quickstartGuides

Quick guide for challenge coins

Here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to challenge coins—covering key basics, uses, and how to get started:
Key Design Features to Know
● Size: 1.5–2 inches (standard); larger for more detail.
● Shape: Round (most common/fastest to make); custom shapes (e.g., shields, logos) for uniqueness.
● Material: Zinc alloy (affordable, durable); premium options (brass, silver) for high-end coins.
● Finishes: Polished (shiny), matte (subtle), antiqued (vintage), or dual-tone (e.g., gold/silver).
● Coloring: Soft enamel (budget-friendly, textured), hard enamel (smooth, durable), or UV print (vibrant, detailed).

How to Get One Fast ？

1. SEND US YOUR IDEAS

All great designs begin with an idea.We offer free, high-quality artwork
to every customer, and our team works until you're 100% satisfied.
●Define Purpose: Honor, promote, or collect? This shapes design.
●Simplify Art: Use existing logos/dates; limit colors (1–3) for speed.
●Pick Standard Options: Round shape, zinc alloy, polished finish = fastest production.
●Approve Proofs Quickly: Check logo, text, and colors—avoid over-tweaking

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.

3. APPROVE & PURCHASE

Give us the green light,and we'll get to work producing your coins. We offer various payment methods to suit your needs.
From the moment we receive your payment,the turnaround time is usually 2 to 3 weeks，depending on the number ordered and how many other orders we're completing.

GET A FREE PROOF & QUOTE NOW！

HOW COINS ARE MADE

Challenge coins are crafted through a multi-step process that combines metalworking, design, and finishing techniques to transform raw materials into custom, detailed coins.Here’s a breakdown of the standard manufacturing process:

Challenge Coin Production Gallery

Diqital Proof

Mold Carving

Coin Mold

Stamping

Raw coins

Polishing

Plating

Enamel Filling

Hand Painting

Transportation

1. Design Finalization

Before production begins, the coin’s design is finalized and converted into a digital format
(usually vector art, like AI or EPS files). This design includes:

● Artwork for both sides (logos, text, symbols, or 3D elements).

● Specs like size (typically 1.5–2.5 inches), shape (round, custom, or die-cut), and edge style (plain, reeded, or engraved).

2. Die Creation

Dies are metal plates (usually made of steel) that act as stamps to imprint the design onto the coin.

● Engraving: A computer-controlled machine (CNC router or laser) carves the design into the die, with raised elements (relief) and recessed areas (intaglio) matching the coin’s intended details.

● Hardening: The die is heat-treated to make it durable enough to withstand repeated stamping without wearing down.

3. Stamping (Coining)

The blanks are stamped with the dies to imprint the design.

● Pressing: Blanks are placed between the two dies (for two-sided coins) in a hydraulic press. The press applies extreme pressure (up to 100 tons) to force the metal into the die’s shape, creating raised reliefs and recessed details.

● 3D Details: For coins with 3D elements (e.g., sculpted logos or textures), additional stamping passes or specialized dies may be used to deepen the relief.

4. Edge Treatment (Optional)

The coin’s edge is finished to add texture or text:

● Reeded:Parallel grooves (like on US quarters) for grip.

● Engraved: Custom text (e.g., “Honor” or a unit name) stamped into the edge.

● Plain: Smooth, unadorned edge (simplest and fastest).

5. Plating (Finishing)

The coin is coated with a metal finish to enhance its appearance and protect against wear. Common finishes include:

● Polished Gold/Silver/Nickel:A shiny, reflective coating for a classic look.

● Matte: A dull, non-reflective finish for a modern feel.

● Antiqued: A chemical treatment that darkens recessed areas, creating a vintage, aged look (paired with polished highlights on raised details).

● Dual-Tone: A combination of finishes (e.g., gold on raised areas, silver on recessed) for contrast.

6. Coloring (If Applicable)

For coins with color (enamel or UV print), this step adds vibrancy to recessed areas:

● Soft Enamel:

● Recessed areas are filled with colored enamel (a glass-like paste) by hand or machine.

● The coin is baked to harden the enamel, leaving a slightly textured surface (enamel sits below the raised metal edges).

● Hard Enamel:

● Recessed areas are filled with enamel, then baked and polished to create a smooth, flat surface (enamel is level with the raised metal).

● UV Printing:

● A digital printer applies full-color ink directly to the coin’s surface, cured instantly with UV light. Ideal for intricate, multi-color designs (e.g., photos or gradients).

7. Quality Control & Packaging

The coin is coated with a metal finish to enhance its appearance and protect against wear. Common finishes include:

● Inspection:Coins are checked for defects (e.g., uneven plating, smudged enamel, or misaligned designs). Imperfect coins are discarded or reworked.

● Packaging: Final coins are packaged (e.g., poly bags, velvet pouches, or custom boxes) based on the customer’s request.

FAQ

1. WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?

Our main products offered are custom challenge coins and lapel pins. In addition, we can also make belt buckles, Fiesta medals, PVC patches, stitched patches, bottle openers, keychains, cufflinks, earrings, and lanyards.

2. I have no artwork, can you help?

Yes, absolutely! We offer FREE art and design services with every order!

3. What is your minimum order quantity?

We have no MOQ! There are certain restrictions on the website quote, so if your order is less than a certain amount, please email us!

4. What file format do l need to upload for my design?

We prefer vectorized files, but we accept ai, pdf, png, jpg, jpeg. There are no restrictions regarding dimensions. A PNG file of resolution 300dpi can also work if you don't have a vector file.

5. Can your company provide professional Pantone color cards for selection?

Usually we recommend customers to enter Pantone's official website to select Pantone color number, or you can directly enter: https://www.pantone.com/color-finder to select, we provide product production according to the color number you choose.

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY ORDER?

Production typically takes anywhere from 8-12 business days depending on the complexity of the design. Shipping takes anywhere from 2-4 days, depending on factors such as weather and other unforeseen delays from UPS or FEDEX. On average, you will have your order in your hand no more than 3 weeks.

7. CAN YOU SHIP TO AN APO/FPO ADDRESS?

Absolutely! We can do this for you, but additional charges do apply for this service. This process involves additional shipping from the U.S. to the APO/FPO destination. The costs vary depending on order size/weight. Contact one of our friendly sales associates to inquire what the cost would be for your particular project.

8. WHAT'S THE SMALLEST OR LARGEST COIN SIZE I CAN MAKE?

We can make designs up to 7 inches in size. Our smallest really depends on the level of detail of your artwork, but typically 1.5 inches is the smallest we make.

9. ARE MOLD'S RETAINED AFTER PRODUCTION OF MY PIN OR COIN?

Yes, we keep all molds on file for up to 2 years from the date of your last order. If you decide to reorder your design within that 2 year time frame you will not be charged for that mold again. The mold will be retained for an additional 2 years following your latest purchase.

10. ARE YOUR PRODUCTS MADE IN THE U.S.A.?

We do have USA manufacturing available, but the cost is significantly higher than what is listed on our site and the turnaround time is much longer than our overseas option. Our main manufacturing facilities are overseas in China.

11. WHAT HAPPENS IF I RECEIVE MY PRODUCT AND THERE IS AN ERROR?

We always strive for every order to be perfect and we 100% stand behind all of our products. However, we are not perfect. If for some reason you receive a product that has a manufacturing error, we ask that you contact us directly. We will ask for a description of the problem along with clear photos of the error within 30 days of delivery. Due to the custom nature of the products, we do not offer refunds. Yet we do strive for a mutually satisfactory solution, which may include remaking the product at reduced or no charge to you, should we find there was an error made.

12. What Are Your Coins Made From?

Common metals include zinc alloy (affordable, easy to work with), brass (durable, rich color), copper (for antiqued finishes), or premium metals like silver or gold (for high-end coins).

13. Can I Use A Side Of A Coin's Mold From Another Order For A New Order?

Yes, molds are for each side of the coin, so if you only are changing one side of your coin the side that remains unchanged will not have another mold fee with your reorder

14. How much are challenge coins?

Challenge coins typically cost $3.00 -$5.00 per coin for a full production run of 100 coins generally speaking. More specifically though, it depends. Challenge coin pricing is dependent on a variety of factors including size, quantity,and coloration.Your organization's insignia or logo, as well as the brand standards surrounding it, will often dictate coloration. The level of complexity, industry standards, and personal preference will dictate the size of the coin