What exactly is a “military coin?” While they have no monetary value, our military friends tell us they can be more valuable than money for many members of our armed services. Military units often mint collector coins to commemorate everything from unit history and accomplishments to slogans, logos and unit mascots. Possible themes are only limited by the imagination and creativity of the soldiers who create them. Coins have been struck to commemorate unique military jobs, schools, services, missions, battles, campaigns, and even wars.
The most common use is by unit commanders who award them in order to immediately recognize individual achievements that might not merit an official commendation. Commanders carry coins at all times to reward superior performance or achievements by individuals and small elements within their command. Presenting coins on the spot gives individuals immediate recognition for their accomplishments, builds pride and camaraderie, enhances unit morale and allows commanders and leaders to publicly recognize those accomplishments and say thanks for your commitment and selfless service.
Soldiers can also trade coins with soldiers from other units. This can result in a large collection by the end of a military career. Coins can also be awarded to family or friends of a unit or unit members to recognize their support of their service member or contributions to the unit or family support group. This is especially noteworthy today with so many units and service member currently deployed overseas.
Units also make their own coins and give them to every member of the unit. This builds camaraderie and gives each member of the unit something a special symbol to show they are part of a unique unit or part of an organization. There could also be a unit coin given to every member of the unit and then a Commander may give out a unique coin for significant accomplishments. Thus while everyone takes pride in carrying the unit coin, only a select few also carry the Commander’s coin.
Along with the unit coin goes another tradition known as a “Challenge Coin”. A member of a unit, usually in an unofficial location, challenges other members of a unit to produce their coin or they must buy a round of drinks for the challenger. If the person challenged produces their coin, then the challenger buys the round.
At Liz Moore and Associates, we pride ourselves on our commitment to all who proudly serve our nation at war. So much so, that we created our own coin to say thanks for serving the nation. We put the seals of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard to reflect each services unique structure, mission and contributions to the defense of the nation. The local market that we serve is heavily populated with both active duty and retired service members from all branches. We have a special Military Team who is dedicated to helping military members with their real estate needs.
We recently launched a campaign to help our VA eligible clients purchase a home for $1; you can learn more about it at www.OneDollarVAMoveIn.com.
From Norfolk Naval Base and Naval Air Station Oceana to Langley Air Force Base to Ft. Eustis and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, we’re here to say thanks to all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines and Coast Guard for your service. Bring in your unit coin and Challenge us to meet your real estate needs and in exchange we will trade our coin for your coin and feature it (and you!) on our www.hamptonroadspcs.com web site!
A special thank you to Alan Johnson, formerly an Army Ranger, and currently a REALTOR with Liz Moore & Associates, for the information in this post. 
