Custom Medals and Awards USA

custom medals logo

TOP-SELLING PRODUCTS

A Guide to Designing and Making Your Challenge Coins

how to design a challenge coin

Designing and making your challenge coins can be an exciting and rewarding process. Whether commemorating a special event, celebrating an achievement, or creating a unique keepsake, custom challenge coins are a great way to make a lasting impression. This guide will walk you through the steps of creating your custom challenge coins, from selecting the size and quantity to choosing finishes and presentation options.

 

How to Design a Challenge Coin

These steps will guide you in creating your own set of unique, custom-designed challenge coins to your specifications.

 

Selecting the Size of Your Challenge Coins

The first step in designing your custom challenge coins is selecting the size. Challenge coins come in various sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Standard sizes include 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, and 2.5 inches. For those looking for something unique, you can select a different size or order a sample kit to see and feel the options before deciding.

 

Quantity Planning for Your Coins

The next step is to determine the number of customized coins you need. The quantity you order will significantly impact the cost per coin, with the price decreasing as the quantity increases. For instance, ordering one coin might cost $160, while ordering ten coins drops the price to $22.81 each. The price per coin continues to decrease with larger quantities, such as $7.57 each for fifty coins, $4.52 each for one hundred coins, and so on, with custom quantity options available to fit your specific needs.

 

Choosing Your Finishes

Adding a finish to your custom coins can enhance their appearance and value. Popular finish options include soft enamel fill, which adds 10% to the cost, and hard enamel fill, which adds 20%. Some tooling options are included in the base price, such as 2D tooling and 2nd side tooling. Other enhancements like 3D tooling can be added for an additional $40. You can also choose to include no loop, a reeded edge for an extra $0.25 per coin, or a diamond cut edge for an additional $0.45 per coin.

 

Displaying Your Challenge Coins

The way you display your challenge coins can take their presentation from good to great when they are being given away as gifts or awards. Presentation options range from the individual bags included in the base price to something a bit more elaborate, such as a two-piece clear plastic coin case or an individual clear PVC foldover sleeve. Each of these adds $0.25/coin. For a more premium display, you can choose an upgraded plastic box with foam, which will add an extra $0.45 per coin; a two-piece cardboard box with a cotton insert for an additional $1.00 per coin; or one of many jewelry box alternatives, with either custom EVA inserts or printing, all of which include setup fees and added per-coin costs.

 

Submitting Your Contact Information

Please include your name, email, and phone number to submit your contact information for a full quote on your customized challenge coins. If available, you can also upload your artwork of any designs you want us to provide along with any specific instructions or a shipping address if there is some physical location for us to fulfill at.

 

how to use a challenge coin

How to Use a Challenge Coin

Challenge coins have many uses. They can recognize achievements, build camaraderie, and serve as tokens of appreciation. They can be given as awards for outstanding performance or as souvenirs from special events. Using challenge coins well can make them more meaningful and treasured.

 

How Do Challenge Coins Work?

Challenge coins represent membership, affiliation, or accomplishment within a group. Traditionally, they are exchanged in a handshake, symbolizing trust and respect. They can also be part of a challenge, where members must produce their coin to prove their membership, with those unable to do so often buying drinks for those who can. Understanding how challenge coins work can add to the tradition and meaning behind these custom pieces.

 

FAQs

 

How much do challenge coins cost?

Challenge coin costs vary by size, quantity, and features. Prices can range from $160.00 for a single coin to around $4.52 each for larger orders. Additional finishes and presentation options can increase the cost.

 

How are military challenge coins made?

Military challenge coins are made by designing, molding, and striking the coins. Finishes like enamel fills and plating are then added.

 

How do military challenge coins work?

Military challenge coins symbolize camaraderie and achievement. They are often used in coin checks to prove membership, with non-holders buying drinks for those who have their coins.

 

How to display a challenge coin?

People can display challenge coins in cases, shadow boxes, stands, or frames. Some people use desks or display cabinets to showcase their collections.

 

Creating your own challenge coins is a detailed process that allows for a high level of customization to meet your specific needs. By following this guide, you can ensure that you select the right size, quantity, finishes, and presentation options to create a truly unique and memorable challenge coin. For more information or to start designing your custom challenge coins, visit Custom Medals and fill out the “Get A Quick Quote” form to receive an exact quote tailored to your specifications.