What materials are your challenge coins made from?

Our standard coins are die struck from a zinc alloy, then electroplated in the finish you choose and color filled with enamel if your design calls for it. The metal you see and feel on a finished coin is the plating, not the base. That is why a zinc coin plated in polished gold looks exactly like a gold coin made from any other base metal.

Quick answer: zinc alloy captures finer detail than harder metals, takes every plating and enamel option we offer, works for custom shapes and 3D designs, and costs less to make and ship. It is our standard for every coin because it gives you the best-looking coin for the money.

Why do we make our coins from zinc?

When a coin is struck, molten or softened metal has to flow into every line of the die. Zinc alloy fills a die more completely than harder metals, so tiny text, thin outlines and sculpted 3D relief come out crisp instead of soft. That same workability is what makes custom shapes , cut-outs and decorative edges practical on a coin of any size.

Zinc also plates beautifully. Because the plating layer is what carries the color and shine, a zinc coin in antique silver or polished gold has the same depth and luster as a coin struck from a more expensive base metal. Using one standard material also means one proven process from artwork to finished coin, which keeps quality consistent from your first order to your fiftieth.

Eight zinc alloy challenge coins with the same cobra design: polished gold, silver, copper and black nickel on the top row, and antique gold, silver, copper and dyed black metal on the bottom row
One zinc alloy coin design in eight finishes: polished gold, silver, copper and black nickel (top) and antique gold, silver, copper and dyed black metal (bottom). The plating, not the base metal, determines the look.

What are the benefits of zinc challenge coins?

Benefit What it means for your coin
Sharper detail Small text, fine lines and sculpted 3D elements strike cleanly, even on smaller coins
Every finish available Polished or antique gold, silver, copper and black nickel, plus dual plating and iridescent finishes, all plate evenly over zinc
Full color options Soft enamel, hard enamel, translucent colors, digital printing and epoxy domes all work on a zinc base
Design freedom Custom shapes, cut-outs, bottle openers, decorative edges and edge text are all practical in zinc
Lower price Zinc costs less than harder base metals, so more of your budget goes to size, color and options
Lighter to ship Lower weight per coin keeps large orders affordable to ship and easy to carry to an event
Lead-free Safe to handle, present and display

See how size, color and options affect the price of a zinc coin on our pricing page .

Do zinc coins look or feel different from brass coins?

Not in appearance. Plating covers the base metal completely, so a polished gold zinc coin and a polished gold brass coin are indistinguishable side by side. The one difference is weight: zinc is slightly lighter than brass for the same diameter and thickness. Most people never notice, and if you want a coin with more heft in the hand, choosing a larger diameter or a thicker coin adds weight without changing the material.

How durable are zinc challenge coins?

Zinc alloy is a rigid metal that holds its shape and its struck detail for decades. The plating layer seals the surface against moisture, and the enamel sits in recessed areas where the raised metal protects it from rubbing. Zinc does not rust the way iron or steel does, and the plating keeps it from tarnishing under normal conditions.

Like any plated coin, a zinc coin should be kept away from metal polish, abrasives and harsh chemicals, which attack the plating rather than the metal underneath. A little routine care keeps it looking new for years.

Which finishes and options work with zinc?

All of them. Every plating, color fill , shape, edge and add-on we offer is designed around a zinc base, so you never have to check whether a feature is compatible with your material. Browse the full list on our coin options page .

Ready to see your design in metal? Request a free quote and our team will walk you through sizes, finishes and colors.

FAQ

Do you offer brass challenge coins?

Our standard coins are all zinc alloy, and that is what we recommend for nearly every project. If your project specifically requires brass, we can source it on request. Brass coins are custom quoted rather than priced from our standard pricing, so contact us with your design, size and quantity and we will put together a quote.

Are zinc challenge coins safe and lead-free?

Yes. Our zinc alloy coins are lead-free and safe to handle, present and display.

Will a zinc coin rust or tarnish?

Zinc does not rust the way iron or steel does, and the plating seals the surface against moisture. Fingerprints and dust wipe off with a soft, dry cloth. Keep coins away from metal polish and harsh chemicals, which attack the plating rather than the zinc underneath.

Does the material affect the price?

Not for our standard coins. Every standard coin is zinc, so price is set by quantity, size, and the finishes and options you choose. Brass is the exception and is custom quoted on request. Our pricing page shows exactly how each one changes the cost.

Support Topics

Product

What materials are your coins made from? How to properly care and maintain your challenge coins. What is the most popular size for a challenge coin? What is the average weight of your standard size custom challenge coin? How thick are your challenge coins? What is the difference between types of coin finishes or plating? Are any of the materials used to create my coins toxic? What presentation options do you offer? What is included in my belt buckle order? How big is too big for a custom belt buckle? Can I order medals and medallions from you too? Do you offer other products besides challenge coins?