New Challenge Coin Auctions
Posted on January 20, 2008
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Challenge coin auctions have been all the rage since 2004 forward on eBay practically tripling in normal average daily inventory listed there. What some people don’t realize is that while inventory has tripled the fees eBay puts on their sellers have almost quadrupled in most areas. The simple changes of stores not being in the searches and buyers left because of various reasons has put many sellers on the fence whether to stay or whether to go. EBay packs a good show without a doubt; however, there could be a new player in town for challenge coins. Read more
New Coin Designers Hit the Street
Posted on January 17, 2008
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Ya you heard right, there’s breed of coin designers. These coin designers have been coming out of the wood work for the last few years and today they are showing their skills as the produce some of the most outrageous coins on the market. Commonly their coins go for a higher price. Why you ask because they are released in limited quantities and their work is some of the most ground breaking ideas we have seen yet. Some have seen their coins go up in the neighborhood of $250 a piece at auction and in the lower ends of $30.
Different Thoughts On Collecting
Posted on January 15, 2008
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Some people like to collect the old stuff, and I mean the stuff from the Vietnam era or later. They love their coins old and brassy with some wear and tear. For the older generation I think this holds true since they lived through that generation and it has a special meaning to these collectors. Does this mean these coins are more valuable? We tend to say no it does not. This just makes them older. Each person has to come to terms with what they collect and this is just one area that lends itself to a solid pick among retirees and older collector’s.
Some people get off on collecting high ranking official coins. Is this because these coins are worth more? Again we tend to think not. What would make that coin worth more? Just because they served in a certain position? Fact is, there are rarely superstars among those ranks and most are seen as the yes man for the President or someone else. Sure some of these coins are nice, but generally speaking, they are just another coin that would hold value to only the person that earned it.
Some newer collector’s are into well designed coins that go away from just the plain brass that was inferior to today’s minting standards. These are ok too but they are “newborns” with different features of the coins from yesteryear. The artwork and other attributes today’s coins attain are unthinkable 30 years ago. Some collector’s love this new breed of coin that takes on different shapes and colors. No matter what you collect there is something special that you want in a coin.
Don’t get wrapped up in what coin is worth what, get wrapped up in what you love. Value is only wallet deep when it comes to buying. However, collecting is truly what makes it all worth while in the end.
Round Vs. Odd Shaped Coins
Posted on January 7, 2008
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Round coins are considered your normal everyday coins you get from almost anywhere. They are classic and classy at the same time. The round coins hold tradition and many different sizes. About 90% of all coins ever made are round with different variations. Some variations are cutouts, notches for opening bottles, or other cool features. Lately though there has been an increase on uniquely developed coins.
Many people are starting to eye out some of the odd shaped coins for their collections because of the very uniqueness they achieve. Who wouldn’t love their coin in a shape of a tank, or airplane? We thought so too. In a lot of cases the unique shaped coins with bring in a much higher value than an identical round coin but this really depends if the round one was from the President of the U.S. and the odd shaped one was some Captain so please keep this in mind. Either way with so many shapes it’s hard to find what you like.
All we can say is see what is out there and buy or trade what you think is right for you. Everyday new coins are being developed and released pushing boundaries in all areas.
The Society Seal
Posted on January 5, 2008
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A lot of people may not understand the seal in a lot of ways, like why do we need it. The Society is ran by some of the top gurus in challenge coins and hold a pretty special status in the hobby. These people that use the seal are trustworthy, contribute to the hobby, and are more than just a seller in many aspects. The seal is a sign of more than just a dealer. We endorse those people out there that use the seal on their site, auctions, or anywhere in general. When you see the seal you should say thank you for that person’s contribution in helping to make this hobby great.
Anyone can collect and anyone can sell a coin. Those are things that are almost autonomous to achieve. Going above the normal expectations is what it takes to be on the board of members here on the society where great ideas and products come from. If you want to learn about getting in please talk to an industry leader to find out what kinds of things can help your chances when it comes to a vote with the panel.
12 Months in Collecting
Posted on January 3, 2008
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In the beginning of 2007 we were graced by a modest number of collectors out there that were active and engaged the communities often. During 2007 many new and exciting coins came out on the market and really encouraged more to join a long and become active collectors. I would say that by the midsummer collecting was catching on fire through various websites and on eBay. Police coins were by far the hugest increase we all seen in 2007 with many more departments out there creating a giant buzz while putting new and exciting coins on the market. It’s funny because U.S. Challenge Coins .com did their first custom challenge coin on the market on Jan 7th, 2007 for the Miami-Dade Police Department, Homeland Security. The MDPD got a fever started by handing out their coin to anyone and everyone in 2007.
There are all kinds of ways to get thing hobby going and sharing great stories and facts about collecting can get people involved. 2007 also seen a large jump in custom coins where people were trying to be new and exciting and at the same time cash in on their ideas. It was a big year to say the least and I think much more of that positive outcome is ahead for 2008. I foresee K-9 coins and Special Forces coins to open some big doors along with some new sets of coins that are going to really pump up the collections out on the desks of many.
The Challenge Coin Society is Back
Posted on December 27, 2007
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The Challenge Coin Society is not new, but the domain is. The Society was created in June of 2007 but has been missing for the last 3 months due to server issues and time restraints. We are very happy to be back though supporting what we love, challenge coins and the industry that makes them happen. Here is where we recognize people for being more than a seller or collector and give them the recognition they deserve by driving the community itself through mentorship, guides, information, or just things that are above and beyond.
The founder of the Society is Adam Mulholland which also runs the biggest challenge coin site in the world bar none. He has setup up communities for coins, trading sites, countless guides and forums. We welcome you here with open arms and hope you enjoy what the Society stands for and what will become of it.