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Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Operation Khanjar Challenge Coin
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Operation Khanjar Challenge Coin

Artifact SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017
Artifact ID2018.1.110
Object Type Coin, Challenge
Date 2009
Medium metal, enamel
DimensionsOverall H 3 in x W 2 3/4 in x D 1/8 in (7.6 cm x 7 cm x 0.3 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionA metal challenge coin for the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines in Operation Khanjari. The coin is in the shape of the unit's insignia, an arrowhead with a knife pointed downward diagonally from the right side. The obverse is outlined in red enamel with a red stripe down the center with a green snake coiled around it. On either side of the stripe are sections of yellow, with the number 2 in black on the left, and the number 8 in black on the right. The reverse is black enamel with the shape of Afghanistan in green at center. A province is outlined in red and a star marks a major city. Above that, cast from the metal of the coin, is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor symbol of the U.S. Marine Corps. Below the country are three military ribbons in a row (from L to R): Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, and the NATO Ribbon. There is a green enamel rectangle below the ribbons.
Inscriptions and MarkingsEngraved on obverse: MIAN POSHTEH KOSHTAY PB LINE DELHI Engraved on reverse: OPERATION KHANJARI Engraved to the right of the outline of Afghanistan: MAY-NOVEMBER 2009 Engraved on the green rectangle on the reverse: FRONT TOWARD ENEMY
Historical NoteThis challenge coin is from a member of 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, and would have been made to commemorate the battalion's mission during Operation Khanjar in 2009.Custodial History / ProvenanceThis item is material associated with various agencies and offices during the Obama administration and maintained as government property until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017 (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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