USMC Once A Marine Always A Marine Iwo Jima Challenge Coin Plus Lone Butte $5🪖 ITEM OVERVIEW

This listing is for a U.S. Marine Corps \"Once A Marine, Always A Marine\" challenge coin — bronze finish with the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising scene, \"1775\", and \"SEMPER FIDELIS\" — paired with a Lone Butte Casino $5 chip (Chandler, AZ) for \"bonus luck\". Suitable for collectors of USMC challenge coins, Marine Corps Iwo Jima memorabilia, and Marine Corps \"Once A Marine\" themed coins.

📅 ERA & HISTORICAL CONTEXT

\"Once A Marine, Always A Marine\" is the canonical U.S. Marine Corps motto for veterans — the saying that no matter when a Marine left active service, the identity is permanent. The obverse of this coin shows the Iwo Jima flag-raising scene (Mount Suribachi, 23 February 1945 — one of the most iconic images in U.S. military history) framed by \"1775\" (the Marine Corps founding year) and \"SEMPER FIDELIS\" (the official Corps motto). Bonus inclusion of a Lone Butte Casino $5 chip (Wild Horse Pass, Chandler, AZ — operated by the Gila River Indian Community) — informally a \"good luck\" piece that frequently accompanies challenge-coin gifts.

🔍 NOTES

• USMC challenge coin (obverse): Iwo Jima flag-raising scene with \"ONCE A MARINE — ALWAYS A MARINE\", \"1775\", and \"SEMPER FIDELIS\".
• USMC challenge coin (reverse): \"SEMPER FIDELIS\" with eagle, globe, and anchor (EGA) emblem in gold-finish raised relief.
• Lone Butte Casino $5 chip: Casino-issued ceramic / clay-composite poker chip — Wild Horse Pass / Lone Butte, Chandler, AZ.
• Construction: Bronze-finish die-struck challenge coin; standard composite casino chip.

📏 SPECS & CONDITION

• Branch: United States Marine Corps
• Type: Challenge coin + bonus casino chip
• Coin design: \"Once A Marine, Always A Marine\" Iwo Jima motif
• Construction: Bronze-finish die-struck metal (coin); ceramic composite (chip)
• Condition: Used. Coin retains finish; chip intact. Please refer to photos as part of the description.

📚 GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?

Yes — and especially good for new USMC challenge-coin collectors. The \"Once A Marine, Always A Marine\" + Iwo Jima imagery is the most recognizable Marine-veteran themed coin design, and the bonus casino chip adds interest for casino-chip / Native-American-gaming collectors. Two distinct collectibles in one purchase.

❓ COMMON QUESTIONS

What era and branch is this from?
United States Marine Corps, modern challenge coin (post-1945 Iwo Jima reference).

How rare is this piece?
\"Once A Marine\" coins are common; coin-plus-casino-chip combinations as a single lot are less common.

Is this a good item to start a collection with?
Yes — recognizable Marine motto, iconic Iwo Jima imagery, bonus chip in one purchase.

🛡️ ABOUT THIS SELLER

Established US military collectibles seller since 2010 — 3,000+ items sold, 100% positive response. Every item described accurately and shipped securely.

Related Items:

US MARINE CORPS VINTAGE 10.5 INCH DECORATIVE PLATE USED EXCELLENT CONDITION

$40.00

---

US Marine Corps USMC Metal Car Emblem -Eagle & Globe - Bronze -

$14.00

---

US Marine Corps 1775-2025 250th Anniversary Challenge Coin Military Veteran Gift

$16.95

---

---