How are challenge coins made?

We create a custom die mold of your coin’s design and use it to mint your order. Then, we finish the coins in your chosen metal plating, fill colors, and put on any last touches your design needs!

How is the die made?

It all begins with creating a custom metal die mold of your coin's design. Using computer controlled machines, we cut a reverse image of your design into the die. We then use the hardened die to strike your design into coin blanks made of sturdy zinc or brass alloy .

Sample Mold for Approval - Not Plated
Sample Mold for Approval - Not Plated

How are the coins shaped and plated?

Next, we add any options that require altering the metal itself, such as cutouts or diamond-cut edges . Then we deburr and electroplate the coins in the metal plating of your choice .

How is the color added?

Once the coins are plated, we fill in colors by hand , using syringes for precision. Then we add any final touches, such as adding the ribbon to medallions . Your coins are heat-cured, carefully inspected, packed in individual PVC pouches (or one of our premium options) and boxed up for shipping!

Ready to start yours? Request a free quote and we’ll send a digital proof before anything goes into production.

A challenge coin packed up in a clear PVC pouch
A challenge coin packed up in a clear PVC pouch

Support Topics

Production

What is the turnaround time for a challenge coin order? How are challenge coins made? What kinds of paints are used to add color to my coin? What is sandblasting? What is die casting? What's the difference between die struck, soft enamel, and hard enamel? Where are your coins made? How long do you retain my coin mold once an order is placed? How do I know when my coin mold is going to expire?