WW2 challenge coin

[thirdgreenham]

Here's a bit of an update on these items. Apparently, there is a 48th Highlanders one, as well.

This article, was published in the Canadian Numismatic Journal, June 2013, Volume 58, Number 5.

[cw2311]

Very cool!! I never realized these coins were produced during the war. I know the 1st Can Para has a challenge coin, however they were produced post-war and are numbered to the individual.

[Pylon1357]

Good to see something in print about these. It is unfortunate there is not much more known about these coins. Any chance I could get a high res scan of this article?

[Mike_2817]

Re post #15 - W.W. the maker, and REG D.S.N. meaning 'Registered Design' ??

[thirdgreenham]

Originally Posted by Pylon1357

Good to see something in print about these. It is unfortunate there is not much more known about these coins. Any chance I could get a high res scan of this article?

Sure, just drop me a PM with your email address and I'll shoot those off to you. I uploaded them to Photobucket and they automatically dummy them down.

Andy

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by Tanker Mike

Here is the RCAF coin, I wonder what the small initials "W.W. REG. D.S.N." are for?

I'd hazard that the W.W. are the designer's initials. As for the other side (not shown), does it read "D.S.N." or "DSN."? I'd guess that it stands for registered design.

[servicepub]

I would have immediately called "Bullsh*t" on this but the packaging shown has convinced me.

How about a separate thread on ALL military 'challenge' coins? I know I have a few kicking around that I can dig out and scan.

Clive

[Pylon1357]

Originally Posted by servicepub

I would have immediately called "Bullsh*t" on this but the packaging shown has convinced me.

How about a separate thread on ALL military 'challenge' coins? I know I have a few kicking around that I can dig out and scan.

Clive

Clive, I have always loved your candor. As I posted way back, I had picked one up purely as an oddity. After Andy came on board and posted the photos of the packaging, it all seems to have come together.

I like the article in the Journal, as the writer got about as far as I did in researching these little keepsakes.

I am cannot recall if in fact I ever got back in touch with our Regimental Association Secretary and President on the further information or not. Now I will remember to contact them as I have a bit of news in regards to a Regimental canvas title that one of our members was looking for. They were quoted $80.00 for one title.

[thirdgreenham]

Originally Posted by servicepub

I would have immediately called "Bullsh*t" on this but the packaging shown has convinced me.

How about a separate thread on ALL military 'challenge' coins? I know I have a few kicking around that I can dig out and scan.

Clive

Good idea on the new thread. Start 'er up!

Andy

[thirdgreenham]

Oh, and I was meaning to add that I really don't think these are challenge coins. It's possible, I suppose, but unlikely, IMHO. I get the impression that they were for sale to the general public to support their local regiments, or perhaps the war in general.

Still not sure....

[Bill A]

Unfortunately, there is a limit on the number of sub-boards that can be listed on the Forum. Perhaps, the Sweetheart board can be re-named to include "Challenge" coins.

[servicepub]

Originally Posted by Bill A

Unfortunately, there is a limit on the number of sub-boards that can be listed on the Forum. Perhaps, the Sweetheart board can be re-named to include "Challenge" coins.

A sub-board may be more than is called for. I was just suggesting a new thread.
Clive

[thirdgreenham]

Originally Posted by servicepub

A sub-board may be more than is called for. I was just suggesting a new thread.
Clive

I understood you. I'm sure there's enough room for a new thread.

Andy

[Michael Dorosh]

I'd have to dig for the info now, but our association was distributing lucky wooden nickels a decade ago or so, and I believe the tradition was linked to a similar item that was distributed in the trenches by the 10th Battalion, C.E.F. during the First World War. I'm positive I am mis-remembering the details but I do still have my lucky wooden nickel at home. I'll talk to the museum and association fellows and see if I can be less obscure. The nickels had printing on both sides and I believe had the date of, IIRC, the Vimy Ridge battle on one side, and the 10th Bn cap badge on the other - the story behind the nickels is lost to memory. I seem to recall a soldiers' name, rank and service number being on the nickel as well.

The Calgary Highlanders started minting modern challenge coins circa 1990. The first batch was numbered consecutively by, IIRC, TOS date, with #1 going to the Colonel-in-Chief, HM Queen Elizabeth II. I keep number 0045 safely in my uniform pocket.

[Bill A]

My mistake re the thread vs sub-forum question. The proliferation of challenge coins in recent years had already had me considering where they fit in. Until this thread there had not been much interest in discussing the coins. The Sweetheart pin sub-forum has had Challenge Coins added to the category, and this thread has been moved there.