Description
Marine 1st Lieutenant Coin (1st LT) is made from polished bronze with a smooth cut edge. The front of the coin features the words ‘United States Marine Corps – First Lieutenant’. The center of the challenge coin displays a silver colored bar. On the back of the coin is a raised Eagle, Globe & Anchor and the words ‘Semper Fidelis’.
This coin has the look and feel of genuine quality and would make a great addition to your collection or a promotion gift from that any Marine officer will appreciate. Arrives professionally & individually packaged. Collect one for each rank you achieved! Made in USA.
1st Lieutenant USMC Challenge Coin Features
- USMC 1st Lieutenant (O2) design.
- Bronze alloy.
- Accented in bold colors.
- Measures 1.75 in.
- Professionally & individually packaged.
- Made in USA.
- Licensed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant – 1stLt
First Lieutenant (1stLt) in the USMC, is a commissioned officer rank, classified under pay grade O-2.
This rank follows the Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) and entails increased responsibilities and leadership roles. First Lieutenants typically lead platoons or serve in company-level staff positions, honing their command skills and operational understanding. This rank signifies a deeper immersion into the responsibilities of an officer, requiring adeptness in decision-making, personnel management, and tactical planning.
The transition to First Lieutenant marks a crucial stage in a Marine officer’s career, reflecting both professional growth and a greater commitment to the Corps’ mission and values.
The Marine Corps Challenge Coin
Marine Corps challenge coins are deeply rooted in military tradition. They symbolize honor, camaraderie, and individual accomplishments in the USMC.
Military challenge coins trace their roots back to ancient Rome, where custom coins rewarded exceptional feats. They later evolved into “portrait medals” during the Renaissance.
In the early US military, challenge coins were exclusive to high-ranking officers recognizing exceptional achievements. Notably, in World War I, a pilot’s coin saved his life by proving his identity. Some argue that modern challenge coin traditions, including in the Marine Corps, originated during the Vietnam War for bar entry.
Today, these coins signify specific achievements or service excellence and carry sentimental value, serving as tokens of significant moments in a Marine’s journey.
USMC Coin Check, Traditions, and Rules
A coin check is a spontaneous challenge where members must promptly display their coins.
Rules for coin checks are informal, allowing challenges to occur anywhere, anytime, by displaying the coin and shouting “coin check!” Accidentally dropping a coin counts as a deliberate challenge. Responding within ten seconds by presenting a unit’s coin is essential.
Consequences add a playful element: failure to produce a coin results in buying drinks for the challenger and others. Conversely, a successful challenge requires the challenger to buy a round for the group.
The tradition also includes coin theft, with successful thieves earning a drink. Coins are typically carried for easy access, with a widely accepted rule of “a step and a reach.” Presentation often occurs subtly during handshakes, with modifications like drilling holes or attaching them to belt buckles invalidating their challenge status.
