{"title":"Challenge Coins","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"challenge-coin-vietnam-veteran-medals-coin","title":"Vietnam Veteran Medals Challenge Coin","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJoin in a Long-Standing Tradition of Excellence with Vietnam Veteran Challenge Coin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge coins recognize outstanding service, raise morale, or unify a unit within the US military.  Often bearing the insignia or emblem of a military unit or organization, they are meaningful symbols of being a part of something bigger than themselves and are a great source of pride. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis coin honors Vietnam Veterans.  It pictures three medals awarded to service members who fought in the Vietnam War.  They are the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. \u003cbr\u003eThe National Defense Service Medal was awarded to any member of the US Armed Forces who served on active duty during the war.  It pictures an eagle holding a sword and olive branch, symbolizing strength and a desire for peace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to all service members who served in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia during the war.  It shows a dragon behind a grove of Bamboo trees.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vietnam Campaign Medal was given to US service members who supported the South Vietnamese military in their effort to reclaim their land from the communist North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong.  Members of the South Vietnam military were also given this award.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge Coins - A Custom That Began Over 100 Years Ago\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medals created for each man in his flying squadron.  When one pilot’s plane crashed and he was captured by the Germans, they took all his identification except the squad medal, carried in a pouch around his neck.  The pilot finally escaped and made it to a friendly French outpost, but had no way to prove he wasn’t an impostor.  The French were going to execute him until he showed his medallion.  Thankfully, one of the French soldiers recognized it, and the pilot’s identity was confirmed soon after.  The French gave him a bottle of wine as an apology for their mistake.\u003cbr\u003eAfter that, every man in the pilot’s squadron carried his medal at all times.  This was enforced by the periodic issuing of a challenge.  When one man issued a challenge to another, he’d have to produce his meal immediately or else buy a drink for the challenger – giving the medallion the nickname “Challenge Coin.”\u003cbr\u003eToday, Challenge Coins are awarded for major accomplishments and as recognition of membership in a military group.  They are usually presented by way of a handshake.  The coins have become a long-standing military tradition.  Even the secretary of each branch of the armed services and the President of the United States distribute the specially designed coins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pieces of proud military history and tradition have become popular collector’s pieces. Order your Challenge Coin today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mystic Stamp Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43044095918214,"sku":"CNMCH02","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/3971\/3158\/files\/USA-CNMCH02__83455.jpg?v=1767967538"},{"product_id":"challenge-coins-prisoners-of-war-2","title":"Challenge Coins - Prisoners of War (2)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJoin in a Long-Standing Tradition of Excellence with Two Challenge Coins Honoring Prisoners of War\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge coins recognize outstanding service, raise morale, or unify a unit within the US military.  Often bearing the insignia or emblem of a military unit or organization, they are meaningful symbols of being a part of something bigger than themselves and are a great source of pride. \u003cbr\u003eThe coins feature the POW\/MIA flag.  One of the coins is shaped like a dog tag worn by every member of the US servicemen. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history of the POWMIA flag can be traced back to the Vietnam War.  Many American servicemen were taken prisoner or were missing in action during the war.  In order to support one another, family members in the US formed the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. \u003cbr\u003eIn 1971, Mary Hoff’s husband, Michael was missing in action.  She believed the cause needed a flag and contacted a flag manufacturer.  Designer Newt Heisley was enlisted for the project.  He chose a gaunt figure of a captive, with a guard tower in the background.\u003cbr\u003eThe new POW\/MIA flag became a familiar symbol of the plight of missing and imprisoned servicemembers.  On August 10, 1990, Congress passed a law recognizing the flag as “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, this ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge Coins - A Custom That Began Over 100 Years Ago\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medals created for each man in his flying squadron.  When one pilot’s plane crashed and he was captured by the Germans, they took all his identification except the squad medal, carried in a pouch around his neck.  The pilot finally escaped and made it to a friendly French outpost, but had no way to prove he wasn’t an impostor.  The French were going to execute him until he showed his medallion.  Thankfully, one of the French soldiers recognized it, and the pilot’s identity was confirmed soon after.  The French gave him a bottle of wine as an apology for their mistake.\u003cbr\u003eAfter that, every man in the pilot’s squadron carried his medal at all times.  This was enforced by the periodic issuing of a challenge.  When one man issued a challenge to another, he’d have to produce his meal immediately or else buy a drink for the challenger – giving the medallion the nickname “Challenge Coin.”\u003cbr\u003eToday, Challenge Coins are awarded for major accomplishments and as recognition of membership in a military group.  They are usually presented by way of a handshake.  The coins have become a long-standing military tradition.  Even the secretary of each branch of the armed services and the President of the United States distribute the specially designed coins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pieces of proud military history and tradition have become popular collector’s pieces. Order your POW\/MIA Challenge Coins today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mystic Stamp Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43044133077126,"sku":"MCN159","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/3971\/3158\/files\/USA-MCN159__65430.jpg?v=1767968001"},{"product_id":"challenge-coins-honoring-vietnam-veterans-3","title":"Challenge Coins - Honoring Vietnam Veterans, (3)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJoin in a Long-Standing Tradition of Excellence with Three Challenge Coins Honoring the Vietnam War\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge coins recognize outstanding service, raise morale, or unify a unit within the US military.  Often bearing the insignia or emblem of a military unit or organization, they are meaningful symbols of being a part of something bigger than themselves and are a great source of pride. \u003cbr\u003eThe coins feature helicopters, the Coast Guard’s 1st Squadron, and all Vietnam vets. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Vietnam War has been called the “helicopter war” because of the extensive use of choppers to transport men and supplies throughout the jungle terrain. The Huey helicopter is officially known as “Iroquois.”  It gained its nickname from its original designation – HU-1.  It carried troops into hard-to-reach battles and extracted then when the battle was over.  Huey’s were also used to evacuate the wounded, reducing the time it took to get to a hospital to hours instead of days. \u003cbr\u003ea variant of the Huey was the Cobra attack helicopter, designated AH-1G.  This heavily armed chopper provided support to ground troops and escorted lightly armed transport helicopters. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe US Coast Guard Squadron One was formed in 1965 to fill the need for smaller boats to operate in shallow coastal waters. These were necessary to slow the smuggling of military supplies and weapons from the North.  The US Navy’s ships were too large for the job, so the Coast Guard offered its\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePoint\u003c\/em\u003e-class cutters and smaller utility boats for the operation.  Squadron 1 was established and was stationed near waterways throughout South Vietnam.  It patrolled the waters until the responsibility was turned over to South Vietnamese sailors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Vietnam Veterans Challenge Coin honors all those who served in Southeast Asia between 1955 and 1975. Nearly three million Americans fought against communist North Vietnam and their Viet Cong allies. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge Coins - A Custom That Began Over 100 Years Ago\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medals created for each man in his flying squadron.  When one pilot’s plane crashed and he was captured by the Germans, they took all his identification except the squad medal, carried in a pouch around his neck.  The pilot finally escaped and made it to a friendly French outpost, but had no way to prove he wasn’t an impostor.  The French were going to execute him until he showed his medallion.  Thankfully, one of the French soldiers recognized it, and the pilot’s identity was confirmed soon after.  The French gave him a bottle of wine as an apology for their mistake.\u003cbr\u003eAfter that, every man in the pilot’s squadron carried his medal at all times.  This was enforced by the periodic issuing of a challenge.  When one man issued a challenge to another, he’d have to produce his meal immediately or else buy a drink for the challenger – giving the medallion the nickname “Challenge Coin.”\u003cbr\u003eToday, Challenge Coins are awarded for major accomplishments and as recognition of membership in a military group.  They are usually presented by way of a handshake.  The coins have become a long-standing military tradition.  Even the secretary of each branch of the armed services and the President of the United States distribute the specially designed coins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pieces of proud military history and tradition have become popular collector’s pieces. Order your Vietnam War Challenge Coins today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mystic Stamp Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43044217651334,"sku":"MCN160","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/3971\/3158\/files\/USA-MCN160__36714.jpg?v=1767968510"},{"product_id":"challenge-coins-honoring-world-war-ii-veterans-5","title":"Challenge Coins - Honoring World War II Veterans, (5)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJoin in a Long-Standing Tradition of Excellence with Five Challenge Coins Honoring World War II\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge coins recognize outstanding service, raise morale, or unify a unit within the US military.  Often bearing the insignia or emblem of a military unit or organization, they are meaningful symbols of being a part of something bigger than themselves and are a great source of pride. \u003cbr\u003eThe coins feature key events, military units, and equipment of World War II\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Invasion of Normandy, often called D-Day, began on June 6, 1944. Some 155,000 Allied troops stormed the shores of Normandy.  These men faced obstacles, land mines, and withering German gunfire as they crossed the beaches and made their way inland.  D-Day was the beginning of the defeat of the Nazis and victory for the Allies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Flying Tigers was the nickname for the 1st American Volunteer Group. It was made up of pilots and ground crews that volunteered to aid China in its fight against Japan before America entered the war.  They protected the Burma Road, a vital supply route for China.  After the US declared war on Japan, the Flying Tigers were disbanded.  During its eight months of service, the group shot down almost 300 enemy aircraft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Screaming Eagles were officially known as the 101st Airborne Division. Formed in August 1942, its first combat mission was during the D-Day invasion.  Members of the 101st parachuted behind enemy lines, secured exits for those landing on Utah Beach, and destroyed a German artillery battery.  The division continued after World War II ended, fighting in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 37th Armored Regiment was one of the first US forces to enter Germany during the war. Created in January 1941, it sailed for England three years later.  In July 1944, the 37th landed on the shores of Normandy then helped push the Germans across France.  On December 16, tanks belonging to the 37th were the first in the 4th Armored Division to enter Germany. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Willys MB, nicknamed Jeep, was designed to be a reconnaissance vehicle, but proved to be so much more. President Eisenhower called it “one of the three decisive weapons the US had during WWII.”  This versatile vehicle was given a number of nicknames including “Leaping Lena” and “Panzer Killer.”  The one that stuck was Jeep.  During World War II, the Willys-Overland company produced 363,000 Jeeps, and Ford manufactured another 280,000.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChallenge Coins - A Custom That Began Over 100 Years Ago\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medals created for each man in his flying squadron.  When one pilot’s plane crashed and he was captured by the Germans, they took all his identification except the squad medal, carried in a pouch around his neck.  The pilot finally escaped and made it to a friendly French outpost, but had no way to prove he wasn’t an impostor.  The French were going to execute him until he showed his medallion.  Thankfully, one of the French soldiers recognized it, and the pilot’s identity was confirmed soon after.  The French gave him a bottle of wine as an apology for their mistake.\u003cbr\u003eAfter that, every man in the pilot’s squadron carried his medal at all times.  This was enforced by the periodic issuing of a challenge.  When one man issued a challenge to another, he’d have to produce his meal immediately or else buy a drink for the challenger – giving the medallion the nickname “Challenge Coin.”\u003cbr\u003eToday, Challenge Coins are awarded for major accomplishments and as recognition of membership in a military group.  They are usually presented by way of a handshake.  The coins have become a long-standing military tradition.  Even the secretary of each branch of the armed services and the President of the United States distribute the specially designed coins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pieces of proud military history and tradition have become popular collector’s pieces. Order your World War II Challenge Coins today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mystic Stamp Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43044269392006,"sku":"MCN161","price":84.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/3971\/3158\/files\/USA-MCN161__19300.jpg?v=1767968853"},{"product_id":"bestselling-cigar-box-full-of-stamps-and-more","title":"Assorted Cigar Mystery Box - Stamps, Coins, Cards and More","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGet Your Unpicked Cigar Box!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFilled with Stamps, Covers and More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow’s your chance to discover untold treasures in this unpicked cigar box packed with stamps, covers, and other collectibles.  Each mix could contain old, new, unused or used stamps, covers, bank notes, coins, letters, medals, old collector cards and more.  Some collectibles will be from the U.S., others will be from countries worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mystic Stamp Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43045121261702,"sku":"M11216","price":39.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/3971\/3158\/files\/282377__39597.jpg?v=1767977748"}],"url":"https:\/\/franklinmint.com\/collections\/challenge-coins.oembed","provider":"The Franklin Mint","version":"1.0","type":"link"}