Firefighter Challenge Coins

Custom fire department challenge coins are created with a specific team in mind. No two coins are ever the same, just as no two fire departments are the same. First responders around the world work tirelessly to save lives, preserve property and even put their own lives on the line to keep communities safe. Reward their commitment and courage with a high-quality

custom firefighter coin.

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Firefighter Challenge Coins

Firefighter Coins

Firefighters and first responders work around the clock to preserve life and property, which is why so many choose to create custom coins that honor their courage and commitment. The firefighter coin designs we make are personal and meaningful and they become a symbol of the group’s identity.

Firefighter 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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Does Your Department Need Firefighter Challenge Coins?

If you need custom coins for your department, you’ve come to the right place. The coin on the left is one of several we have created for the Cheviot Fire Department in Ohio. The department Chief has been sending us design ideas since 2012, and we have made custom coins celebrating the town's bicentennial, honoring firefighters in the department, and representing the big city spirit and small-town charm of Cheviot.

Departments all over the country partner with us to create custom coins for celebrations, for fundraising efforts and for recognizing the excellent service of their firefighters. This fire department challenge coin is beautifully crafted with high polish gold plating and carefully formed 3D design elements, and is the perfect example of our exceptional quality and artistic ability.

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All of the artwork we produce is custom made from the ideas provided by our clients, making each coin one of a kind. If you have an idea for your own set of firefighter coins, give us a call today to get started.

What Are Firefighter Challenge Coins?

Custom firefighter challenge coins honor courage and commitment and are used by all kinds of different teams across the world. We make coins that celebrate promotions and retirements, and others are carried as a source of courage with the fireman's prayer pressed into the metal. Some departments like to order bottle opener challenge coins so everyone is ready to pop a cold one after a shift together. No matter the purpose or style of a set of coins, firefighters are supposed to carry one custom coin from their department at all times.

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They become something for everyone in the department to share. For rookies, firefighter coins are a great way of being introduced to the team. For veterans, they are a reminder of the years of service shared with others in the station. The firefighter coin designs we make are personal and meaningful and they become a symbol of the group’s identity.

Most Popular Fire Dept Challenge Coin Designs

Firefighter coin designs are unique to every department. Over the years we’ve been lucky enough to partner with some of the largest departments in the world like the New York City Fire Department, but our team helps all kinds of different fire departments across the country come up with the perfect coin designs. Some of the most popular inspirations for any fire station’s coins are department emblems, inspirational quotes and the famous Maltese cross.

Almost every fire department emblem across the country incorporates either the Maltese cross or Florian cross in the design. Both are historically significant symbols that are now associated with the important qualities of a first responder like resourcefulness, sympathy and perseverance among many others. Including something like your department’s emblem or Maltese cross on your custom challenge coins is one of the best ways to make the design more personal and meaningful.

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No matter the case, the design is left up to you. Just let us know what you think will fit best, and we’ll make it happen. We take pride in our work and feel honored knowing that our coins are carried by courageous firefighters all over the world.

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Firefighter Challenge Coin Customizations

When you come to us to create your own challenge coin for the members of your station, you can expect to get your fire dept challenge coins custom made in three easy steps:

  • First, send us your ideas through an online form submission anywhere on our website (you can even download the Signature Coins challenge coin template to make sending us your ideas easier), or by giving us a call. We will then contact you and send you a free proof between 24 and 48 hours later, along with a free price quote.
  • Second, review your challenge coin proof for any possible spelling errors, or other modifications you would like to add and get free unlimited revisions during this phase.
  • Third, when your coin passes your approval, finalize your order, and we will start the custom coin creation and shipping phase. You can expect to have your challenge coin at your fire department in 14 days or fewer.

A follow-up: This is not a necessary step, but we would be very appreciative if you reviewed our work on Google and Facebook. We take great pride in our artwork and designs and hope that our customers do too. Show off a picture of your challenge coins on social media and review us to show your appreciation.

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Ordering Your Own Firefighter Challenge Coins

Custom firefighter coins are carried as a symbol of camaraderie and are awarded to the incredible men and women who are first to respond when disaster strikes. Whether you’re looking for the perfect HAZMAT challenge coin, wildland firefighter challenge coins or any other kind of firefighter coin, our Signature Coins team has everything you need to get started.

All of our products are backed with a 100% quality guarantee and come with an industry-leading turnaround time of 14 days or fewer. This combined with our free artwork and unlimited revisions makes Signature coins the premier challenge coin maker available online. If you have an idea for the perfect coin design, give us a call today, and see how we can help bring your vision to life.


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Download Our Design Template

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.

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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