Challenge Coin Generic ECV

These challenge coins are 1 1/2 inches in dia. and have ECV on one side and the no known cure skull on the other. It has a heavy feel and is plated with gold, black, white and red. The legend and history of the challenge coin is listed below. These coins are basically used to prove yourself a proud member of E Clampus Vitus by displaying it and challenging another member to buy a drink if he can not display his. As the legend goes Challenge coins started in the Army Air Corps during WWI. A wealthy Pilot had gold coins made for each member of his squadron as mementos of their service together. One pilot put his coin in a leather pouch and carried it around his neck. He was shot down and was captured and stripped of everything except his coin pouch, they missed it. He escaped and was eventually confronted by the French. Because he had no ID He was going to be executed as a spy. The only thing that saved him was his squadrons coin. Once the pilot safely returned to his squadron, it became a tradition for all members to carry their coin at all times. To ensure compliance, the pilots would challenge each other to produce the coin. If the challenged couldn't produce the coin, he was required to buy a drink of choice for the challenger; if the challenged could produce the coin, the challenger would purchase the drink. Thus the birth of the "Challenge Coin." Today, many organizations use challenge coins to proudly display their membership in the organization. While there is considerable latitude in demanding payment it is a form, of comradery and entertainment.