The Tradition of Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have a long and meaningful history, beginning with Roman soldiers who were rewarded for acts of bravery with special coins bearing their legion’s insignia. During World War I, unit coins were given as a sign of identity and belonging to a specific group. In World War II, the tradition evolved – soldiers overseas would use the smallest German currency, the pfennig, in pubs as part of a coin “check” or challenge. Over time, unit coins replaced currency in these games, creating a culture where only those who had earned a coin could participate. From this point forward, all present are accountable if challenged: this is how the coin tradition works.

When someone who has also earned a coin challenges you, you must present your coin. If you are unable to produce your coin when challenged, you owe the challenger a beverage of their choice. However, if you do show your coin, the challenger loses the bet and must buy you a beverage.

As acknowledgement of their contribution to the Upper Canyon Outreach program, donors are awarded a bespoke challenge coin. These coins have been designed by past participant and board member Jason Lee. Jason took incredible care and purpose to steep each of these coins in symbolism – with each recognizing the effort, honesty and potential that each of our programs’ participants represent.


The 2024 Coin: 

Prometheus — the burden bearer, carrying the weight of sacrifice

Front

Rope Surrounding Shield: Represents our personal circle of control – helping us remember what we can or can’t control and what we can influence. Symbolizes life’s external pressures, as seen during round pen work with horses.

Triangle Inside Wave: Stands for the balance of mental, physical, and emotional health, and the challenge to maintain it.

Wave: Depicts life’s highs and lows, always moving, sometimes cresting and at other times, in the trough.

Horse: The horse does not respond to rank, titles or stories – it reflects anxiety, resistance, calm and trust. It reveals where you are guarded, where you are disconnected … and where you are ready to be open. It demonstrates that change is possible.

Reverse

Prometheus’ eternal struggle with the rock: Illustrates the warrior’s path, the weight of service and the perseverance required to continue moving forward, embodying unyielding resilience. Honors the strength of the individual carrying the load within the herd.

Flag: Represents the bonds veterans share in defending the nation, the families who supported them, and all donors to this cause.


The 2025 Coin: 

The Two Wolves — the internal struggle between darkness and light that lives within all of us

Front

Rope Surrounding Shield: Represents our personal circle of control – helping us remember what we can or can’t control and what we can influence. Symbolizes life’s external pressures, as seen during round pen work with horses.

Raised Montana State Outline and Horse: Signifies a lasting connection to Montana and conveys gratitude to the families who have cared for this land for five generations, providing a community for healing and growth.

Flag: Represents the bonds Veterans share in defending the nation, the families who supported them, and all donors to this cause.

Horse: For those who enter the program carrying unseen weight, the horse becomes a steady guide back to themselves.

Reverse

Wolves: Every person carries two wolves inside: the white wolf, symbolizing our pure soul and innate goodness, and the black wolf, representing the darkness in each of us.. As we grow, life’s experiences feed one wolf or the other. The white wolf flourishes with compassion and hope, while the black wolf grows with fear, anger, and despair. The essential lesson is that we choose which wolf to nurture. And by seeking healing and surrounding ourselves with support, we encourage the white wolf – guiding us toward resilience, empathy and personal growth.


The 2026 Coin: 

The Meditative Mule — from burden to internal struggle to awareness and healing

Front

Rope Surrounding Shield: Represents our personal circle of control — helping us remember what we can or can’t control and what we can influence. Symbolizes life’s external pressures as seen during round pen work with horses.

Raised Montana State Outline and Horse: Signifies a lasting connection to Montana and conveys gratitude to the families who have cared for this land for five generations, providing a community for healing and growth.

Flag: Represents the bonds Veterans share in defending the nation, the families who supported them, and all donors to this cause.

Horse: The horse reflects truth without judgement, teaching awareness, trust and emotional regulation – learning to calm the nervous system so connection becomes possible. It doesn’t tell you who you are, it shows you. In that moment, change becomes possible.

Reverse

The Meditative Mule: The mule is known for its endurance, intelligence, and quiet strength. For centuries, mules have carried the heaviest loads through the toughest terrain. They may not be the hero of the story, but without them, the journey could not continue. In many ways, the mule represents the warrior who has carried burdens for years — responsibility, trauma, leadership and the weight of others.

But the Meditative Mule represents more. It symbolizes the moment when the carrier finally pauses. It is the turning point when stubborn endurance becomes self-awareness. It is the moment when the warrior realizes that strength is not just the ability to carry weight, but also the wisdom to set it down. This coin stands for resilience, self-reflection, and the journey toward peace.

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Impacting Lives

We are grateful for the support and donations provided by our community. As a result, we are able to offer our services and make an impact on the lives of our participants and their support circles.

To find out how you can support us and our efforts, open the link below or contact Britta Vivaldi.

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