Mason Delacroix
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins, also known as AA chips, tokens, or medallions, are distributed to members of 12-step groups to commemorate significant periods of continuous sobriety. The standard size of these coins is 34 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, resembling a poker chip. However, some medallions can be larger, measuring up to 40 mm in size and weighing around 30 grams. These coins are not officially conference-approved by AA, but they hold symbolic significance for members, serving as reminders of their commitment to recovery and sobriety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | 34mm (standard) or 39mm in diameter |
| Thickness | 2mm |
| Weight | 30 grams |
| Colors | Gold, silver |
| Other colors | Blue, green, purple, red |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The standard size of AA coins is 34mm by 2mm
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins, also known as AA chips, tokens, or medallions, are distributed to members to commemorate significant periods of continuous sobriety. The standard size of these coins is 34mm by 2mm, which is comparable to the size of a poker chip. These coins are often made of metal or plastic and are given to members during celebration ceremonies at the beginning or end of an AA meeting.
The tradition of giving out AA coins is believed to have originated in 1942 in Indianapolis, with the man who started the Alcoholics Anonymous section there, Doherty S., initiating the custom within his group. Over time, other AA sections adopted the practice, and private companies began manufacturing and selling "AA" chips, even without any affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous.
The AA coins typically start as aluminum coins, commemorating 24 hours of sobriety. After that, the coins increase in monthly intervals, with the first coin given at one month, and subsequent coins at three months, six months, and nine months. After the first year, coins are presented annually to mark each year of continuous sobriety. These coins serve as powerful reminders of an individual's commitment to recovery and provide inspiration to stay sober.
While the standard size of AA coins is 34mm by 2mm, there are also larger coins available, measuring 40mm in size. These larger coins are designed to be more substantial and impressive, often featuring unique designs, engravings, and premium finishes. They are often presented as special gifts to commemorate significant milestones, such as 10-year anniversaries, and can be personalized with names, dates, or meaningful messages.
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail: A Tropical Alcoholic Escape
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Some coins are larger, measuring 40mm
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins, also known as sobriety coins, are tokens given to members of the group to celebrate their commitment to sobriety. The coins are often distributed during a celebration ceremony at the beginning or end of an AA meeting. They are not officially approved by Alcoholics Anonymous, but they are a popular tradition within the group.
The standard size for sobriety coins is 34mm (1.34 inches) in diameter, or 39mm (1.5 inches) for a larger version. However, some coins are larger still, measuring 40mm. These larger coins are often sought out for their more substantial and impressive appearance. They are bigger and heavier than other coins on the market, allowing for bigger and bolder designs.
The 40mm coins are often sold with their own coin capsule holder, which helps to preserve the coin for the long term. They are also available with custom engraving options, allowing the purchaser to personalize the coin with a name, date, or short message. This makes them a meaningful recovery gift for a loved one.
The 40mm coins are available in silver and gold, with elegant Roman numerals on the front to celebrate 1 to 60 years of sobriety. They are also available in bronze, with a unique design featuring the Third Step Prayer on the back. This design is not typically seen on other recovery medallions.
In summary, while the standard size for AA coins is 34mm or 39mm, some coins are larger, measuring 40mm. These larger coins offer a more substantial and impressive option, with more space for unique designs and engravings. They are often sought out as meaningful gifts for those in recovery.
Hard Alcohol: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Offerings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
AA coins are sometimes called chips, tokens or medallions
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins are small, round tokens given to members of a 12-step program to celebrate significant periods of continuous sobriety. They are sometimes referred to as "chips," "tokens," or "medallions." The act of giving out sobriety chips in AA is believed to have originated in 1947 with a group in Elmira, New York. However, the use of medallions in sobriety groups predates this, with the Sacred Heart Medallion being used by Sister Ignatia in the 1940s.
The standard size of AA coins is 34 mm (1.34 inches) in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, similar to the size of a poker chip. These coins are typically made of metal or plastic and come in various colors and materials, such as aluminum, brass, bronze, gold plating, or silver plating. Some tokens may even feature crystals. The color of the coin often corresponds to the number of months or years of sobriety achieved by the recipient.
The chips are not officially sanctioned by AA as a whole, but individual groups may choose to use them. The chips are usually distributed during AA meetings or special chip/medallion nights, serving as a source of positive reinforcement and a reminder of the member's commitment to sobriety. While the chips are not a requirement for sobriety, they are seen as positive mementos that can help motivate individuals on their journey to long-term recovery.
The Wendells medallion, a bronze coin manufactured by Wendells Inc. since 1973, is the most common type of AA coin. It measures 39 mm (1.5 inches) in diameter, slightly larger than the standard size. Other unique designs, such as the My Recovery Store AA medallion, can measure up to 40 mm in diameter and offer custom engraving options.
Finding Love While Battling Alcoholism
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The coins are given to members at certain milestones
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins, also known as sobriety coins, tokens, or chips, are typically given to members of the program to celebrate milestones in their recovery journey. The coins are small, round pieces of metal or plastic, usually about 34 mm by 2 mm in size, resembling a poker chip. They are often distributed during AA meetings or celebration ceremonies to commemorate significant periods of continuous sobriety.
The tradition of giving out AA coins is believed to have originated in 1942 in Indianapolis, although some sources mention the use of a "'surrender' coin" by Doherty S. in 1942, and the practice of a group in Elmira, New York, in 1947. The coins are not officially conference-approved by AA, and the logo has not been granted for use on the medallions. However, they have become an integral part of the recovery process for many members.
The coins are given to members at various milestones during their recovery. The 24-hour coin, for instance, represents the initial decision to live a sober life. After that, coins are typically given at monthly intervals, starting with one month, three months, six months, and nine months of sobriety in the first year. Yearly anniversary coins are often made of brass and stamped with Roman numerals to designate the number of years of sobriety being celebrated.
The different colours of the coins and the alloys used also carry significance. They represent the length of time a member has been sober and serve as a reminder of their commitment to recovery. The colours and alloys used vary among different AA groups, as each group operates autonomously. However, the Wendells medallion, a bronze coin, is the most common coin given by AA members.
In addition to the coins themselves, some members may receive medallions to commemorate significant milestones. These medallions are typically larger and heavier than the standard coins, allowing for more intricate designs and additional prayers or expressions. They are often given to mark specific anniversaries, such as 10 years of sobriety, and serve as a tangible reminder of the member's progress and commitment to recovery.
How Sobriety Unveiled My Clumsiness
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The coins are not officially approved by Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins, also known as sobriety coins, are small, round pieces of metal or plastic distributed to members of 12-step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, to commemorate significant periods of continuous sobriety. These coins are typically given to members during a celebration ceremony at the beginning or end of an AA meeting.
The use of sobriety coins in AA is not mandatory, and they are not officially approved by Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole. While the coins are commonly used in AA culture, they are not officially conference-approved, and the AA logo has not been authorized for use on medallions. The manufacture and style of these coins can vary by region and even by group, as all AA groups are autonomous and can choose their own customs and practices for celebrating sobriety.
The tradition of giving out sobriety coins within AA is believed to have originated in Indianapolis in 1942, with the man who started the Alcoholics Anonymous section there, Doherty S., thought to have begun the custom. However, another source attributes the practice to a group in Elmira, New York, in 1947. Over time, different sections of AA adopted the use of sobriety coins, and private companies began manufacturing and selling "AA" chips, even though they were not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Wendells medallion, first manufactured in 1973, is the most common bronze coin given by AA members. These coins typically feature a raised center and are often given to members to commemorate specific milestones in their recovery journey. The use of these coins is intended to provide a tangible reminder of an individual's commitment to sobriety and their progress in the 12-step recovery process.
While the coins themselves are not officially approved by Alcoholics Anonymous, they hold symbolic significance for those in recovery. The act of receiving a coin serves as a reminder of the importance of sobriety and can motivate individuals to continue on their journey towards recovery from alcoholism.
Alcoholic vs Functioning Alcoholic: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sobriety coins, also known as AA chips, tokens, or medallions, are given to Alcoholics Anonymous members to celebrate their commitment to sobriety and recovery.
AA coins are typically medallions the size of a poker chip, with a standard diameter of 34 mm (1.34 inches) or 39 mm (1.5 inches).
Yes, some companies offer larger coins, measuring 40 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness. These coins are often marketed as premium options, with a heavier weight and more intricate designs.
AA chips can be made of various materials, including metal, bronze, silver, or gold. Some chips may also be plastic.
Alcoholics Anonymous coins can be purchased from various online retailers, such as Amazon, My Recovery Store, and The Token Shop.
