The value of a custom project isn’t just the finished metal—it’s the visual progression. This custom police coin case study details the journey of creating law enforcement challenge coins for the Texarkana Texas Police Department, tracking the exact path from customer-supplied reference art, through multiple proof revisions, to final custom challenge coin production.
For this project, we were tasked with designing a 2-inch, two-sided color coin using polished silver plating and a spur edge. The goal was not to blindly copy reference art, but to turn a department’s core idea into a manufacturable, highly authentic piece of unit pride.
1. The Customer Starting Point
The project began with a straightforward brief and a few customer-supplied visual references to communicate the initial direction. The unit wanted traffic division challenge coins that captured a distinct law-enforcement and thin blue line challenge coins aesthetic.
Reference images are useful for establishing a baseline, but they are not production-ready artwork. Our artists had to interpret the unit identity, preserve the important visual cues, balance the front and rear faces, and establish clean metal-to-color separations that could be struck flawlessly on a production line.
2. Navigating the Challenge Coin Design Process
As demonstrated in this custom police coin case study, the first digital proof converted the Texarkana Traffic Division’s concept into a tangible challenge coin layout. This step is critical because it shifts the project from abstract descriptions to a concrete visual that the agency can react to.
Upon reviewing the first proof, the customer requested vital agency-specific changes:
“They really like the design. They did have a few requests. If possible can you replace the patch with our department badge along with ‘Texarkana Texas’ on top and ‘Traffic Division’ along the bottom of the front of the coin.”
— Darren Jones, Traffic Investigator, Texarkana Texas Police Department
This feedback pivoted the artwork from a generic police traffic design to unmistakably Texarkana.
Fine-Tuning Badge Details in Our Custom Police Coin Case Study
When designing custom police challenge coins, small details inside a badge carry significant meaning to the department. During the second revision round, technical challenges arose regarding the accuracy of the inner badge features.
“So why did the seal in the middle of the badge change? Also I need the hash marks circled in red … to be gold as well. If possible try to keep the seal the same as in proof 2.”
— Darren Jones
Our design team meticulously restored the department’s specific badge seal and applied the requested gold plating strictly to the designated hash marks[cite: 1]. Catching these highly specific details during the proofing phase—while changes are still easy to make—ensures the final 3D die perfectly honors the department’s identity.
3. Custom Challenge Coin Production & Final Delivery
Once the agency’s specific revisions were flawlessly integrated into Proof 3, the project transitioned out of the challenge coin design process and into manufacturing[cite: 1]. Confidence in the artwork and the revision progression resulted in an initial order of 100 custom coins for the unit.
The finished product successfully matched the initial vision, merging the authentic Texarkana badge with the requested traffic unit imagery and polished silver finish.
“I received my order and they look great! I appreciate all the patience and assistance yall provided in creating this coin.”
— Officer Darren Jones
The strongest endorsement of the process came shortly after delivery[cite: 1]. In August, the department returned to order an additional 80 coins, which quickly scaled into a second 100-coin repeat order.
Start Your Department's Design
We hope this custom police coin case study illustrates how Challenge Coin Country can turn your references into professional, production-ready artwork.
Explore our extensive gallery of custom department coins to see what is possible, or send us your references to start building your first digital proof today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use our actual department badge on a custom police challenge coin?
Yes. Our design team routinely translates real agency badges, patches, and vehicle graphics into 3D metallic renders. We work closely with departments during the revision process to ensure delicate badge seals and hash marks are accurately preserved in the final coin die.
How does the challenge coin design process work for law enforcement?
The process starts with you submitting an idea, sketch, or reference image. We then create a digital proof for your review. You can request unlimited revisions to fine-tune unit wording, plating colors, and badge details before any physical production begins.
What is the minimum order quantity for custom department coins?
While many agencies choose to order batches of 100 or more to distribute among the unit, we can accommodate smaller runs. For the Texarkana project featured in this case study, the original inquiry actually began at 50 pieces before the department confidently scaled up their order.
