The Embleholics Blog

The Embleholics blog is written for those who serve and have served — a dedicated space for the military, veteran, and first-responder community.

Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Traditions & Etiquette

What occasions are challenge coins given for?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Traditions & Etiquette

What is a challenge coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Trust & Legitimacy

Is it safe to pay upfront for custom challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Trust & Legitimacy

How do I know a challenge coin company is legitimate?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing a Supplier

Where can I get challenge coins made in Washington State?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing a Supplier

Are there veteran-owned challenge coin companies?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing a Supplier

Which challenge coin company is best for a government agency?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing a Supplier

What should I look for when choosing a challenge coin company?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing a Supplier

Who makes custom challenge coins for military units?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Quality, Risk & Guarantees

What if the coins don’t match the proof I approved?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Quality, Risk & Guarantees

Are custom challenge coins guaranteed?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Quality, Risk & Guarantees

What happens if my custom challenge coins arrive wrong?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Government & Military Buying

How do I buy challenge coins as a government agency?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Government & Military Buying

What does SDVOSB mean and why does it matter for a coin supplier?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Government & Military Buying

Are you registered in SAM.gov?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Government & Military Buying

Do challenge coin companies work with military units?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Shipping & Delivery

Can challenge coins be shipped to an APO or FPO address?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Shipping & Delivery

Is shipping included when you order custom challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Payment & Procurement

Do you accept purchase orders or Net 30 terms?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Payment & Procurement

When do I have to pay for custom challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Reorders & Repeat Designs

Can I reorder the same challenge coins later?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Beyond Coins

What else can you make besides challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Personalization

Can both sides of a challenge coin be different?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Shapes, Cutouts & Features

What’s the difference between 2D and 3D challenge coins?

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Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Shapes, Cutouts & Features

Can you make a challenge coin that works as a bottle opener?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Shapes, Cutouts & Features

What’s the difference between a custom shaped coin and a cutout coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Shapes, Cutouts & Features

Can challenge coins be made in custom shapes?

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Embleholics custom challenge coin enamel options

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing Color & Enamel

What’s the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coin enamel options

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing Color & Enamel

Should I choose soft enamel or hard enamel for my coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing Plating & Finish

What’s the difference between antique and polished finish on a coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing Plating & Finish

Is a gold challenge coin real gold?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing Plating & Finish

What plating options are available for challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing a Supplier

What metal are challenge coins made of?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Choosing Specs

What size should a challenge coin be?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Permissions & Trademarks

Who is responsible for getting permission to use a logo on a coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Permissions & Trademarks

Can you use a state seal or state flag on a challenge coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Permissions & Trademarks

Can a company put its logo on a custom challenge coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Permissions & Trademarks

Can a company put its logo on a custom challenge coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Permissions & Trademarks

Do I need permission to put a police or agency badge on a coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Permissions & Trademarks

Can I put my unit’s insignia on a challenge coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Artwork & Design Help

Can I use an AI-generated image for my challenge coin design?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Artwork & Design Help

Will I see what the coin looks like before it’s made?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Artwork & Design Help

How many design revisions do you get with a custom coin?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Artwork & Design Help

How much does challenge coin artwork cost?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Artwork & Design Help

Can someone design a challenge coin for me if I just have an idea?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Artwork & Design Help

Do I need a design already to order custom challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Timelines & Deadlines

How long does it take to get custom challenge coins made?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Minimums & Small Orders

What’s the minimum order for custom challenge coins?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 24, 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions, Cost & Budget

What’s the cheapest way to get custom challenge coins made?

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Embleholics custom challenge coins

Sep 23, 2026 | Cost & Budget, Frequently Asked Questions

How much do custom challenge coins cost?

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Aug 31, 2026 | Newsletters

August: The Meaning Behind Every Coin

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Aug 27, 2026 | Military History & Legacy

250 Years of The Battle of Long Island: The Retreat That Saved the Continental Army

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Aug 23, 2026 | Challenge Coins

How a Custom Challenge Coin Gets Made

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Retired Airborne Challenge Coin

Aug 13, 2026 | Commemorative Products

Types of Challenge Coins and What They Are Meant to Honor

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Aug 6, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products

Challenge Coin Etiquette: When To Give, Carry, And Display One

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Jul 31, 2026 | Newsletters

July Stories of Leadership and Legacy

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Jul 28, 2026 | Challenge Coins

9 Coin Design Mistakes That Make a Custom Challenge Coin Feel Generic

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Jul 21, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products

How to Start a Scout Tradition Future Generations Will Continue

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Jul 14, 2026 | Challenge Coins

What Is Homeland Security? Mission and History

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Jul 4, 2026 | Historical Challenge Coins

Do You Know America’s National Symbols?

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Jun 30, 2026 | Newsletters

June Mission Brief: Custom Coins Built For You

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Jun 24, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Uncategorized

What Happens After You Call 911? The People Behind EMS Response

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Jun 16, 2026 | Challenge Coins

Academy Graduation Challenge Coins for Every Class

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Jun 9, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Historical Challenge Coins

The Firefighter Florian Cross: History, Meaning, and Legacy

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Jun 2, 2026 | Military History & Legacy

The Strait of Hormuz: The Waterway That Connects Worlds

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Notre Dame Naval ROTC Challenge Coin_Back

May 31, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Newsletters

May at Embleholics: Coins That Carry the Story Forward

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May 21, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

What Army Challenge Coins Reveal About the Units Behind Them

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A selective focus shot of an American flag waving in the wind

May 14, 2026 | Military History & Legacy

THE STRONGEST NAVIES IN THE WORLD IN 2026

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May 7, 2026 | Challenge Coins

9 Things Police Challenge Coins Reveal About U.S. Law Enforcement

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Apr 30, 2026 | Newsletters

April Projects: Challenge Coins That Carry Meaning

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West Point, New York, May 31, 1997. Photographer: Ralph Alswang.

Apr 24, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Presidential Challenge Coins

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Apr 14, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

10 Funny Military Slang Acronyms and Their Meanings

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Military coin commissioned by a former special warfare specialist who wanted to represent his company to customers. The back of the coin design features two crossed rifles with a beautiful waving American flag background, along with the Seal Trident in great detail and a fitting phrase around the edge.

Apr 6, 2026 | Military History & Legacy, Historical Challenge Coins

The Enduring Logic of the Monroe Doctrine

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Task Force Frumentarii Front

Mar 30, 2026 | Newsletters

March at Embleholics: Crafting Purpose Into Every Coin

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A Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink 4-25 payload launches from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center

Feb 27, 2026 | Aerospace Business

SpaceX’s Merger with XAI: A Cut Above the Largest IPO in History

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Feb 20, 2026 | Military History & Legacy

Operation Absolute Resolve: How U.S. Forces Captured Nicolás Maduro — A Strategic and Tactical Analysis

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Feb 11, 2026 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products

A Century of Precision: The Rockettes 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coins

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Feb 2, 2026 | Newsletters

January 2026 at Embleholics – Fire Dept Coins and the Genesis Mission

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Jan 23, 2026 | Military History & Legacy

AI, National Security and the Genesis Mission

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military veterans exchange challenge coins focused on promoting veteran mental health

Jan 9, 2026 | Veterans' Organizations

Veteran Challenge Coins and Mental Health Conversations

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Jan 5, 2026 | Newsletters

December Spotlight – Stories & Craftsmanship

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Dec 11, 2025 | Challenge Coins

Custom Firefighter Coins – Carrying the Story of a Crew

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American Legion Post 339 Challenge Coin

Dec 10, 2025 | Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

What Is a Challenge Coin? Meaning, History and Uses

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Dec 3, 2025 | Newsletters

Battle of the Bulge – Winter, Resistance, and the Turning Tide of WWII

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Dec 1, 2025 | Newsletters

Embleholics November Spotlight

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a write to heal

Nov 14, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

A Write to Heal – Turning Pain Into Purpose Through Art and Service

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Nov 6, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Explained

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Oct 29, 2025 | Newsletters

Your October Newsletter

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afghanistan campaign medal

Oct 24, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

Afghanistan Campaign Medal – A Symbol of Sacrifice and Service

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Artillery

Oct 17, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

American Artillery Dominance – Firepower Across Land, Sea, and Sky

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Oct 9, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Why Veterans Still Choose Custom Challenge Coins in a Digital Age

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no one fights alone

Oct 3, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Nonprofits Challenge Coins, Veterans' Organizations

No One Fights Alone. The 22Zero Challenge Coin Mission

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Oct 1, 2025 | Newsletters

Your September Newsletter

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hercules mulligan

Sep 26, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

Hercules Mulligan – Tailor, Patriot, and the Invisible Hand of Victory

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Sep 18, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

What Your Challenge Coin Says About Your Organization

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Hollywood

Sep 16, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Newsletters, Uncategorized

Hollywood Post 43: Legacy, Service, and the Power of a Coin

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Battle of Okinawa

Sep 11, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

The Battle of Okinawa: Blood, Strategy, and the Cost of Victory

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China’s Aircraft Carrier Fleet Growth

Sep 4, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

China’s Aircraft Carrier Fleet and US Military Readiness

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famous U.S. military units

Aug 19, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

The Most Iconic Military Units in U.S. History

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Smyrna Police Department Challenge Coin designed by Embleholics

Aug 4, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

2025 Challenge Coin Design Trends and Art Features

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Veteran challenge coin symbolizing service and identity.

Jul 25, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

The Story Doesn’t End at the Ceremony: What Your Coin Really Means

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Operation Gothic Serpent

Jun 12, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Operation Gothic Serpent – Legacy Forged in the Streets of Mogadishu

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battle of saipan

May 30, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Battle of Saipan – Fire, Resolve, and the Cost of the Pacific Push

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Marine Special Operations

May 22, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

Marine Special Operations Command – Inside the World of MARSOC

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Project Paperclip

May 8, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

Project Paperclip: America’s Hidden Technological Edge

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Operation Eagle Claw

May 1, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized

Operation Eagle Claw and the Birth of Modern Special Ops

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Second Battle of Fallujah

Apr 24, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

Second Battle of Fallujah: The Fiercest Urban Combat Since Vietnam

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Tongo Tongo Ambush

Apr 17, 2025 | Newsletters

What the Tongo Tongo Ambush Teaches Us About Leadership Under Fire

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Why Was the Battle of Yorktown Important

Apr 11, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

Why Was the Battle of Yorktown Important?

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Mar 16, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

How FPV Drones Are Reshaping Modern Warfare, Part 2

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New Presidential Challenge Coin

Mar 10, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Uncategorized, Veterans' Organizations

A Marine Just Received the New Presidential Challenge Coin

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custom military challenge coin for army airborne by embleholics

Mar 5, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

How to Create a Custom Coin for Your Work Team

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Feb 28, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

Gamechangers: FPV Drones in Modern Warfare

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Feb 25, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Did Edgar Allan Poe Go to West Point? Let’s Unravel the Mystery

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Feb 19, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

The History of the US Secret Service and Its Mission

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Jan 30, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

The History and Significance of Police Challenge Coins

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Jan 27, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

Why the F-22 Raptor Dominates Every Other Fighter Jet

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Jan 14, 2025 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Leadership Lessons From the Battlefield

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Dec 31, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

The Rise of Hypersonic Missiles: Redefining Modern Warfare

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cold-weather

Dec 20, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

Frozen Frontlines: How the US Military Masters Cold Weather Operations

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Dec 12, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Military History & Legacy

The Norse Boeing 787 Antarctic Flight: Turning a Milestone into Metal

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Nov 27, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Military Martial Arts

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Nov 19, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

George Washington’s Ridiculous Bar Tab

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US Marshals custom challenge coin

Nov 14, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Who Are the U.S. Marshals?

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Nov 1, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Top 5 Largest Air Forces in the World

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Oct 24, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Airborne Aircraft Carriers

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Sep 30, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

The Chamberlain-Kahn Act & American Women During WW1

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Sep 26, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

USS Nimitz Decommissioning

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Sep 19, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Strange Military Traditions From Around the World

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battle of bunker hill painting by Pyle

Aug 6, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Battle for Bunker Hill: When, Where, and Why It Took Place

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Battle of Derna art by Colonel Charles Waterhouse ins[iring "to the shores of tripoli"

Jul 19, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

To the Shores of Tripoli – First Barbary War

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custom military challenge coin for army airborne by embleholics

Jun 20, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

Army Challenge Coin History

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Jun 20, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

Challenge Coin Rules

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challenge coins behind former President Bill Clinton

Jun 13, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Challenge Coin History

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May 16, 2024 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

Rare Challenge Coins

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police custom challenge coin

Nov 21, 2022 | Challenge Coins, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Police Coins: Meaning, Value, and Symbolism

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Nov 21, 2022 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy, Veterans' Organizations

Challenge Coins Made in The USA

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Sep 19, 2022 | Challenge Coins, Commemorative Products, Historical Challenge Coins, Military History & Legacy

Personalized Custom Keychain Examples and Ideas

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Masonic Coins

Jun 4, 2022 | Challenge Coins

Masonic Coins: Meaning, Value, and Symbolism

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Jun 21, 2017 | Challenge Coins

Delta Air Lines Challenge Coins

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Apr 1, 2016 | Challenge Coins

World Motor Sports Breast Cancer Foundation

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Feb 28, 2016 | Challenge Coins

USO Challenge Coin

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