There are many terms that new collector’s may not know when they first get into collecting. Luckily for us the Challenge Coin Society has started putting a list of challenge coin terms collector’s can read and learn so they are not so lost when entering the hobby. We would duplicate the list here but we feel there is already one that is actively being updated there and it’s easier for everyone.

When you are in a forum shooting the wind with someone that has made even a part-time hobby out of coins you are going to get slammed with several terms you might not understand so we highly recommend you do your homework before hand so you aren’t so lost. Besides knowing the terms it’s good to have an understanding of the process of collecting, making, and displaying these little beauties. So make sure you do check our link section to get cracking on some good information.

What else could we arm you with? Well how about what you plan on collecting? Have you decided that yet? We need a good foundation so your collection doesn’t look like a skitzophrantic   person just decided to spend lots of money on a bunch of round discs. So let’s get another great article in here so you can get the basics down. Check out Challenge Coin Collecting Tips which is a good starter and there are a lot of articles there as well. You can never have enough information especially when you are primarily dealing with the internet.

Ok I am running down the checklist on things to cover before you get out there. Ahh, another thing is you are going to hear things like "I don't buy challenge coins, I earn them" or "Nobody collects those". I can say the first one is true for some people but the latter is utterly false. Challenge coins have mixed emotions between military members that have an opportunity to collect them and civilians that will never be put in the position to collect them. So you have to make that decision based on your opportunities to collect or earn them. As for them not being worth something, I would go out on a limb to say in some cases they are worth more than currency just by taking a look at sites that sell them.

The hobby is insane to say the least with innovations, new releases, websites, and all the activity going on behind the scenes. Don't think for a minute challenge coin collecting is a fad. It's been around for decades and it will still be here long after I die. These gems are the staple of military units and other civilian agencies for a job well done.

If you are going to be purchasing or trading then you need to get ready. There are some shady characters out there that are less than honest so find a good circle of collector's you can trust and rely on for good information. We don't link to anyone less than great so there is a very good indicater of where to begin. We strongly encourage you to start slow till you feel comfortable. Besides those words of wisdom I will leave you to explore and enjoy. Till the next post...