Types Of Custom Challenge Coins
Discover our most popular custom coin categories for your business
Soft Enamel Challenge Coins
Vibrant detail at affordable cost.
- Vibrant colors and texture
- Affordable and detailed design
- Raised and recessed contrast
3D Challenge Coins
Realistic detail with bold depth.
- Realistic sculpted depth
- Stunning visual impact
- Museum quality craftsmanship
Hard Enamel Challenge Coins
Real glass hard enamel coins.
- Smooth, glass like surface
- Premium, high end appearance
- Scratch resistant finish
Die Struck Challenge Coins
Raw metal look with depth
- Classic all-metal, elegant look
- Premier die struck materials
- Weight that feels significant
Challenge Coin Plating Options
Gold Plating
Classic and elegant finish with a rich golden appearance.
Matte Gold Plating
Luxurious satin finish with understated golden warmth.
Antique Gold Plating
Distinct vintage character with deep, burnished gold hues.
Antique Copper Plating
Classic finish with burnished copper and aged depth.
Matte Copper Plating
Contemporary copper tone with subtle, muted glow.
Matte Nickel Plating
Contemporary nickel finish with soft metallic sheen.
Nickel Plating
Bright, mirror-like finish with sleek modern style.
Silver Plating
Striking reflective shine with bold, high-end appeal.
Explore Popular Custom Enamel Coins
How to Order Custom Challenge Coins
Design Your Coin
Choose Your Options
Approve & Produce
Receive Your Coins
Popular Custom Challenge Coin Industries
Military Challenge Coins
Law Enforcement Challenge Coins
Fire Department Challenge Coins
University Challenge Coins
First Responder Challenge Coins
Business Challenge Coins
Charity Challenge Coins
Brewery Challenge Coins
Why Organizations Choose Custom Challenge Coins
Build Team Morale
Strengthen Identity
Memorable Recognition
Versatile Applications
Powerful Marketing Tools
Fundraising
Challenge Coin History
A tradition of honor, unity, and recognition
Origins & Evolution
Challenge coins trace their origins to World War I, when a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medallions struck for his unit. When one pilot was shot down over Germany and escaped to France, the coin saved his life. French soldiers recognized it as proof of his American identity. Since then, challenge coins have evolved from military tradition to symbols of achievement across organizations worldwide. Today, they represent membership, commemorate milestones, and honor exceptional service in military units, law enforcement, corporations, and communities.
Military Heritage
Challenge coins originated in WWI and became deeply embedded in military culture. They symbolize unit pride, camaraderie, and shared sacrifice. Service members carry them as tokens of belonging and present them to recognize exceptional performance or commemorate deployments.
The Challenge Tradition
The 'challenge' involves one member presenting their coin and challenging others to produce theirs. Those without their coin typically buy the next round of drinks. This tradition reinforces the importance of carrying your coin and strengthens bonds between members through friendly competition.
Modern Applications
Beyond the military, challenge coins now serve corporations, first responders, sports teams, and nonprofits. They're used for employee recognition, event commemorations, brand loyalty programs, and fundraising. Custom designs allow organizations to create meaningful keepsakes that recipients treasure for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common materials used for coin emblems?
We primarily use brass and copper for stamped coins, offering a traditional appearance. We occasionally use die casted zinc for intricate designs to achieve exceptional detail.
What are the typical costs associated with production?
The cost is going to vary depending on a multitude of factors, which include:
- Dimensions/Size
- Design Complexity
- Materials
- Quantity
- Manufacturing & Surface Process
We will provide you with pricing within 24-48 hours of receiving all required information.
What are some creative ways to use custom made coins for brand promotion?
1. Loyalty Programs: Offer exclusive discounts or loyalty points redeemable for merchandise with each coin.
2. Event Marketing: Distribute them as promotional items at conferences, trade shows, and industry events.
3. Employee Recognition: Reward employees for achieving goals or exceeding expectations with custom-designs.
4. Brand Storytelling: Issue a limited-edition series, encouraging customers to collect them all.
5. Brand Awareness: Design beautiful custom gold coins with your logo, brand name or slogan that consumers will want to keep and display in their homes or offices.
Can custom packaging be provided and what options are available?
Yes, custom packaging can be provided to enhance the presentation and protection. Options include individual velvet pouches, clear acrylic cases, display boxes, leather boxes, paper boxes, custom-designed packaging with your branding and more.
What is hard enamel? How is it different from soft enamel?
Difference for custom enamel coins:
Hard enamel, also known as cloisonné, is a durable material created by fusing finely ground glass particles to a metal surface through high-temperature firing. This process involves applying the glass powder to the metal, then heating it in a kiln at temperatures around 1,600°F (870°C), causing the glass to melt and form a smooth, hard coating.
The resulting enamel layer is exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant, providing a lustrous and long-lasting finish. So strong in fact that only a diamond can scratch it! This technique has been traditionally used in jewelry and decorative arts to achieve vibrant, glossy surfaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and resilient.
Soft enamel on the other hand is a type of paint and most companies who claim to use "hard enamel" really use imitation hard enamel which is a type of epoxy. Real hard enamel is always manufactured using melted glass particles and is applied all by hand to the badge, coin, medallion or other decorative piece. It is the traditional method utilized throughout history and there are only few modern factories with the capabilities to do this.
Brass vs. Copper. What is the difference?
Custom brass coins vs custom copper coins:
Copper and brass are both popular materials for medals and medallions, each offering unique advantages. Copper is heavier and softer, giving it a premium feel and making it ideal for intricate designs that showcase fine details. Brass, being lighter and stronger, is more durable and resistant to wear, making it suitable for medals that need to withstand frequent handling. While copper develops a rich patina over time, adding character to commemorative pieces, brass maintains a bright, gold-like finish that enhances its aesthetic appeal. Both materials can be used to create stunning, premier coins, medals and medallions.
*We use brass more frequently than copper. It is slightly more cost effective and has a similar surface hue as copper.
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