The tradition of giving anniversary tokens in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) began in the early days of the organization, in the 1940s. The idea was first proposed by a man named Clarence H. Snyder, who was a member of AA and had been sober for several years.
Snyder had the idea to give tokens to members who had reached certain milestones in their sobriety, such as 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and so on. The tokens were meant to serve as a tangible reminder of the member’s progress and to provide encouragement to keep going.
The first tokens were simple, unadorned coins, and were given out by Snyder himself. As the idea caught on, other members began making their own tokens and giving them to fellow members who had reached milestones. Eventually, the tokens became an official part of AA tradition and are now commonly referred to as “AA chips” or “AA medallions.”
Today, AA tokens are given out in many different designs and styles, and they remain an important symbol of progress and achievement for members of Alcoholics Anonymous.
