The first challenge coin rule to be observed is , what is a coin? A coin is a coin. It is not a coin that has been attached to a belt buckle, a keychain, a coffee mug, or a paperweight. These items are not unit coins. They are belt buckles, key chains, coffee mugs and paperweights. Challenge coins are kept on one's person as coins. The only exception to this rule is a coin placed in a holder or clasp and worn around the neck like a necklace. This is considered a valued use of a coin and would still be considered a challenge coin.

The "coin check" consists of a challenge and a response.

The "challenge" maybe either verbal or visual. A verbal coin check is initiated by holding your coin in the air and stating, so that everyone present can hear, that you are initiating a coin check. A visual coin check is initiated by firmly placing your coin on a flat surface with a force sufficient to let everyone know that they are being challenged.

The correct response to the challenge is to produce your unit coin and show it to the challenger. Please note that only your correct unit coin is an acceptable response to a challenge. Unit coins from other units are not acceptable.

If you are challenged and cannot respond to the challenge in the accepted manor you must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and all members of the group being challenged. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manor then the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those he challenged. Failure to buy a round is considered a despicable crime and may require that you turn in your coin to the issuing agency.

Coin checks are permitted at any time and at any place. You are advised to keep your unit coin within arms length at all times.

Note: A "Coin Check" consists of a Challenge and a Response.

1. RULES:

A. The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, scream, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. Another, but less vocal method is to firmly place it on the bar, table, or floor (this should produce an audible noise which can be easily heard by those being challenged, but try not to leave a permanent imprint). If you accidentally drop your coin and it makes an audible sound upon impact, then you have just "accidentally" initiated a coin check. (This is called paying the price for improper care of your coin.)

B. The response consists of all those persons being challenged drawing their coin in a like manner.

C. If you are challenged and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and the group being challenged.

D. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those people they challenged.

E. Failure to buy a round is a despicable crime and will require that you turn-in your Coin to the issuing agency.

2. WHEN - WHERE:

A. Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.

3. EXCEPTIONS:

A. There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it -- SORRY ABOUT THAT!

4. A COIN IS A COIN