6 Challenge Coins Help You Know the Pentagon

Coins
Guide
avatar

Ethan Carter

June 23, 2026
cover

On 15th Jan 1943, the world’s largest single building, the Pentagon, was completed and became the core brain of the US military. It has also turned out to be the focus of the world. Why did the United States want to construct this building then, why did it design to a five-corner? How big is its area? How long is the corridor?

Let’s explore the secrets of this mysterious building, Meanwhile, appreciate 6 challenge coins associated with this unique building.

1. History Background

the Pentagon

After the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe on September 1, 1939, the Department of the Army expanded rapidly as it was involved in the conflict. One day in May 1941, Stinson told the US President Franklin D. Roosevelt that the Army needed more space.

At the beginning of 1941, Hitler controlled most of the European continent. At the time, US President Roosevelt declared a state of emergency. The rapidly growing US Department of the Army (not yet the Ministry of Defense) urgently needed a new command base.

On July 17, 1941, a congressional opinion hearing was held. Discuss proposals for the construction of a new Army Department office building. Finally, the Department of the Army requested its engineering minister, General Boone Somerville, to propose a design plan, which is the Pentagon construction plan.

2. Custom Pentagon-Shaped Coins

Custom Pentagon-Shaped Coins

This unique custom pentagon-shaped coin is usually used by military and civilian members of the Department of Defense. The seal of the Department of Defense is displayed on the obverse, whereas five badges of the five branches of America’s Armed Forces are positioned at the five points of the reverse. It is made of soft enamel and polished with an antique brass finish. The custom antique coins indicate that the Department of Defense consists of these five branches.

Let me introduce the following five custom military coins, which separately stand for the five Armed Forces of the Department of Defense.

3. U.S. Navy Challenge Coins

U.S. Navy Challenge Coins

The US Navy is an important service of the US armed forces and is responsible for managing all matters related to maritime military operations. The US Navy has seven fleets, about 500,000 active and reserve soldiers, 279 active warships, and 4,000 aircraft. It is the world’s largest, most equipped, and most powerful navy.

You will find this is a pretty elegant custom coin. It represents the US Navy and Navy Reserve. It would be a good addition to your collection if you are interested in the US Navy.

4. U.S.Army Challenge Coins

The Pentagon has five facades. The building is divided into five floors (including two underground floors). Each floor has five circular corridors from the inside to the outside. The total length of the corridor is 17.5 miles (28.2 kilometers).   The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Department of the Army are on the third floor. There is a “Heroes Hall” in the corner of the third-floor corridor, which is designed to commemorate the winners of the “Highest Medal of Honor” since the War of Independence.

These Army challenge coins are apparently designed for the Department of the Army. The obverse features a detailed image of the Pentagon set, while the seal of the U.S. Army in full color is depicted on the reverse. The appearance of the coins is plated with a black dye finish.

5. U.S. Air Force Challenge Coins

US Air Force Challenge Coins

I suppose every American can identify this sign easily. Yes, it is the symbol of the U.S. Air Force. These US Air Force challenge coins are processed with an oblique line edge and cut-out craftsmanship. This simple but prominent design perhaps implies sturdy and outstanding. Do you like these unique challenge coins?

6. U.S. Marine Corps Challenge Coins

The style of these Marine Corps challenge coins is similar to the Army challenge coins. The production process is exactly the same. The match of gold and black reveals a low-profile and luxurious style.

7. Joint Chiefs of Staff Challenge Coins

Joint Chiefs of Staff Challenge Coins

In September 1947, the Ministry of Defense, established by the 33rd President of the United States, Truman, began to work here. Since then, the Pentagon has become the representative of the US Department of Defense. In addition to the Ministry of National Defense, the building also includes a joint meeting of the chiefs of staff and three headquarters of the sea, land, and air forces.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff, known as the “Soul of the Ministry of National Defense”, is on the second floor. This office building is covered with golden carpets, known as the “Golden Hall”.

The crest and shield of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are engraved on the obverse, while an image of the Pentagon and the badges of each branch of the armed services are presented on the reverse. The coin is manufactured of brass alloy and plated with antique bronze. It pays tribute to the dedication of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose skillful and determined leadership ensures the military superiority of the United States.

Which coins are you going to pick up if you are a big fan of the U.S. military? Or, you can visit here to know more details.

 

Picture Source:

1.http://www.acquacollectibles.com/challenge-coins/general-military/joint-chiefs-of-staff-the-pentagon-brass-challenge-coin.html

2.https://www.fortamerica.com/1810-8396/pentagon/challenge-coins_pentagon/army-pentagon-shaped-coin.aspx

3.https://www.emarinepx.com/product/NW-60744.html

4.http://www.acquacollectibles.com/challenge-coins/general-military/joint-chiefs-of-staff-the-pentagon-brass-challenge-coin.html

Related Blogs
Veterans Challenge Coins: Honoring Service with Meaningful Gifts
Coins
Guide

Veterans Challenge Coins: Honoring Service with Meaningful Gifts

Veterans Day is a time to remember, thank, and be patriotic. There are parades across the country, veterans go to classrooms to make presentations, and families gather to pay tribute to those who've served.

Apart from such public displays, we look for some way to give something more personal—a gift beyond words to express the degree of respect and admiration we have. Veterans Challenge Coins do precisely this. Small in size, these coins are big in history, tradition, and symbolism. Not trinkets or souvenirs, but symbols of sacrifice, honor, and brotherhood, they are one of the most significant Veterans Day gifts.

avatar
Ethan Carter
February 6, 2026
What are Thin Line Challenge Coins?
Coins
Info

What are Thin Line Challenge Coins?

Thin Line Challenge Coins are symbolic commemorative coins designed to honor the service, dedication, and identity of specific professional groups such as law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel, and medical teams. The coins display different colored lines, which symbolize unity as well as recognition and team pride.

Thin line challenge coins serve multiple purposes because they are used in awards and ceremonies as well as in collections and corporate recognition, and they come with complete customization options that include size, shape, material, and color and finish. The items function as commemorative pieces while they provide organizations with enduring symbols of their cultural heritage and shared beliefs.

avatar
Lea Alber
February 6, 2026
How to Create Custom Coins Online?
Coins
Guide

How to Create Custom Coins Online?

Custom coins, also known as custom challenge coins or custom two-sided coins, have long been considered a symbol of honor. Originating in the military, they are now used in a wide range of settings, from military forces and competitions to corporate and event settings. The process of customizing challenge coins is becoming more and more convenient and only requires a mobile phone and a computer.

The following guide will walk you through the custom challenge coin customization. Through our customization guide, you can turn any idea into a satisfying physical challenge coin.

avatar
Lea Alber
February 6, 2026