This is a Blog on my humble Collection of 501st Legion Challenge Coins gifted to me by my Buddies in the 501st Legion Singapore Garrison over the years. I usually return their kind gifts by giving them a copy of my rock photography book.
501st Legion Challenge Coins are highly collectible, custom-minted metal coins used by members of the 501st Legion, the world’s largest Star Wars costuming organisation.
Rooted deeply in military tradition, these coins represent specific garrisons, detachments, squads, or milestone events within the organisation.
Kudos to Mike Lee of Florida Garrison, for minting the first Challenge Coin in 2005. An army helicopter pilot, Mike Lee brought the military tradition into the Star Wars costuming community.
My “Friend of the Legion” Plaque (above image). A word of thanks to Hansen Khoo for inducting me into this crazy galactic “Bad Guys Doing Good” playground.
The emaculately costumed 501st Legion Cosplayers come out only for charity purposes. They, nobly, do not accept monetary rewards.
Being an “Friend of the Legion”, I enjoy attending cool Star Wars 501st Legion events, enjoying exclusive privileges and getting awesome swags. But the biggest thrill has always been hanging with the cool creative 501st Legion folks.
These ultra-cool Challenge Coins are so beautifully designed and crafted. World-class pop culture artifacts. They cannot be bought and is only obtainable as a gift or as coin swaps by visiting 501st Legion global comrades. Although I saw some on sale in Ebay.
I am honoured to have possession of these ultra-cool gifted 501st Legion Challenge Coins. I share them with you below.
1) My 501st Legion Challenge Coin Collection – Top View (above image). My latest addition is the Ukraine Outpost coin (bottom left). I like the “Mistaken As Vader – Since 2005″(left, middle row).
2) My 501st Legion Challenge Coin Collection – Flip View (above image).
1) Ray Tay’s 501st Legion Challenge Coin Collection – Top View (above image). Photo courtesy of Ray Tay.
2) Ray Tay’s 501st Legion Challenge Coin Collection – Flip View (above image). Photo courtesy of Ray Tay.
1) Tyrene Teo’s 501st Legion Challenge Coin Collection – Top View (above image). Photo courtesy of Tyrene Teo.
2) Tyrene Teo’s 501st Legion Challenge Coin Collection – Flip View (above image). Photo courtesy of Tyrene Teo.
There must be thousands of these beautiful Challenge Coins made by individual Star Wars 501st Legion member/fans circulating the globe. It is impossible to collect every Challenge Coin that was minted.
Maybe one day, someone will collate and publish a comprehensive Star Wars 501st Legion Challenge Coins book.
And then, there are the equally cool 501st Legion Patches. Oooooh! For another blog, another time down the rabbit hole.
