Texture and Weight: The Custom Options On Custom Challenge Coins

As we move through the physical world, we make choices and come to conclusions based on our senses. When it comes to challenge coins, sight and touch are two of the most important senses.

 While custom coins are made to be eye-catching, have you considered how it feels? Texture, weight, and edging make a huge difference in the feel of a challenge coin. Finding the right balance will offer recipients something they will value and cherish for years to come. 

Factors That Make a Difference

We use dense metals to produce our coins, which offer a nice weight and feel. Each material we use has a slight variation in weight. Thicker coins have a distinctive appeal, and the extra weight makes them feel strong and durable. Other factors contribute to the coins' particular texture and weight as well:

Size and Shape

The most obvious contributing factor to a challenge coin’s weight is, of course, size. The bigger the coin, the more it’s going to weigh. The most popular coin sizes are 1.75 inches to 2 inches in diameter. 

A well-weighted challenge coin has a degree of heft to it. It’s not necessarily heavy, but it has a solid, substantial feel. As a tangible symbol of achievement or membership, it conveys a sense of lasting value.

Shape also affects a custom coin’s weight. You’re not limited to just round coins. We can create challenge coins in virtually any shape you can imagine. Want a coin in the shape of an aircraft carrier? We can do that. Or aircraft, buildings, mountain ranges, you name it. 

Custom shaped coins are not necessarily larger, but often are. That adds weight to give that solid feel, and just the difference in shape alone adds to the meaning of the coin.

Adding Texture

You can easily add a textured pattern to a coin's recessed area, creating an eye-catching background. Another way to enhance the feel and look of a coin is by adding color. This is especially true of unit insignia, company logos, and other designs that feature specific colors.

Enamel color fills not only provide a “pop” to your coin, but will also change the texture. Soft enamel color fills are added to the recessed portions, while the raised lines stop the colors from bleeding together. Hard enamel color fill is filled to an even level with the metal mold and polished, providing a smooth finish. You can also add an epoxy coating to your coin. The clear coating is protective, boasting a smooth, clean finish in the process. 

Choosing 2D or 3D Coins

When you’re ordering challenge coins, you have the option of either 2D or 3D design. You can feel the single raised and recessed areas on the face of 2D coins. The weight of the metal and details such as enamel color fill will influence how your coins feel.

Unlike their 2D counterparts, 3D coins feature an unlimited number of raised and recessed levels, and even rounded edges that create lifelike artwork. That gives them a texture that is distinctly different from 2D coins. You can change the texture on both 2D and 3D coins.

Cutouts

If you really want to add dramatic flair to your coins, consider cutouts. They’re truly a “wow” factor without equal. The visual and textural difference between your solid design and the open space is a bold look and feel that’s both unmistakable and unforgettable.

Edge Options

Another great way to add texture to any challenge coin is with custom edge options. Diamond-cut edges are a time-tested means to dramatically change the look and feel of your coin.

 A custom edge will enhance your artwork and offer an exclusive touch. They change the feel of your coin in the hand, allowing you to feel the intricate cuts and grooves.

Choose from the standard flat edge or others such as cross-cut, rope-cut, and wave-cut edges. Each of these will change the aesthetic of your coin, as well is its feel.

A rope-cut edge lends a nautical look and is always popular for Navy, Marine and Coast Guard challenge coins. Or choose a wave-cut edge to mimic the motion of ocean waves.

A cross-cut edge gives your coin additional facets that increase the brilliance of your coins by giving them more reflective surface area. You can even add a reeded edge to give your coins a classic look like American currency coins. Or add engraved text around the edge for a special message.

Sequential Numbering

If you really want to make the recipients of your custom coins feel special, consider adding sequential numbering to your coins. Create a special limited edition for high value customers, vendors, clients or friends. They’ll be sure to remember your gesture.

A Surprise Twist

Want to give your coins a functional twist? Turn them into keychains! Give the people who receive them something they’ll be sure to use every day and think of you and your organization when they do.

Not interested in keychains? How about bottle openers? Custom coin bottle openers are another popular choice.

Quality Counts

First impressions matter when it comes to custom challenge coins. At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we have crafted challenge coins for more than 20 years. We know what it means to receive a challenge coin, and we know what it takes to make one that recipients will display and carry with pride.

Our exceptional team of artists and graphic designers will work with you to create the perfect challenge coins with the ideal options for your needs. We will make sure your custom coin design looks exactly the way you want. 

Ready to find out more? Give us a call at (855) 272-8451, or email us. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about designing and ordering custom challenge coins. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our no obligation free quote form. We’ll respond with a free digital proof of your design. Ordering great looking challenge coins that recipients will treasure is easy. Let us show you how easy it can be!