Commemorative Challenge Coin – “Mayflower to Minutemen” – Single Coin

Product Description

As our nation marks its monumental 250th anniversary, the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants (MSMD) is thrilled to commemorate this historic milestone with a tangible piece of history. We are proud to unveil our official MSMD 250th Celebration Challenge Coin—a beautifully crafted, limited-edition token that connects the legacy of our ancestors to the birth of American independence.

This is a limited run of 500 serialized coins, with several key serial numbers going into our upcoming Auctions.

Purchases will be fulfilled in the order they are received, with challenge coins assigned sequentially by serialized number.

Shipping:
Free – Pick up at our Hingham office, GSMD Congress, or Compact Day
Shipping $10 – Shipped anywhere within the continental United States* The $10 shipping fee covers 1 to 5 coins purchased in a single transaction. Additional shipping charges may apply depending upon weight and zip code.

(*please note, if you select to have the item shipped, at checkout it will say “Free Shipping” under your item total. This is due to the fact the shipping costs are already included in the purchase price when you select “Ship To Continental US” in the dropdown menu, prior to adding the item to your cart.)

Here is a look at the history behind this unique tradition, why we designed this coin, and how you can bring one home.

A Brief History of the Challenge Coin Before diving into our new design, it helps to understand the deep tradition behind these special keepsakes. Challenge coins carry a storied history traditionally rooted in the military, with origins stretching back to World War I and beyond.

Originally, these pocket-sized coins were used by service members to prove their allegiance, boost morale, and foster a deep sense of camaraderie within a unit. Over the decades, the tradition expanded beyond the armed forces to first responders, civic organizations, and historical societies. Today, owning or receiving a challenge coin signifies that you belong to a tight-knit community dedicated to a shared, honorable mission.

Why We Created the MSMD 250th Coin To celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, MSMD wanted to create something timeless. This custom-designed coin is more than just a beautiful collector’s item; it serves as a symbol of our organization’s enduring commitment to preserving history and education. The design reflects our unique lineage, bridging the gap between the historic voyage of the Mayflower and the dawn of a new republic 250 years ago.

How You Can Acquire Yours We want this coin to be a meaningful point of connection for our entire community. There are two ways you can add this piece of history to your collection:

• Support Our Mission (Direct Purchase): The primary way to secure your coin is by purchasing it directly through our organization. All proceeds from these sales directly support MSMD’s fundraising and educational initiatives, ensuring we can continue to share our vital history with future generations. It makes a perfect heirloom, gift, or keepsake.

• Anchor Coin Auction: The final piece of the historic 500-coin run, coin #500, will be presented at our Compact Day meeting on November 7, 2026. This highly sought-after final number acts as a physical testament to the total mint size. Holding the last number means holding the final piece of this finite historical run. Bidding starts at $500. CLICK HERE TO VIEW

• Additional Auctions: For several of the highly sought-after serial numbers of this historical run:
  • #20 for 1620 when the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, opening bid $20. CLICK HERE TO VIEW
  • #76 for 1776 the signing of the Declaration of Independence, opening bid $76 CLICK HERE TO VIEW
  • #156 for 156 years of Foundational Governance, opening bid $156 CLICK HERE TO VIEW
  • #250 for America’s 250th Anniversary, opening bid $250 CLICK HERE TO VIEW

The Auction is now live, and ends on October 31st at 11:59 PM. To view more info, visit the main Mayflower to Minutemen page.

Celebrate the Semiquincentennial With Us

Whether you purchase a coin to back our educational mission or receive one directly from the Board at a live event, the MSMD 250th Celebration Challenge Coin is a powerful reminder of our shared heritage.