Turn Custom Coins Into Custom Medallions & Medals

Custom challenge coins are a highly versatile way to raise funds, promote team spirit and camaraderie, and reward outstanding performance. But did  you know you can easily turn your challenge coin design into custom medals and medallion, making them extra noteworthy for competitive events?

Making Medals Meaningful

Medals of all kinds are a time-honored way to celebrate achievement and excellence. The Olympic Games are a perfect example.

The top finishers in each event receive gold medals in recognition of their accomplishments in their particular event. They, and the second- and third-place finishers who receive silver and bronze medals, respectively, can proudly wear their medals at ceremonies honoring international peaceful cooperation and competition.

Definining the Difference

Turning custom coin designs into medals and medallions is easy. Let’s take a look at how to do so, and at the benefits of medallions. 

A note about definitions of medal and medallion: While the terms are often used interchangeably, medals typically come with a ribbon or pin for wearing, while medallions may be larger and are often designed for display rather than wearing.
Challenge Coins or Medallions?

When deciding between a coin or a medallion, it helps to understand the differences between the two.

Size 

Challenge coins typically range from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. That size makes them ideal for every day carry purposes. You can slip them into a pocket or purse for a constant reminder of achievement and camaraderie and as a source of motivation. Medallions, on the other hand, often measure 3 inches or larger. Their increased size is better suited for a stationary display on a desk or wall.

Weight and Material

Challenge coins offer a comfortable heft and reassuring solid feel in the hand. With their larger size, medallions have an even more substantial presence. They carry an inherent sense of prestige, making them perfect for awards, recognition pieces, and collectibles.

Display

As noted, challenge coins are exceptionally well-suited for every day carry as motivational items. They also can be shown in display cases, or specialized holders. Medallions, on the other hand, typically come with ribbons or chains, enabling them to be worn at events or displayed in a prominent place such as hanging in a display case on a wall. 

By their size alone, medallions lend themselves to a more visually imposing display, but a sizeable collection of challenge coins is notable in its own right.

Choosing a Medallion Instead of a Coin

If you’re uncertain about choosing between a challenge coin and a medallion, consider the event and its purpose. A coin works well when you want a personal, collectible item that recipients can carry with them. If you’re recognizing achievements, rewarding winners, or creating a display-worthy keepsake for a major event, a medallion can offer additional grandeur and presence that a coin simply can’t match.

Whether you choose a challenge coin or a medallion, it’s easy to create outstanding designs by following a few basic steps.

Start With a Design That’s Right For You

You know challenge coins are an outstanding way to promote your brand, celebrate company and personal milestones, and commemorate special events. Custom medallions are equally memorable, and creating them begins exactly the same way: with your design.

When creating your design, focus on the event you want to commemorate and the person or people you want to honor. Your design should contain images or text that will be meaningful to the recipients.

Feel free to brainstorm when creating your initial design. Think about all the possibilities. Later, you can edit them down to what looks best. At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, our experienced staff will help you distill the essence of your design to create the perfect memento.

Factors Affecting Your Design

Some key factors to consider for your coin or medal/medallion include size, shape, colors, and options. We’ll review the basics here,  but for a more detailed description of how to create a great coin or medallion, please see our Design page.

Shape: Contrary to what you might think, you’re not limited to just standard round shapes when ordering. You can order custom coins, medals and medallions in virtually any shape you can imagine.

Size: From small coin sizes up to large medallions, you have total flexibility to create exactly the size you want. Bear in mind that the larger the coin or medallion size, the more the coin or medallion will cost.

Colors: Choose colors that are appropriate for your design. Select metal colors from brass, gold, silver, copper, or black nickel. Most of these metal options are available in either polished or antique styles. Then choose metal colors that match your design. This is an area where your coin provider can be helpful in deciding which one works best for your design.

Options: To make your coins extra distinctive, you can add options such as diamond-cut edges, cutouts, sequential numbering and others. You can personalize your coins or medallion just about any way you like.

Ordering Coins, Medallions and Medals

At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we are dedicated to top quality products, great pricing, and the best customer service you’ll find anywhere. Our talented, experienced team will work with you every step of the way to help you create the perfect custom coins, medals or medallions for your specific need. 

Want to learn more about custom medallions, medals or coins? We’re here to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to call us toll free at (855) 272-8451, or email us at [email protected]. If you 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. Our team will work with you to create the perfect design for your needs. Let us show you how easy it can be!