All The Details! Custom Options To Make Your Challenge Coins Unique

Custom challenge coins are widely popular in the military, and in recent years, in civilian life too. Whether it's to honor achievement, promote team building and unity, or as a memorial, challenge coins have become increasingly popular. 

Challenge coins are attractive custom coins that can be customized in multiple different ways. These coins become special keepsakes, providing reminders and memories of special achievements, occasions and events, whether in the military or civilian life. 

Let’s take a look at the different aspects of challenge coins and the options that help make them stand out. 

Start with the Shape

First, consider the shape you want your custom coins to be. The standard shape for a challenge coin is round. Here’s a little secret: they don’t have to be round! The shape of your coin is the first thing people typically notice, so something besides a round coin is sure to attract attention and interest. 

A good challenge coin provider can create custom coins in virtually any shape you can imagine. Your choices are practically limitless, from state shapes to shapes of ships, aircraft, sports equipment, machines, buildings or just about anything else you can imagine. You aren't limited to common designs, and the shape of your coin is a perfect place to start your design.

Consider the Coin Size

The size of your coin will have an effect on its attractiveness too. Unless it’s specifically intended for a static display, you don't want to create something too big for people to carry. Having said that, you want to craft something substantial that feels like it has some heft to it. Coins are typically between 1.75" and 3" in diameter. This provides a good weight while providing enough space for the artwork of your coin. 

The size and shape of your coin are the basic essentials of your design. Once you have those in place, there are plenty of options to consider that will help your design really stand out. Challenge coins are created to tell a story, so get creative in the artwork you choose. 

Choose a Finish and Colors

Your choice of metal finishes can really elevate your challenge coin design. The most popular choices include polished gold metal, polished silver, black nickel, polished brass, or polished copper. Other finishes such as antique gold, antique brass, antique silver, or antique copper can add a timeless, classic look to your design. You can even choose two different finishes for a duo-tone effect. 

Adding Color 

The traditional die-struck is classic and eye-catching, displaying the beauty of the metal finish without color. If you want to increase the dramatic flair of your design, however, adding color is an outstanding way to make your design stand out.

Add color on one side to highlight an aspect of your design, or add color to both sides of your coin to really make it stand out. If you want to reproduce a company, school or band logo, it’s easy to do. Most good coin providers offer up to five colors at no extra charge, with additional colors available for a slight additional charge. 

Diamond-Cut Edges Add Brilliance and Flair

Challenge coins traditionally feature smooth edges. If you want to add an extra boost of brilliance and flair, consider custom-cut edges. Diamond cut edges are sure to complement your coin's design, adding a classic and elegant touch. In many cases, they’re almost a traditional part of the coin design. For example, a rope edge adds a classic nautical look to Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard coins.

Cross-cut edges adds facets that enhance the brilliance of your coin. With a greater surface area to reflect the light, they’re a brilliant way to show your design.

Wave-cut edges also provide a bright appearance to the surface, and a slash-cut edge features semicircular divots cut beneath the coin’s edge that give your design a bold appearance. An oblique cut edge imparts a sense of movement, and a reeded edge is a series of grooved lines around the perimeter, just like monetary coins.

3D and Other Options

A 3D design is a great way to create visual interest that’s sure to make your coins stand out. The raised surfaces create an eye-catching design that many people find fascinating.

A 3D mold brings out existing depth and detail in your design. Subjects with a lot of texture will benefit the most from a 3D coin. Any images with curved, realistic details will stand out in such a design. Consider using images such as buildings, animals, faces, or anything with sculpted images or rounded edges. Be sure that the image has dimension and detail that can be enhanced with a 3D perspective. 

It’s also easy to add color to 3D coins. That creates a distinctive coin that’s impossible to ignore.

Cutouts

Another bold way to make your challenge coin unforgettable is with cutouts. The open space in your design will contrast with the solid elements to really make a singular statement. The cutouts add significant dramatic flair.

More Options

Want to add an additional message or comment to your coins? Engraved edge text adds an extra personal touch to your coins, increasing their exclusivity. You can also turn your coins into a true limited edition by sequentially numbering each one.

Consider adding an epoxy coating to your coins for added protection from scratches and dings caused by everyday wear and tear. 

We’re Here to Help

You might think creating a great looking coin design and choosing the right options can be difficult. Not so! Creating and designing your own custom coin online is easy! At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we’ll work with you every step of the way to craft distinguished coins that are exactly what you want them to be.

Want to find out more? Give us a call, toll free at (855) 272-8451, or email us. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our no-obligation free quote form and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your design.  Let us show you how fast and easy it can be to create outstanding custom challenge coins!