Creative Control: A Guide To Designing The Perfect Challenge Coin

The thought of creating a custom challenge coin might seem like quite an undertaking, but it doesn't have to be. With awareness of a few simple details such as the shape, size, color, and imprint of your design, it’s easy to create attractive, meaningful coin designs.

Challenge coins are useful for everything from commemorating special events, family milestones, and professional achievement to marketing and promoting businesses of all sizes. It's fun and easy to produce the perfect challenge coin once you understand the basics.

The Concept

First, you need to come up with an idea. Start with what you want to highlight on your coin. If there is a specific image or logo that is associated with your company, brand, or organization, make it a part of the scheme. A logo is an essential part of corporate coins.

Consider how much detail you want to include, and what the coin will represent. For example, on memorial coins you can use dates, locations, and text to add a memorable touch. You can also add imagery along with text, of course.

Offset printing can even add photorealism to your coin. Your coin provider will work with you on what elements work and what won't. This will ensure that your custom coins say precisely what you want them to.

Text and Typography

It’s important to consider the text, font(s), and typography used on your custom coin. It's easy to overlook the style of your written text and typography. Think carefully about the look you want for every aspect of your coins, including the text.

Size and Shape

Next, think about your challenge coin's dimensions. The most common challenge coin sizes are 1.75 inches and 2 inches. These sizes are large enough for most designs, letting you include fine details while getting your point across.

Keep in mind that you can create challenge coins are created in virtually any shape or size. While more intricate patterns and images look better on larger coins, smaller coins will have a big impact too. Don’t be afraid to create an original coin that really stands out.

More Choices

Finishes

You can choose from a range of finishes to give your challenge coins that perfect look. Traditional coins look exceptional in brass, though gold and silver are popular options as well. Both polished and antique finishes are available. Polished gold metal, polished silver, black nickel, polished brass, or polished copper are sleek. The antique gold, antique brass, antique silver, or antique copper offer a timeless touch. You can even choose a duo-tone effect with two different finishes.

Color Options

Another way to make your custom coin design stand out is by adding color to it. Color enamel can be added to your artwork once it is struck into the metal. The recesses of the coin are filled with enamel paint and then cured at high heat. The result is an attractive and durable object with a bold, eye-catching appearance. Adding color is an outstanding means to make your coin even more memorable, especially for corporate coins.

Edge Options

If you want to add an elegant touch to your coins, add a diamond cut edge that will complement your design. The standard smooth edge is a classic look. Other options such as a rope-cut, cross-cut, or wave-cut edge can help your coins stand out even more, and be more meaningful to recipients.

Rope edges are typically found on Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard coins. Cross-cut edges offer a unique touch that increases the reflective surface area of the coin.

A wave-cut edge mimics the motion of ocean waves, while the slash-cut edge features semicircular divots cut beneath the coin’s rim. Other edge option choices include the oblique cut edge, which enhances the reflectivity of the coin. A reeded edge gives the coin a series of grooved lines just like a currency coin. Choose wisely and add visual intrigue to your coin.

Other Choices

Other options can enhance the style and look of your coins even more. Epoxy coating is a perfect way to protect coins from wear and tear. This is especially effective for coins with color, keeping them safe from scratches and dings. A 3D object can make your coins truly memorable. These coins pop with detail, though you are limited on some other options.

Custom cutouts add an dramatic look to your design. The open space provides a bold touch in contrast to the solid areas of the coin. Sequential numbering is a great way to turn coins into a true limited edition, adding an exclusive appeal.

You can even go beyond the customary function of a challenge coin. Any custom coin can be transformed into a keychain or a bottle opener. The keychain attachment is a timeless reminder for your recipients, while a bottle opener is memorable and useful.

Supplier Details Matter Too

Challenge coins are made to say and show exactly what you want. At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, that is what we do. Not only do we take the purpose and production of coins seriously, we also take the presentation seriously. We offer a range of presentation and packaging options as well.

We ship our coins individually packaged in clear PVC pouches. We are able to package your coins in several different ways. A velvet bag adds a touch of elegance, while a see-through coin capsule keeps your coin protected and easy to display.

The velvet presentation box is timeless and perfect for gift presentations. You may also choose a coin stand, which provides an ideal way to display your coin on a shelf. An acrylic box is a classic approach, keeping the coin safe and displayed on one side. We even offer a custom pouch insert for the PVC pouch with additional information regarding your coin.

It's all about the details. The key to an excellent coin design is getting what you want. At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we take pride in every coin we craft. We are happy to work with you to bring your concept to life, and we have an incredible team to do so.

With more than 20 years' experience, we make the entire design and order process fast, easy and fun. We provide free artwork and revisions, ensuring that your design will look exactly the way you want it to. This lets you experiment with your coin until it's perfect prior to production.

With the use of high-quality materials, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality coins on the market. We stand behind everything we sell with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and each coin is inspected by hand before being shipped. Should one of our coins be defective in materials or workmanship, we will replace it at no added cost.

Designing challenge coins isn’t hard. We’re here to work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the perfect coins for your needs. It’s our job to turn your design into terrific looking coins. Give us a call at (855) 272-8451, email us at [email protected] or get a free quote and let us show you how easy it can be!