Did you know that Alcoholics Anonymous boasts almost 2 million members as of 2021? In 1935, two men got together to discuss their problems with alcohol.
AA is now the largest group of people working together to overcome their addictions and achieve a healthier, happier life.
Milestones and anniversaries are a vital part of AA. When members reach an important point in their sobriety, they often receive a coin.
But these aren’t ordinary coins. Keep reading to learn more about the history and significance of AA coins.
The Origin of AA Coins
Alcoholics Anonymous consists of 123,000 groups worldwide. Each group helps its members mark milestones in different ways. But the sobriety coin is the most prevalent.
In the early days of AA, group leaders honored new members and milestones with various items. But the use of tokens and chips started in unofficial ways.
Sister Ignatia of the St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, had a major influence on the early use of the sobriety chip. She worked with Dr. Bob, the co-founder of AA, and helped treat alcoholics in the hospital.
Sister Ignatia gave these men Sacred Heart of Jesus medallions upon their release. This helped inspire them and remind them of their commitment to sobriety.
In 1942, an AA group in Elmira, New York, began using coins or AA chips to help mark significant moments in their group members’ sober journeys. The group’s leader, Dougherty S., mentioned this in a letter to Bill Wilson, the other founder of AA.
Since then, the use of AA chips or coins and AA medallions has become part of most AA meetings. Receiving one is a significant part of an addict’s recovery.
What Do the Various AA Coins Mean?
Each sobriety chip has a distinct meaning. Since each AA group controls its own chips, colors and styles may vary. But most AA chips follow this structure and timeline.
- The white or silver chip is the “desire chip.” People often receive this chip at their first AA meeting.
- When a member reaches 30 days of sobriety, they receive the red chip.
- At the 60-day sobriety mark, members get a gold chip.
- Ninety days of sobriety is a significant milestone. Members receive a green chip for this occasion.
- When an AA member reaches the 120-day mark, they receive a blue chip.
- Nine months of continuous sobriety means the member is more and more committed to not drinking. AA groups mark this occasion with a purple chip.
- One year of sobriety is a reason to celebrate. The bronze chip marks this special occasion.
Using chips or coins to mark sobriety milestones varies by AA group. Some groups don’t use them at all. Still, other groups give coins every 30 days.
As AA members meet year after year of sobriety, the coins become more impactful.
Many AA groups choose custom AA coins for their members. Engraved coins, personalized coins, or coins with group-specific designs are all popular choices.
AA group leaders consider these criteria when deciding where to buy AA coins.
Celebrate Your AA Group Members in Style
AA coins are a tangible way for members to remind themselves why they chose a sober path and why they’re still on it. While the coin tradition might not seem significant, these small tokens can help make big changes.
Are you hoping to make more positive changes in your life? Browse our other articles and start making a difference.