Unique Hobby Collection

Unique Hobby Collection
Hub City Spokes- Sheriff Danny Rigel in Lamar County has started a unique hobby. He went from collecting baseball cards to collecting challenge coins. Challenge coins are small coins or medallions with an organization’s insignia, emblem, or motto. They are carried by a member of the organization (fire department, military branch, police...) and given to prove membership and enhance morale. It goes way back to the 1600’s, but for Sheriff Rigel, Hurricane Katrina started his interest. When people came from Virginia and North Carolina to help with Katrina, they brought challenge coins with them. It got Sheriff Rigel interested in sending a few to sheriffs and police chiefs as a thank you. He has also collected coins from Hattiesburg and Petal police departments and state government agencies. Rigel says, “You get a real connection to the people who give them to you. Some of the coins are really elaborate. You don’t just give them away, so if you get one from somebody, it means something. I just think they’re neat.”
These coins became popular during World War I. Soldiers would use them to identify themselves while in foreign countries. The way the “challenge” goes today, the people in the group buy the person with the highest rank a drink. The United States Congress distributes challenge coins to constituents, the coin has even extended to NASCAR, academic awards, and movie and television projects. Some of Rigel’s challenge coins have a history, with tokens from Parchman Penitentiary to tokens from a local business in Lamar County. His grandfather had a collection of poll tax coins at his plumbing supply business hanging off of a wire hanger bolted on the counter. Rigel’s “most valuable” challenge coin is a coin from U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. “It wasn't given to me by Mabus. People will trade the coins and I was fortunate to get one,” said Sheriff Rigel.

Custom Challenge Coins

Challenge coins instill a sense of pride when presented with one. At Southwest Emblem, we take pride in custom making challenge coins for all organizations. Come in with your ideas, and we’ll do the rest. Call or visit our website at www.southwestemblem.com to see all that we have to offer.

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