How to Make Your Own Challenge Coin:
A CHALLENGE COIN DESIGN GUIDE

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WONDERING HOW TO CREATE A CHALLENGE COIN?

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to design a challenge coin! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of designing a challenge coin that truly captures the essence of your vision.

We’ll cover the challenge coin design process, and many of the different options that are important to the design, such as size, plating, color, and more. Let’s dive in so you can turn your ideas into a tangible and cherished symbol of pride and camaraderie!

CREATING YOUR COINS IS EASY AS 1-2-3

Follow our three-step process or visit our dedicated customization page for more information on the options that can bring your designs to life.

1. Send Us Your Ideas

All great designs begin with an idea. Send us your design vision, which can be nothing more than a concept, and we’ll develop it for you.

We offer free, high-quality challenge coin artwork to every customer, and our team works until you’re 100% satisfied. Take advantage of our unlimited revisions guarantee.

Due to the customized nature of our products, we can only give you an accurate quote after creating a proof.

2. GET A PROOF & QUOTE

Once our design team has completed your design, we’ll send a proof with the challenge coin cost. Our challenge coin prices are tailored to the job, varying based on intricacy, metal, finish, and any other special additions you want to include.

If you’re unsatisfied with the proof, get back to us, and we’ll revise your design until you get the coin you want.

3. APPROVE & PURCHASE

Are you satisfied with the design? Give us the green light, and we’ll get to work producing your coins. We offer several payment methods to suit your needs, including taking payments over the phone.

Manufacturing your coins can take up to 14 business days, depending on the number ordered and how many other orders we’re working on. Shipping usually takes 2-3 days.

Rather try it than read about it? Use the
challenge coin design tool

DOWNLOAD OUR CHALLENGE COIN DESIGN TEMPLATE

We understand that creating the perfect challenge coin to represent your organization, commemorate an event, or honor individuals is an important endeavor. To assist you in this process, check out our downloadable challenge coin template. The design template will help you better communicate your design and help streamline the entire design process.

HOW TO USE THE DESIGN TEMPLATE

Download It: Simply enter your information to download the PDF.
Print It: To ensure the dimensions are accurate, print at 100% full page.
Design It: Select the options you want by checking the corresponding boxes, and use a pen or pencil to sketch out your design. Make sure to include any verbiage you’d like to see on your custom challenge coin. Not Picasso? Don’t stress, a hand sketch is all we need to get started. Our team of professional designers will help bring your design to life!
Send It: You can take a picture or scan the completed template, and send it in by attaching the image to either our free quote form or an email.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

If you have any questions or require assistance with your design, our dedicated team is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us via email or phone, and we’ll be happy to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Start creating your custom challenge coin today with our easy-to-use template and bring your vision to life!

CHALLENGE COIN DESIGN OPTIONS

Designing a challenge coin offers you a canvas for endless possibilities. Whether you want to encapsulate your organization’s ethos, commemorate a significant event, or celebrate the achievements of individuals in a unique and tangible way, a challenge coin is a great way to do it.

Let’s look at the diverse array of design options available, from traditional emblem designs to modern and innovative options. Whether you’re drawn to classic symbolism or you’re eager to push the boundaries of creativity, we’re here to bring your vision to life through captivating challenge coin design.

CHALLENGE COIN SIZES

The size of a custom challenge coin holds significant importance as it directly influences the coin’s visual impact, portability, and perceived value. The size should strike a balance between being substantial enough to showcase intricate details and being small enough that it is practical for carrying or displaying.

Larger coins often exude a sense of prestige and prominence, making them ideal for ceremonial purposes or display in cases. Smaller coins offer greater convenience for everyday carry and distribution while still retaining their symbolic significance.

Ultimately, choosing the right size for your custom challenge coin ensures that it effectively conveys your message and fits seamlessly into its intended context, whether it be a military tradition, a corporate event, or as a personal memento.

CHOOSING A SHAPE FOR YOUR CHALLENGE COIN

The shape of your challenge coin is almost as important as its size. While you can’t go wrong with a traditional round coin, some challenge coins look better when you choose a custom shape. Luckily, we can create challenge coins for you in any shape you choose. Whether you want to go with a simple shape like a dog tag or you want your coin to be shaped like your design, you’re only limited by your imagination.

CHALLENGE COIN THICKNESS

The thickness of a challenge coin plays a vital role in its design, affecting both its appearance and tactile feel. A thicker coin allows for deeper engraving and more intricate details, which enhances the coin’s visual impact and texture. It also provides a sense of weight and durability, making the coin feel substantial and valuable in the hands of its recipients. A thinner coin will be more lightweight and easier to carry, but it may limit the depth and intricacy of the design.

Choosing the right thickness for your challenge coin is crucial to ensuring that it effectively communicates your message and stands out as a cherished symbol of recognition and pride.

ENAMEL COLORING FOR CHALLENGE COINS

Adding 3D relief to a challenge coin greatly enhances how a coin looks by creating depth and dimensionality to the design. The raised elements stand out prominently, transforming a flat design into a captivating work of art. This added depth not only makes the coin more visually appealing but also adds a sense of craftsmanship and quality that elevates its perceived value.

Things to Consider Regarding Enamel Coloring

Cost: When deciding whether or not to add color, make sure it fits your budget. Die-struck coins are bare metal and are the cheapest options as there is no enamel coloring added. If you decide that adding color is a must, color on one side is cheaper than color on both sides, and we include five colors for each side. Any additional colors added will cost an additional five cents per coin.
Production Time: Another important thing to consider when deciding on whether to add color to your challenge coin is turnaround time. Adding color will increase the production time because each color must be cured after being applied. If you need your coins ASAP, consider going with a colorless, die-struck coin. We always recommend adding an antique finish to coins without color because it significantly increases the legibility of text and the visibility of finer details.
Limitations: One major drawback of enamel coloring is the inability to create gradients. Each color is separated by raised metal, which creates color channels. Another minor downside is the limited color palette. Though we’re limited to the colors available in Pantone’s Solid Coated Library, there are still over 1,000 colors to choose from. If a color you need isn’t available, one of our professional design experts will match it as closely as possible for you.

ADDING 3D RELIEF TO YOUR CHALLENGE COIN DESIGN

Adding 3D relief to a challenge coin greatly enhances its visual appeal by creating depth and dimensionality to the design. The raised elements stand out prominently, transforming a flat design into a captivating work of art. This added depth not only makes the coin more visually appealing but also adds a sense of craftsmanship and quality that elevates its perceived value.

CUSTOMIZE WITH PLATING OPTIONS

The choice of plating for a challenge coin significantly influences its visual presentation. The right plating will enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. Gold plating lends an air of prestige and tradition, making it suitable for commemorating significant accomplishments or events. Antique finishes evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, adding depth and character to the coin’s design.

POLISHED GOLD

POLISHED SILVER

POLISHED COPPER

BLACK NICKEL

BLACK METAL

ANTIQUE GOLD

ANTIQUE SILVER

ANTIQUE COPPER

DUAL TONE

RAINBOW METAL

POLISHED GOLD

POLISHED SILVER

POLISHED COPPER

BLACK NICKEL

BLACK METAL

ANTIQUE GOLD

ANTIQUE SILVER

ANTIQUE COPPER

DUAL TONE

RAINBOW METAL

GIVE YOUR CUSTOM COIN AN EDGE!

Selecting the appropriate edge for your challenge coins is crucial in shaping the perception of your brand or organization. Whether you prefer a standard or unique edge design, it should complement the overall aesthetics of your coins.

We recognize that choosing the right edge can be overwhelming, which is why we provide a variety of edge options. Our designers will help you select the ideal edge for your challenge coins.

Count on us to transform your vision into a standout challenge coin.

FLAT EDGE

INCLUDED

ROPE EDGE

INCLUDED

SPUR EDGE

INCLUDED

REEDED EDGE

+$0.35/COIN

OBLIQUE EDGE

+$0.35/COIN

SCALLOP EDGE

+$0.35/COIN

CROSSCUT EDGE

+$0.35/COIN

BEVEL EDGE

+$0.35/COIN

Have more questions about creating a challenge coin? Challenge Coin Country has answers.

Can I make my own challenge coins?

Yes you can. With help from Challenge Coin Country, you can turn a beautiful design into a real challenge coin. If you need help bringing an idea to life, our professional designers can make it happen.

How much does it cost to make a challenge coin?

The cost of a challenge coin depends on several factors, including:

The number of coins you’re ordering
The size of the coin
The shape of the coin
The design
Plating options
Coin thickness

What are common challenge coin mistakes?

Some of the most common mistakes we see when people are designing a challenge coin include:

Having overly intricate artwork
Making coins too small
Not paying attention to the legibility of the text
Not double-checking a proof before submitting and paying for an order

To help you avoid these mistakes, we offer unlimited free revisions on your artwork and our team is always here to discuss how to make your custom coin look its best.