorating its taking place.

 

[PGlaves]

Seriously? You've never heard of challenge coins?]

Nope, never heard of such a thing. Maybe I should start a poll to see how many have or have not heard of them.

 

[lkraus]

Nope, never heard of such a thing. Maybe I should start a poll to see how many have or have not heard of them.

Heard of them, but never saw the point. I'm trying to get useless stuff out of my life. If you think I'm buying drinks because I don't have one, you'll be awfully thirsty.

 

[omega man]

That’s the spirit

OM

 

[shag]

What is a challenge coin and why pray tell would I want one?

Instead of another Rally T Shirt or Pin, you can start a jar of coins

 

[98lee]

I'd rather have a T-shirt. It's usefull til it's worn out, then it makes a great polishing towel or rag. A coin will just wear holes in your pocket and won't even buy a cup of coffee.

 

[lee]

Nope, never heard of such a thing. Maybe I should start a poll to see how many have or have not heard of them.

Never heard of them until this thread and Googled it.
Google did not give me a good explanation but later posts here did.

 

[PGlaves]

I do have a few beer tokens from prior rallies. Will they work as challenge coins?

 

[akbeemer]

Quite common in the Army. Coins are given out by senior officers as a momento or an on the spot performance recognition. They are also given to new members of a unit; typically to officers and senior NCOs. Not once in 27 years was I ever challenged to produce a coin and I never carried one. I have a couple dozen from units I was in, subordinate units and senior officers ranging from Division/Corps Commanders to the Chief of Staff, Army. Some have sentimental value, some are just trinkets and all are are worth their weight in brass. In my opinion, they only have meaning if they are given to recognize membership in a group that has a strong bond and commitment to each other in attaining a common goal. I do not think an allegiance to a brand of motorcycle, no matter the brand, rises to the level of making a coin any more meaningful than a t-shirt, pin or ball cap.