School Coins

School coins

designed for students, faculty and staff are crafted as a symbol of heritage. We specialize in designing custom school graduation coins for universities and military academies, as well as club coins for sports teams, fraternities and sororities. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

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Custom School Coins

Displaying Your School Colors With Pride

Creating a high school or university challenge coin is as easy as jotting down a few ideas and filling out a free quote form. We provide free artwork and revisions, so just let us know what kind of design you need, and we’ll take care of the rest.

School Coin Gallery

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Challenge Coin Customer Reviews

Extremely Impressive / best Customer Service!!!

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I have rarely worked with a company that was so willing and able to go above and beyond to provide a product - they worked with me through changes and last minute requests - and did it all with a willing, can do, happy attitude. Once of the best companies I have ever done business with. Additionally, EXCELLENT product. The coin was exactly as ordered, quality product, impressive!!

Linda P.

Date of experience: February 28, 2023

Great Job Signature Coins!!!

trustpilot-stars

I can't thank you all enough for doing such a great job on our challenge coins! They are perfect! The delivery was here on time…I know I will be ordering many more from Signature Coins! I can't thank you enough for the outstanding job and in such a hurry! You guys are amazing!!! 😊 Lori

Lori C.

Date of experience: January 23, 2023

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Creating a School Challenge Coin From Scratch

Educational organizations like high school, colleges and trade schools design their custom coins using official school colors, mascots and logos. You don’t need to have a coin design prepared when you reach out. We’ll take care of the artwork for you.

You can send us a written description of what you need, and that will be enough to get started. To helps us get a better understanding of what you’re looking for, send us snapshots from Google images, Pinterest or even our challenge coin gallery that show off different elements of artwork and design that you want to include in your design.

Custom Design Options for School Coins and Graduation Coins

Depending on the type of school or university challenge coin you’re looking for, some design options will be better than others. For example, if you’re looking for a mascot design, consider 3D artwork for your coins.

university of west georgia and bakersfield college challenge coin

3D challenge coins have more depth and detail than a traditional 2D challenge coin. A lot of the school coins designed with images of mascots or famous buildings around campus look incredible with realistic 3D challenge coin artwork.

However, 2D coins are still an excellent option. They have a traditional look and feel that anyone with a collection of coins will be familiar with. If you’re looking for ways of spicing up your 2D designs, consider choosing a custom edge or maybe a unique enamel paint.

Some custom edge options for college challenge coins are machined into the coin mold, while others are cut into the coins by hand after the coins are struck. We offer rope, spure, cross cut diamond and oblique edges, and we can also help you create something unique

When it comes to color, we can use the official Pantone colors used by your school. We can also take it up a notch with translucent colors, glitter enamel or glow enamel. Glitter and translucent enamel are both excellent options if you want to brighten up the look of your design while glow enamel ensures that your artwork continues to shine even after the lights go out.

school coins laser engraving full sail custom coin by signature coins

Another excellent option, especially for school graduation coins, is laser engraving. We can laser engrave names, dates and special messages along the true edge of a coin or on the surface of a coin. If you want to include the names of individual graduates or faculty members, just let us know when you request a quote.

We’ll craft a beautiful coin design, and all you need to do is send us a list of the names, dates or messages that you want included on the individual coins. We’ll send that list to our production team so that they can laser engrave every coin, making each one unique.

Pricing and Shipping for University Challenge Coins

We understand that some of the special events where challenge coins are used can sneak up last minute, so our Signature Coins team is dedicated to meeting any kind of deadline imaginable. Our best time so far was a three-day turnaround, and while we can’t match that speed on every order, our typical production time of 14 days or fewer is still faster than the rush service provided by most other custom coin makers.

We include overnight shipping on every order and provide free artwork and free unlimited revisions to every customer. If you’re ready to create your own challenge coin, all we need are a few ideas to get started. Just fill out a free quote form anywhere on our website, and give us a description of the coin design you need. If you have any artwork prepared, feel free to include that as well, but we can create artwork from nothing more than a few sentences describing your design ideas.

coin ordering process by signature coins

Choosing the World’s Finest Free Online Coin Designer

Challenge coin pricing is determined by unit price, and the unit price is based on the size of your coins and the number of coins you order. For a detailed breakdown of unit price, check out our challenge coin pricing page.

However, the best way to get an accurate quote is to reach out to our sales team. Upgrade options like dual plating, 3D artwork and laser engraving will increase the unit price of your school coins, and our team is happy to give you free pricing quotes no matter what type of design you have.

On top of free artwork, free revisions and free pricing quotes, we also include free priority shipping on all orders to the continental U.S. If you need a set of military challenge coins for a graduation ceremony overseas, we also ship to A.P.O., F.P.O. and D.P.O. addresses for free.

Ordering Custom School Challenge Coins From the Best Custom Coin Company Online

Here at Signature Coins, our job is to help you bring your vision to life as quickly and easily as possible. We offer honest and upfront pricing, free shipping and artwork services, and we have a turnaround time of 14 days or fewer.

To get started on your own design, just fill out a free quote form. The custom school coins we help design are used at orientation meetings through graduation ceremonies. We’ve worked with Ivy League schools like Harvard, state universities from around the nation, and local high schools of every shape and size.

Whether you need a set of school sports team challenge coins or a special commemorative coin for students and staff, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today, and let us know how we can help you bring your ideas to life!

Custom Challenge Coin Pricing

Color on Both Sides
(Up to 7 Colors per Side)

Size 50 100 300 500 1,000 2,000
1.5" $5.58 $3.39 $3.00 $2.93 $2.85 $2.80
1.75" $6.32 $3.85 $3.46 $3.42 $3.37 $3.32
2" $7.05 $4.29 $3.97 $3.92 $3.87 $3.82
2.25" $7.67 $4.85 $4.51 $4.45 $4.38 $4.33
2.5" $8.61 $5.75 $5.41 $5.29 $5.28 $5.23
2.75" $9.51 $6.32 $6.00 $5.77 $5.62 $5.57
3" $10.56 $6.88 $6.59 $6.22 $5.98 $5.93
3.25" $14.03 $7.59 $7.26 $6.88 $6.59 $6.22
3.5" $15.43 $8.35 $7.99 $7.56 $7.25 $6.84
3.75" $16.97 $9.18 $8.78 $8.32 $7.97 $7.52
4" $18.67 $10.10 $9.66 $9.15 $8.77 $8.27

Color on One Side
(Up to 7 Colors)

Size 50 100 300 500 1,000 2,000
1.5" $5.27 $3.19 $2.75 $2.70 $2.65 $2.60
1.75" $5.85 $3.51 $3.15 $3.09 $3.03 $2.98
2" $6.42 $3.95 $3.56 $3.49 $3.42 $3.37
2.25" $7.24 $4.65 $4.23 $4.20 $4.15 $4.10
2.5" $8.26 $5.68 $5.23 $4.73 $4.40 $4.35
2.75" $8.99 $6.13 $5.80 $5.43 $5.17 $5.12
3" $9.97 $6.48 $6.37 $6.11 $5.93 $5.87
3.25" $12.76 $7.25 $7.02 $6.74 $6.55 $5.74
3.5" $14.04 $7.97 $7.72 $7.42 $7.20 $6.32
3.75" $15.44 $8.77 $8.49 $8.16 $7.92 $6.95
4" $16.98 $9.65 $9.34 $8.97 $8.71 $7.64

No Color!
(Metal Only)

Size 50 100 300 500 1,000 2,000
1.5" $4.87 $2.99 $2.53 $2.47 $2.42 $2.37
1.75" $5.37 $3.25 $2.82 $2.75 $2.72 $2.67
2" $5.82 $3.55 $3.09 $3.00 $2.96 $2.91
2.25" $6.89 $4.40 $3.71 $3.51 $3.45 $3.40
2.5" $7.29 $4.98 $3.98 $3.94 $3.78 $3.73
2.75" $8.31 $5.68 $5.12 $4.90 $4.68 $4.63
3" $9.21 $6.39 $6.27 $5.88 $5.55 $5.50
3.25" $12.16 $7.04 $6.91 $6.48 $6.13 $5.45
3.5" $13.37 $7.74 $7.60 $7.13 $6.74 $5.99
3.75" $14.71 $8.52 $8.36 $7.84 $7.41 $6.59
4" $16.18 $9.37 $9.19 $8.62 $8.16 $7.25

Mold Setup Fees

Molds are FREE on all orders over 300 pieces

(on coins up to 2.5")

Size 1 Side 2 Sides Order 300+ Coins
1.5" $50.00 $100.00 FREE
1.75" $62.50 $125.00 FREE
2" $75.00 $150.00 FREE
2.25" $87.50 $175.00 FREE
2.5" $100.00 $200.00 FREE
2.75" $112.50 $225.00 -
3" $125.00 $250.00 -
Size 1 Side 2 Sides Order 300+ Coins
1.5" $50.00 $100.00 FREE
1.75" $62.50 $125.00 FREE
2" $75.00 $150.00 FREE
2.25" $87.50 $175.00 FREE
2.5" $100.00 $200.00 FREE
2.75" $112.50 $225.00 -
3" $125.00 $250.00 -

Custom Challenge Coin Edge Options

Choose the Edge Style that fits your needs

Standard Flat Edge

Standard Flat Edge

Rope Edge

Rope Edge

Spur Edge

Spur Edge

Flat Weave Bevel Edge

Flat Weave Bevel Edge

Oblique Edge

Oblique Edge

Cross Cut Edge

Cross Cut Edge

Challenge Coin Plating Options

Antique Gold

Antique Gold

Antique Silver

Antique Silver

Antique Copper

Antique Copper

High Polish Gold

High Polish Gold

High Polish Silver

High Polish Silver

Dual-Plating

Dual-Plating

Additional Challenge Coin Options

Select from a wide array of custom coin options

Spinner Challenge Coins

Interactive coins where part of the coin is designed to spin or rotate freely.

Cutouts

Challenge Coin Cut Outs

Not only can the outer shape of the coin be customized, but the interior areas can be “cut out” as well

3D Challenge Coins

3D coins have an unlimited number of sculpted levels. We can round edges and create smooth gradations.

SignatureCoins-Sequential-numbering

Sequential Numbering

The perfect option for anyone looking for trackable coins or just a fun way to make every coin a little more special.

Glow in the Dark

Choosing from our selection of glow enamels ensures your design will continue to shine even when the lights go out.

Edge-engraving

Edge Engraving

Not only can you design the front and back of your coins, but the true edge can be engraved with messages as well.

Common Challenge Coin Questions

A challenge coin is usually a metal coin or medallion, bearing an organization's insignia, emblem or logo and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, challenge coins were used by the military and displayed by service men and women to prove exclusive membership when challenged, and to enhance the military units' morale.

Historically, challenge coins were awarded by military unit commanders in recognition of special achievement made by a member of the unit. They are also known to be exchanged and traded during recognition visits to different international organizations, bases and service tours. These coins have been heavily collected by active and retired service members and law enforcement personnel for years.

Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and often include popular culture references such as superheroes as well as known characters in a parody. Many companies today are using them to build morale in teams, link people with similar interests and even to promote their brand. Challenge coin designs today are pushing the boundary of what a challenge coin could mean or be used for. One thing is for sure, personalized coins further strengthen the sense of bond within people that both give and receive them.

Challenge coins are often used as a physical token or symbol to represent membership to an organization, unit, or team.

Challenge coins also serve as a lasting personal award for anyone that has received one. Since they are custom and long lasting, challenge coins serve well to commemorate the time and experience put in to overcome overwhelming obstacles or the extraordinary effort and sacrifice needed to reach a given achievement. These keepsake coins become a life long reminder of the achievements made.

Challenge coins can also be used as a token to commemorate a special event or anniversary. You can view some of our commemorative coins here.

Our bravest first responder services also have a history of using challenge coins. Whether for fire departments, emergency medical technicians or law enforcement officers, challenge coins have been used to award bravery, acts of heroism and department camaraderie.

Many companies today have been started by veterans, or are veteran owned and are beginning to use the challenge coin tradition to help represent accomplishments in their businesses. This modern approach to awarding challenge coins has garnered some criticism from the traditionalists. Signature Coins has been making challenge coins for 20 plus years, and we see more and more companies joining in on awarding custom challenge coins to customers, staff, and volunteers. They are using them to build morale in teams, link people with similar interests and even to promote their brand or charities.

Generally speaking you give someone a challenge coin when you want to honor them for a good deed or for their hard work.

Challenge coins still play a major role in the military today, much like a "Thank you Plus" or "Great Job Plus". In the armed forces not every action rates an honorable medal or certificate, for those moments when someone is deserving of more than a thank you, awarding them with a challenge coin fills the gap.

As a very simple miltary example. You're out on a 3 day field op. One of your guys or gals busts their butt during a particularly stressful couple hours of it. Shows great attitude, effort, and was overal top notch. If you tried to write it up, it wouldn't "quite" be "award worthy" but definitely deserved "recognition."

Now even if you’re not a veteran or a member of the armed forces, you can still recognize and award someone with custom challenge coins.

You can use challenge coins to reward employees after the completion of a special project or if huge accomplishments have been made company wide. The coin design can be representative of the achievement, the employee or the company goals. Studies show when employees are recognized for a job well done, they feel more satisfied with their job performance, are more likely to reach for higher goals, and are more loyal to their organizations.

Finding the right time and place to give someone a challenge coin can be, well, a bit challenging.

  • Military tradition has a few ways of approaching this honor. One being "The Secret Handshake" where commanding officers, department officials or the president himself would shake a soldiers hand and "slip" them the coin via the handshake. Transferring the coin shouldn’t be dramatic or obvious, like a quiet wink and a nod, this honor is more personal to the people giving and receieving the award and less ceremonial. Although a bit more obvious, another military tradition is to hand them out in front of a formation or during a meeting, but it's more commonly done one on one.

  • As more civilians and businesses use challenge coins, they have taken a more ceremonious and inclusive approach to awarding them. When looking to give a challenge coin to an employee or team member most businesses will do it during a team meeting. Some businesses have even integrated their employee award recognition into their annual and quarterly ceremonies. Awarding their employees in front of others can be a great way to show the rest of the team that you too can be "recognized" if the effort is there.

  • Modern marketers are also finding that custom challenge coins make for great business cards, so many high end service providers, such as lawyers, accountants and commercial developers are now giving their custom coins out as a means of promoting themselves or their business offerings.

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.

You can view our challenge coin pricing here.

Designing challenge coins is a lot of fun, but there’s also a ton of things to think about before getting started. Luckily, we have years of experience making custom coins, and we’re happy to help you every step of the way.

We have put together a how-to guide that will tell you everything you need to know about challenge coin design.

Challenge Coin Design 101: A How-To Guide For Creating Challenge Coins