Keeping Tradition Alive While Giving Back
Collect, Trade and Challenge with American Treasures
Now you can become part of a long held American tradition
Welcome to The 999 Reserve!
Start collecting the 999 Reserve's limited edition Challenge Coins. Handing out Challenge Coins started as a military custom and utilized as a way for commanders to show appreciation, improve morale and provide a sense of brotherhood amongst the ranks. Now you can be a part of this patriotic and fun activity.
Law Enforcement Collection
Challenge Coin Rules
Rules can often change from branch to branch, unit to unit, even department to department. But by and large, they follow the same spirit of a central code: Don’t be without one! In or out of uniform. Remember, even though presented as awards and rewards, the essence of the coins themselves is to inspire morale and unity amongst the ranks. And that means some fun. Whatever rules your group employs, they typically follow some form of traditional rules such as these:
Note: A “Coin Check” consists of a Challenge and a Response.
1. 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.)
2. The response consists of all those persons being challenged drawing their coin in a like manner.
3. 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.
4. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those people they challenged.
5. Failure to buy a round of drinks is a despicable crime and will require that you turn-in your Coin to the issuing agency.
6. When-Where
7. Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.
8. Exceptions? 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 arm’s reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it — SORRY ABOUT THAT!
Challenge Coins Today
Challenge coins continue to be given, traded, presented and serve as a source of pride for their holders. Over the years, military coins have evolved from seemingly simple designs to more complex and colorful varieties. This can mainly be attributed to the advances in manufacturing techniques that have been perfected over the years. One of the earliest challenge coins known to exist was a simple, die struck brass coin with a faint emblem and barely discernible text. Modern coins are manufactured in a fashion that allows each to display 3-dimensional images that rival the detail found on actual currency.
Virtually every element of a custom coin now can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Some of the more popular features of challenge coins made in the last ten years include numbering, specialty edging, and photographic inserts, which allow and actual picture to be affixed to one or both sides of a coin.
What does 9-99 mean?
In parts of the country (codes can vary), the Police code 999 generally means
“Urgent help needed. Officer involved”.
What is the 9-99 Foundation?
The National 9-99 Police & Sheriff Foundation was formed to assist Law Enforcement personnel when they have needs beyond their typical resources. Mental Health issues, K9 budgets, Long term injuries and death…the things that leave the front pages too quickly. Then the financial burden falls squarely on the families’ shoulders of these brave officers and deputies. As donations and awareness grow, so will the Foundation’s programs and outreach.
The National 9-99 Police & Sheriff Foundation Is An IRS-Recognized, 501(C)(3) Nonprofit, Charitable Organization. Federal Tax ID: 47-4112157. Your Donations Are Fully Tax-Deductible To The Extent Allowed By The Law.