Challenge Coins Outside of The Military
Challenge coins are also exchanged outside the military. NASCAR, the NFL, Eagle Scouts and World Series of Poker all have their own challenge coins. They are also becoming popular with Police Departments, Fire Departments and Fraternal organizations. In 2007, the Utah Symphony and Opera gave challenge coins to all of its staff and musicians, making it the first symphony organization in America to do so.
Another organization in which challenge coins have gained popularity is the "National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club" (NABSTMC) which has over 85 chapters totaling over 2,000 members. The coin is 1.75 inches in diameter, minted in solid brass with an antique finish. The front of the coin bears the NABSTMC Buffalo Soldier Logo. Also depicted is the year the club was established, which was 1999. The back of the coin proudly displays the "Cavalry Charge" with the motto of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers – "We Can, We Will" and "Ready Forward". The coin must be earned by the members and can only be presented by a National Officer or Chapter President for a noteworthy accomplishment.
In 2009, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) created and made available its own challenge coin to Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners through the H.O.G. Members Only website, stating "Those who ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles share a bond in much the same way as those who have served their country with pride. Carrying a H.O.G. National Challenge Coin in your pocket, on your bike or off, is a meaningful way to show your pride of Harley-Davidson ownership – while also paying tribute to those who serve." The H.O.G. National Challenge Coin, available for US$12, measures 1.75 inches in diameter and is minted in U.S.A. from solid brass alloy with an antique finish. The H.O.G. Eagle logo is stamped on the coin. The Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield logo encircled with the words The Official Riding Club of Harley-Davidson is stamped on the back.
In his audio commentary for the DVD release of Iron Man 2, film director Jon Favreau notes that he had Iron Man 2 challenge coins made to distribute to United States Air Force personnel as a gesture of thanks for their cooperation while the production (and its predecessor, Iron Man) filmed on location at Edwards Air Force Base.
Bill Prady, Executive Producer of The Big Bang Theory recently gave the Big Bang Theory Executive Producer's Challenge Coin to the crew of the last Space Shuttle.
On the "Rockets" episode of Lock N' Load with R. Lee Ermey, R. Lee (Gunny) Ermey presents a challenge coin to 2nd Lt. Carr as a reward for being the "Top Gun" in his class with the Javelin Portable Rocket Launching System.
Members of the American Radio Relay League who are Volunteer Examiners may carry the VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator) Challenge Coin. These members are responsible for administering Federal Communications Commission sanctioned examinations that allow successful applicants to qualify as amateur radio operators in the three different license categories of: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra.
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