How To Pick The Best Options for Your Army Challenge Coins

How To Pick The Best Options for Your Army Challenge Coins

Choosing the right options to give Army challenge coins extra appeal

Challenge coins have long been a special part of Army life. In recent years, coin suppliers have introduced a range of great looking options that can personalize Army challenge coins even more.

The traditional challenge coin dates back a full century to the U.S. Army Air Service of World War I. At the time, aerial warfare was in its infancy. Well, at least with powered aircraft. Man-carrying kites were used in ancient China, and balloons were used in war as early as the third century A.D.

Legend has it – and it’s worth noting that this has never been proved – that a rich lieutenant created the first custom coins for his Army Air Corps squad in WWI. When one member was shot down, he was able to escape to French territory. With the aid of the coin to prove his identity, the airman was able to be returned safely to his unit, rather than being shot as a suspected German saboteur.

The original coin designs were fairly simple, but have grown increasingly intricate over the years. Today, you can choose from the classic monochromatic look or add colors to your custom Army challenge coins. Edge designs, cutouts, sequential numbering and even custom shapes are possible.

Start with the metal color of your coins. A good coin supplier can offer a range of choices, including gold, silver, brass, black nickel, copper, or even a duo-tone combination of two colors. Select between the standard polished metal or an antique look. It’s up to you. You know which suits your Army challenge coins best.

You can add color to your designs as well. The resulting image stands out boldly from the standard die-struck appearance.

A good coin provider will offer custom shapes at no extra charge. You’re not limited to just round coins. Consider how your design would look in a unique shape. The graphic artists at your coin provider can help you decide.

Cutouts can add dramatic flair to many coin designs. The open space sharply contrasts and highlights your chosen design. Combine cutouts with diamond-cut coin edges for a really bold appearance.

Want to add an additional message or comment to your coins? Engraved edge text makes it possible. If you’d like to add an extra element of exclusivity to your custom Army challenge coins, your entire order can be sequentially numbered.

If you’d like to encourage recipients to use your coins on a regular basis, you can even turn them into bottle openers or keychains. A good coin supplier can advise you on what styles and options work best for your needs.

No matter what options you choose for your coins, a reputable provider is a must. At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we have nearly 15 years’ experience creating great looking, durable custom coins for every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. We offer outstanding prices, the most flexibility in coin design you can get anywhere, and our legendary 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We look forward to serving all of your needs for Army challenge coins!


Rick Cundiff

Rick Cundiff

Content Director, Blogger

Rick Cundiff spent 15 years as a newspaper journalist before joining TJM Promos. He has been researching and writing about custom challenge coins and other promotional products for more than 10 years. He believes in the Oxford comma, eradicating the word "utilize," and Santa Claus.