Site Challenge Coins

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-08-2014 11:37

For a while now I've been looking at doing various challenge coins for the site. Over the past several months I've worked out several designs and reasons to have different coins made as well as ways to cover the costs of having them made. In the end I had to cut down on the type and number of coins in the initial offering. If these first coins are well received, I can look at producing the other coins we worked up (I'll show those later to give you an idea of what they were/are).

Lets start off with the Site Coin

The Site Coin will be available for purchase to any member of the site. These will be great to give out as prizes at conventions. Not only will they be a cool item for the person to keep, but they will help solidify the local games with our online community here. They can also be given out as recruitment coins for the game/site. They will also be great to see which one in your gaming group has to buy the round of drinks that night (hint: it's the chap that forgot to bring his or has not picked one up yet

)

It should also be noted that this coin is not limited and the sales from it will go to help cover the cost of these initial and having future coins made up.

Next up we have the Wings of Glory Aerodrome Invitational Kill Coin

These coins will be given out during the Aerodrome Invitational Tournament (held at Origins every year) for each plane that a player shoots down. They can not be bought. When you manage to shoot down 5 planes, you will receive an Ace Kill coin (not yet designed). It does not matter if it takes you 3 or more years to get 5 kills, when you become an ACE, you will get the ACE coin.

I am hopeful that some of the other Wings will adapt this tourney for their major con and can hand out these coins as well.

Many of you will also recall that supporting the site at the Gold Membership level entitles you to a special Gold Membership Coin.

The only way to get this coin is to become a Gold member. Each Gold member will receive one gold coin in a life time. As you can see, while not a limited edition coin, these coins are going to be pretty rare.

Finally, I've got one more coin that is being printed up, but you will have to wait a little while longer for the details on that one. I will say that it is going to be a super cool coin most of you are going to want... and it will be a limited edition coin of only 50 made (ever.).

In the next post I'll go over the coins we hope to produce in the near future.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-08-2014 11:38

As for the future coins, here are the ones I'd like to offer up first (if this whole idea goes over with the rest of you)

Aerodrome Contribution Coin

Will be awarded to every member that achieves 2 years of service, 2 thousand posts, and 20 aerial victories here on the site. These will be processed at the end of each year and mailed to the members that have earned them.

Aerodrome Painting Contest Coin

Will be awarded to the winners of the painting contest we have here on the site (yes, I want to run more of those). They will be mailed to members that win a painting contest shortly after the contest concludes. Only 1st place winners will get a coin.

**BobP** · 04-08-2014 12:17

Awesome Keith. Good to see that your idea has come to fruition. Love the design and when will they be up for sale. You know I have to get one (?) for sure.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-08-2014 12:22

I'll add them to the AA site in the next day or so (and post here). But I don't expect to have them in hand for 2-3 weeks.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-08-2014 12:30

Preorder them I will.
Rob.

**fast.git** · 04-08-2014 12:55

Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte

Preorder them I will.
Rob.

Without a doubt. Count me in.

**Nightbomber** · 04-08-2014 12:56

What a perfect mind behind the project

I can not wait for my precoiussssss one

**Boney10** · 04-08-2014 12:56

Now those look neat, I can see some of these useful for our UK get-together in Sept

**BobP** · 04-08-2014 14:02

For something to promote the site and your effort for that a few weeks is nothing.

**csadn** · 04-08-2014 16:03

I like the way Howard Tayler phrased it on his _Schlock Mercenary_ C.C. Project:

"Because Loyalty should last longer than a T-shirt."

**gully_raker** · 04-08-2014 16:17

Beautiful work Keith!
I am sure these will be very well received by all Forum members.

Really looking forward to my Gold Member one.

**The Cowman** · 04-08-2014 16:54

Wow. Super Cool.

**Pseudotheist** · 04-08-2014 18:00

Personally these little coins fall squarely into the category of things that I would not purchase, but would be excited to receive as a prize. Speaking of which, any chance you'll be retroactively awarding any of the award coins to members in good standing who previously satsfied the requirements? I don't like my odds of actually winning another painting contest (or getting to another Origins any time soon)...

**Tommy Z** · 04-08-2014 18:48

Very Nice.

**bsmith13** · 04-08-2014 19:53

Wow! Those look great!

**skyking20** · 04-08-2014 19:59

An amazing idea and execution!

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-09-2014 05:10

Originally Posted by The Cowman

Wow. Super Cool.

I'm excited to see how the Kill coin effects the game play in the tourney at Origins. Last year everyone was kind of timid about getting into the scrap for a while. With coins up for grabs, I think the pilots will be a little more blood thirsty. lol

Originally Posted by csadn

I like the way Howard Tayler phrased it on his _Schlock Mercenary_ C.C. Project:

"Because Loyalty should last longer than a T-shirt."

I like that quote!

Originally Posted by Pseudotheist

Personally these little coins fall squarely into the category of things that I would not purchase, but would be excited to receive as a prize. Speaking of which, any chance you'll be retroactively awarding any of the award coins to members in good standing who previously satsfied the requirements? I don't like my odds of actually winning another painting contest (or getting to another Origins any time soon)...

And there in lies the rub for this type of thing. Lots of people would be excited about getting one for free, but many will not see the need or benefits of purchasing one of the coins that will make the prize ones possible. And as you point out, not only do those people that don't want to support the effort want free prizes for the future, they want them for past deeds that they are ready received a prize for.

With all that said, if it's financially possible to award these retroactively, I will.

**bsmith13** · 04-09-2014 06:37

The idea of a challenge coin is one of the best ideas for growing our hobby locally. Since we have access to them, it would be a good idea for us to make our local game stores (where we play) aware of them for prizes. Anything we can do to get people excited about the game is a good thing, even if we need to pay for a few of them ourselves.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-09-2014 12:06

Here,here Brad.
Rob.

**fast.git** · 04-09-2014 12:15

Originally Posted by csadn

I like the way Howard Tayler phrased it on his _Schlock Mercenary_ C.C. Project:

"Because Loyalty should last longer than a T-shirt."

Great quote.

**fast.git** · 04-09-2014 12:20

Huh. I'm sure this isn't news to anyone, but I've just now realized where the quote on the membership challenge coin comes from...

"Good flying never killed [an enemy] yet." Thank you, Major Mannock.

Some of us (me) are, perhaps, not so quick as others.

**OldGuy59** · 04-09-2014 12:52

Originally Posted by bsmith13

The idea of a challenge coin is one of the best ideas for growing our hobby locally. Since we have access to them, it would be a good idea for us to make our local game stores (where we play) aware of them for prizes. Anything we can do to get people excited about the game is a good thing, even if we need to pay for a few of them ourselves.

KK. I'd like a few coins for Enfilade 2014, to hand out. This should be coordinated with Doug [MrDugsir] and James [James Denberger], though. If they have asked for coins for Enfilade, I could help with the cost. If they have not, I would still help with the cost. I'll PM them to organize this.

Mike

**Naharaht** · 04-09-2014 19:26

Very good coins, Keith. Are they metal or plastic and how much are they likely to cost, please?

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-10-2014 06:08

They are 1.75" and made of metal. Price for the Site Coin will be $10-$12 if bought singularly. I'm trying to work out a discount rate if bought in groups to give out at cons and such. I don't them to cost you guys too much, but they have to pay for them selves and hopefully future coins.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-10-2014 06:33

Sounds a very reasonable price to me for something that size chief.
Rob.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-10-2014 07:04

I thought so as well. Most of the challenge coins I've bought (mainly with limited edition card decks) have always been $15+.

**mrdugsir** · 04-10-2014 11:51

Sorry, even with Enfilade coming I've not been on the site much lately. They would be cool to have for Enfilade and I'd probably buy one for myself. Would make a good prize for the annual WW! tournament too.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-10-2014 12:29

What are the dates on Enfilade this year?

**mrdugsir** · 04-10-2014 12:41

Memorial Day Weekend. May 23-25th.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-11-2014 05:14

Thanks, but I don't think I'll have them and back out to you guys that quickly

**Black Sheep One** · 04-11-2014 05:23

Well done, Keith, well done!

**7eat51** · 04-11-2014 06:21

I see some great opportunities for building camaraderie among local groups as well as the site as a whole. For example, a group could mint Enfilade coins without given years. This way a given lot size could be printed and used for several years running, keeping the cost per coin lower than otherwise required. Subsequently, individuals who receive multiple Enfilade coins could use them to trade with other local groups or for other con medals. Regions, e.g. the U.K., could mint coins, and members could trade multiples with members from other regions. Similarly, when a member from one region visits a different region, that member could receive a coin from the local group. Local/con/region coins could be given as gifts to other members. As stated, there are some real possibilities here for camaraderie and collecting.

Keith, well done with these coins. I know from our discussions that your motivation for these is to enhance our community. Your service on our behalf is to be commended.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-11-2014 06:49

Thanks Eric. I know we were both excited about all the possibilities these coins could offer during our talks. I should point out to any of the local groups that I can have their coins printed up at an even greater discount if they were to keep the "A side" of the coin the same as we have here. In fact, it would halve the mold cost for them

**fast.git** · 04-11-2014 06:53

Originally Posted by Oberst Hajj

They are 1.75" and made of metal. Price for the Site Coin will be $10-$12 if bought singularly. I'm trying to work out a discount rate if bought in groups to give out at cons and such. I don't them to cost you guys too much, but they have to pay for them selves and hopefully future coins.

I agree with Rob... that sounds reasonable.

**Kaiser** · 04-11-2014 07:06

Really nice ones

**7eat51** · 04-11-2014 07:14

Originally Posted by Oberst Hajj

I know we were both excited about all the possibilities these coins could offer during our talks.

In time, I think the possibilities could easily grow, especially as you stated if one keeps the A-side. Would lot sizes of 50 be a reasonable amount? If several groups wanted to order, would there be any discount by putting all the orders in at once, even if the B-sides were different? If so, there could be a semi-annual date to submit orders and payment.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-11-2014 08:04

The smallest lot size is 50 and yes, groups could combine their orders to save. I've worked out a deal to get a "total coin" price. They typically hive quantity breaks on a single coin, but I've gotten them to count all our different coins to reach the quantity breaks. So, if three groups wanted to each order 50 coins using the Aerodrome A side, they would half off the mold fees and be charged as if they were ordering 150 instead of just 50... saving about $2 a coin.

Your idea of an annual order is a good one. Any groups could combine their order with the site's and we both save.

**mrdugsir** · 04-11-2014 12:33

I'll talk with Bill to see what he thinks (he still can't get his password to reset here).

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-11-2014 12:35

Originally Posted by mrdugsir

I'll talk with Bill to see what he thinks (he still can't get his password to reset here).

Have him email me at colhajj@wingsofwar.org and I'll reset it manually.

**mrdugsir** · 04-11-2014 12:43

I emailed him, thanks.

**BobP** · 04-11-2014 12:58

Eric I like your idea of exchanging coins between groups. The different wings may be able to order coins with their wing name and exchange with others.

**LewdDude** · 04-19-2014 21:29

Well at least I will be able to get the gold coin... Lol maybe if I get posting more I can get the silver one... Hard to make it to origins

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-21-2014 06:52

Location	Date	Local Time	Activity
China	04/19/2014	2:39 A.M.	Order Processed: Ready for UPS
Kunshan, China	04/19/2014	4:40 P.M.	Departure Scan
Shanghai, China	04/20/2014	1:46 A.M.	Departure Scan
Anchorage, AK, United States	04/19/2014	8:17 P.M.	Departure Scan
Louisville, KY, United States	04/20/2014	3:38 P.M.	Departure Scan
Commerce City, CO, United States	04/20/2014	10:50 P.M.	Departure Scan
Colorado Springs, CO, United States	04/21/2014	5:44 A.M.	Out For Delivery

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-21-2014 07:32

That is phenomenally fast service Keith. Great news.
Rob.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-21-2014 07:34

Yes, from order to delivery from China in under two weeks! Wish we could get are little planes straight from the factory this way! lol

I was expecting to have more time before they showed up, guess I should get cracking on adding them to the site.

**mrdugsir** · 04-21-2014 23:03

So I guess we could get a couple for Enfilade.

Gazerfoxie · 04-22-2014 02:02

Now I have to figure out how to get my tail to origins to try and earn a kill coin.

**Jager** · 04-22-2014 11:50

Originally Posted by Gazerfoxie

Now I have to figure out how to get my tail to origins to try and earn a kill coin.

Click image for larger version.

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**boomerpete53** · 04-22-2014 18:28

have you seen the images of the coins i designed in the file? i intended for the them to be made as pin on buttons as awards for just showing up to play. my problem came when i got a quote for them. i couldn't afford the cost, but if someone has a button maker they are welcome to make and give out.

**Oberst Hajj** · 04-23-2014 08:05

The coins showed up yesterday!! Man do they look great! Here are some pics of them in the flesh:

Site coin

The navy blue on the coin is much darker than the blue they showed in the artist's proof above, but it still looks good. And check out that detail on the Camel!

Gold Member coin

This is the only coin done in gold. I'm liking it a lot and I'm not usually a fan of gold anything.

Aerodrome Invitational Kill Coin

The front side is the same as the Site coin, minus the colored filled ring. Again, check out that detail on the planes! These coins are 1.75" (45mm), so those two planes are pretty small in the middle of the coin.

Each coin comes in a protective plastic pouch like this one:

For those of you that would like to display your coins in something nicer, we are offering the following display upgrades:

Acrylic Case

This is a crystal clear hard acrylic case that fits snugly around your coin. Both sides are viewable without removing the coin.

Custom Wooden Display box

This is the ultimate in single coin display. A cherry stained wooden box with foam lining custom cut to hold your coin safely and attractively. Each box will be laser engraved with the site logo and colored filled silver. You can add a line of custom text as well.

Please forgive the images of the engravings and color fill, that was my practice box. I'll be updating those photos with a finished box when they arrive.

You can order your site coin now. The only way to get your hands on the other two coins is to become a Gold member and attend the tourney at Origins and shoot down an enemy!