The first officially recorded use of challenge coins was within the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. But since then, challenge coins have taken off and made their way into multiple different industries. The fact that custom coins have become commonplace in law enforcement and corporate America isn’t where the spread of these keepsakes ends.
have also grown in popularity in places outside of the US. No matter where you are in the world, Signature Coins is the best stop for all of your custom coin needs.
Where a lot of challenge coins are created for specific units and agencies, international challenge coins honor the people working to bring us together. Whether celebrating the brave men and women in allied militaries, the people charged with keeping their communities safe, or anyone in between, international challenge coins are the best way to show your appreciation.
The Department of Justice usually has a reserved approach when it comes to challenge coin design, making the U.S. and Canadian officers riding a pair of killer whales on these coins a fun break from tradition. Creating custom challenge coins is a fun experience, and including a sense of humor in your design will make the final product more memorable and meaningful to the people receiving them.
Military unit coins will often have a sense of fun. The kangaroo and emu, both indigenous to Australia, are not the kind of animals you're likely going to see when visiting the pyramids of Egypt, but including them here was a fun way to reference the Australian Defence Force's contribution to peacekeeping during Operation Mazurka.
Military unit coins will often have a sense of fun. The kangaroo and emu, both indigenous to Australia, are not the kind of animals you're likely going to see when visiting the pyramids of Egypt, but including them here was a fun way to reference the Australian Defence Force's contribution to peacekeeping during Operation Mazurka.
When you create a challenge coin with glitter enamel, you're going to get an unforgettable design. The blue glitter enamel on the front of this coin provides a special shimmer that accentuates the beautiful design of a tiger lying in the snow.
JLL toronto leaf shaped
When you create a challenge coin with glitter enamel, you're going to get an unforgettable design. The blue glitter enamel on the front of this coin provides a special shimmer that accentuates the beautiful design of a tiger lying in the snow.
The Department of Justice usually has a reserved approach when it comes to challenge coin design, making the U.S. and Canadian officers riding a pair of killer whales on these coins a fun break from tradition. Creating custom challenge coins is a fun experience, and including a sense of humor in your design will make the final product more memorable and meaningful to the people receiving them.
Not all challenge coins are designed in a perfect circle. Having an oval shape is a fun break from tradition, and, in this instance, allows enough room for the intricate IDEC design to fit with room to spare.
Cybersecurity Defense Center Challenge Coin
Many of the international challenge coins we help design have their own unique ways of incorporating national flags into the artwork. This Armada de Colombia coin has flags from friendly nations around the edge of the design, while the Colombian flag is flying from the deck of the 3D ship.
The NATO challenge coins we help design are awarded to men and women all across the globe. This design was created for Admiral Manfred Nielson of the German Armed Forces.
The NATO challenge coins we help design are awarded to men and women all across the globe. This design was created for Admiral Manfred Nielson of the German Armed Forces.
The Department of Justice usually has a reserved approach when it comes to challenge coin design, making the U.S. and Canadian officers riding a pair of killer whales on these coins a fun break from tradition. Creating custom challenge coins is a fun experience, and including a sense of humor in your design will make the final product more memorable and meaningful to the people receiving them.
Military challenge coins are made to honor the service and sacrifice of soldiers and veterans. These Canadian Armed Forces challenge coins were created in honor of the organization's 180th anniversary. Having a space for sequential numbering also makes every coin unique.
Out of all the design options we offer, creating a custom shape is one of the best ways to tell a story with your challenge coin artwork. The paw print shape and the K9 skull and cross bone emblem on the front of the coin create a unique tone that tells you a lot about the team these coins were designed for.
Out of all the design options we offer, creating a custom shape is one of the best ways to tell a story with your challenge coin artwork. The paw print shape and the K9 skull and cross bone emblem on the front of the coin create a unique tone that tells you a lot about the team these coins were designed for.
IACA International Association Crime Analysis Coin front
The Latin phrase "Veritas vos liberabit" translates to "The truth will set you free." Including meaningful messages in Latin is a popular way to make any kind of challenge coin a little more special to the people receiving them.
IACA International Association Crime Analysis Coin back
The Latin phrase "Veritas vos liberabit" translates to "The truth will set you free." Including meaningful messages in Latin is a popular way to make any kind of challenge coin a little more special to the people receiving them.
Escuadron Escorpion Colombia Bottle Opener back
Escuadron Escorpion Colombia Bottle Opener
A coin for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police making use of high polish gold plating seems fitting. And at 2.25", the size of this coin is something to reckon with.
A coin for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police making use of high polish gold plating seems fitting. And at 2.25", the size of this coin is something to reckon with.
The oblique edge on this coin creates a beautiful framing effect for the Great Seal of the United States, and the antique gold gives the artwork a classic style.
Royal Canadaign Mounted Police Challenge Coin back
Trap and Skeet Puck 3D front
The front and back of this Australian Defence Force challenge coin have a completely different look and feel. The black and gold design on the front of the coin helps the winged emblem take center stage, while the coat of arms design on the back adds a vibrant splash of color.
Trap and Skeet Puck back
The front and back of this Australian Defence Force challenge coin have a completely different look and feel. The black and gold design on the front of the coin helps the winged emblem take center stage, while the coat of arms design on the back adds a vibrant splash of color.
Including a coat of arms in any challenge coin design is a sure way to make something unique and memorable. For these Canadian Armed Forces challenge coins, the artwork as a classical look and feel thanks to the unique design and gold plating.
We've helped create all kinds of special challenge coins for the Multinational Forces and Observers, and this bottle opener coin is definitely one of the most unique. The crossed guns emblem surrounded by 3D bullets is not something you'd forget.
We make dog tag challenge coins for soldiers all throughout the U.S. military as well as allied military forces like the Australian Defence Force. The colorful flag on the back of this coin contrasts beautifully with the antique metal design.
We make dog tag challenge coins for soldiers all throughout the U.S. military as well as allied military forces like the Australian Defence Force. The colorful flag on the back of this coin contrasts beautifully with the antique metal design.
NATO coins are almost always sure to make use of multiple flags and spread a message of inclusion and cooperation. This dual plated coin, custom shaped like a shield, features a number of different country flags, but also manages to not go over the seven color limit on either side.
NATO coins are almost always sure to make use of multiple flags and spread a message of inclusion and cooperation. This dual plated coin, custom shaped like a shield, features a number of different country flags, but also manages to not go over the seven color limit on either side.
A symbol like the red maple leaf is common on Canadian challenge coins. What this coin does that's unique can be found on the back coin face. The collection of multi-national flags and the MFO logo are presented in great detail.
A symbol like the red maple leaf is common on Canadian challenge coins. What this coin does that's unique can be found on the back coin face. The collection of multi-national flags and the MFO logo are presented in great detail.
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Back
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Front
The combination of translucent red enamel and high polish gold plating makes this coin sparkle as if actual glitter were added to it.
The combination of translucent red enamel and high polish gold plating makes this coin sparkle as if actual glitter were added to it.
Diplomatic Security Service Russia Challenge Coin Front
Diplomatic Security Service Russia Challenge Coin Back
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US European Command Challenge Coin Front
US European Command Challenge Coin back
Brazil International challengecoin back
Brazil International challengecoin front
International police challenge coins come from all over the world. These police coins were designed for the Superintendencia de Seguridad y Custodia in Argentina.
International police challenge coins come from all over the world. These police coins were designed for the Superintendencia de Seguridad y Custodia in Argentina.
Australian-Defense-Challengecoin-back
British - CMDR Josh Wilson front
Embassy of the US Nigeria
embassy of portugal
New Zealand MFO coin
United States Central Command Challenge Coin Front
Aviando Air Base Italy front
United States Central Command Challenge Coin Back
Afganistan 3D Challenge Coin front
Afganistan 3D Challenge Coin back
Japan Challenge Coin front
Japan Challenge Coin back
Iraq Challenge Coin front
Royal order of scotland
Operation Inherent Resolve chalelnge coin
Australian Security Intelligence Organization Challenge coin back
Australian Security Intelligence Organization Challenge coin front
Washington Liaison Office Organization Challenge coin back
Washington Liaison Office Organization Challenge coin
Regiment Challenge Coin front
Regiment Challenge Coin back
It’s tempting to think that international challenge coins begin and end with foriegn militaries, but that’s not the case. Certainly, the tradition of awarding challenge coins begins with the military, and allied soldiers are sure to have been some of the first people to come into contact with the metal medallions. When soldiers from different platoons get together on joint missions, the act of comparing and trading challenge coins is inevitable. While American soldiers almost certainly introduced their allies to the challenge coin tradition, that’s not where the story of international challenge coins ends.
Much like in the States, when soldiers of foriegn militaries retire from service, they take their traditions with them. Because of this, international challenge coins have spread as far and wide throughout other countries as they have in the U.S. We still make our fair share of international military challenge coins for allied nations, but we’re also able to do so much more than that.
As a U.S. based company, it shouldn’t be surprising that our neighbors to the north account for a large portion of our international coin orders. Challenge coins are every bit as common within the Canadian Armed Forces are they are the U.S. Military. From the Royal Canadian Air Force to the Canadian Army, soldiers aren’t likely to leave home without their custom Canadian challenge coins.
Making custom coins for Canadian customers doesn’t stop at the armed forces, however. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are often one of the first things to come to mind when people think about the Great White North. With their distinctive uniforms and their mounted status, the Mounties cut a striking and memorable figure. They also order a lot of challenge coins.
At the end of the day, the custom coins Canada offers her citizens are put to the same use and created for all the same reasons as U.S. challenge coins. Whether it be border protection, fire services or even business coins from companies happy to call Canada home, the custom coins created for our northerly neighbors are always a sight to behold.
To fly from our offices in Orlando, FL to Australia would take at least 21 hours. Luckily, we don’t deliver challenge coins by hand. The fact that we do so much business with the land down under never ceases to impress us. Getting to the point where your business spans the globe in such a way is a source of pride for any company.
Canadian challenge coins are often easily distinguished by the red maple leaf showing up somewhere in their design, but Australian challenge coins don’t carry such obvious markers. Every so often, a design will show up with kangaroos and other Australian wildlife, but other than that, there’s really no clear way to distinguish between an Aussie coin and a coin from another country.
The 501st Legion is a charity we do a lot of work with, and they’re as international as we are. The Australian garrison regularly places orders that seamlessly blend the Legion’s trademark humor with images thought to be unique to the country.
Getting an order in from the 501st is always a good time, but not all Australian challenge coins are all fun and games. In fact, one of our most active international customers is an organization that easily combines Canadian and Australian challenge coins into one.
The Multinational Force and Observers is an organization dedicated to keeping the peace. Built up of soldiers and military personnel from multiple militaries around the world, it’s the one place where you’re guaranteed to get multiple countries represented on one challenge coin. The Canadian and Australian Armed Forces are two participants in the MFO, and their coins are some of the most individually international you’re likely to come across.
The MFO coins are perfect examples of what’s best about international challenge coins: their ability to showcase the things that bring us all together instead of the things that divide us. Whether you’re looking to create coins to honor a joint task force between yours and an allied nation, or just looking for military coins for your favorite unit, you can do so with the knowledge that all around the world others are doing the same thing.
The process for ordering international challenge coins from Signature Coins is no different from the process of ordering any other items from us. The only things to take into consideration are that only orders being shipped within the continental U.S. are eligible for free shipping. However, we have a few inside tricks to help save money on international shipping. Also, if requesting a coin with text on it in a language other than English, we ask that you double and triple check the spelling to make sure we got it right.
Otherwise, all of our customers benefit from the same high-quality products and the same exceptional customer service. We’ve also created the custom coin template to help our customers better organize their thoughts and to sketch out ideas for their challenge coin designs. The challenge coin template is not required to start an order, but it’s a resource that’s available to all of our customers.
When you come to Signature Coins for your international challenge coins, you benefit from our years of experience and a team that’s dedicated to creating the best product imaginable. More than that, you’ll see how hard our sales team works to get you the best deal possible.
To get started, fill out the quote request form which can be found anywhere on our website. Our team of artists will get back to you with your first free proof of artwork in under 48 hours. All revisions and edits to your artwork are completely free. With Signature Coins, you don’t pay a dime until you’re completely certain that the coin you’re seeing is the coin you want.
Contact us today and you’re that much closer to seeing your challenge coin ideas brought to life.
| Size | 50 | 100 | 300 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5" | $6.03 | $3.66 | $3.24 | $3.16 | $3.08 | $3.02 |
| 1.75" | $6.83 | $4.16 | $3.74 | $3.69 | $3.64 | $3.59 |
| 2" | $7.61 | $4.63 | $4.29 | $4.23 | $4.18 | $4.13 |
| 2.25" | $8.28 | $5.24 | $4.87 | $4.81 | $4.73 | $4.68 |
| 2.5" | $9.30 | $6.21 | $5.84 | $5.71 | $5.70 | $5.65 |
| 2.75" | $10.27 | $6.83 | $6.48 | $6.23 | $6.07 | $6.02 |
| 3" | $11.40 | $7.43 | $7.12 | $6.72 | $6.46 | $6.40 |
| 3.25" | $15.15 | $8.20 | $7.84 | $7.43 | $7.12 | $6.72 |
| 3.5" | $16.66 | $9.02 | $8.63 | $8.16 | $7.83 | $7.39 |
| 3.75" | $18.33 | $9.91 | $9.48 | $8.99 | $8.61 | $8.12 |
| 4" | $20.16 | $10.91 | $10.43 | $9.88 | $9.47 | $8.93 |
| Size | 50 | 100 | 300 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5" | $5.69 | $3.45 | $2.97 | $2.92 | $2.86 | $2.81 |
| 1.75" | $6.32 | $3.79 | $3.40 | $3.34 | $3.27 | $3.22 |
| 2" | $6.93 | $4.27 | $3.84 | $3.77 | $3.69 | $3.64 |
| 2.25" | $7.82 | $5.02 | $4.57 | $4.54 | $4.48 | $4.43 |
| 2.5" | $8.92 | $6.13 | $5.65 | $5.11 | $4.75 | $4.70 |
| 2.75" | $9.71 | $6.62 | $6.26 | $5.86 | $5.58 | $5.53 |
| 3" | $10.77 | $7.00 | $6.88 | $6.60 | $6.40 | $6.34 |
| 3.25" | $13.78 | $7.83 | $7.58 | $7.28 | $7.07 | $6.20 |
| 3.5" | $15.16 | $8.61 | $8.34 | $8.01 | $7.78 | $6.83 |
| 3.75" | $16.68 | $9.47 | $9.17 | $8.81 | $8.55 | $7.51 |
| 4" | $18.34 | $10.42 | $10.09 | $9.69 | $9.41 | $8.25 |
| Size | 50 | 100 | 300 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5" | $5.26 | $3.23 | $2.73 | $2.67 | $2.61 | $2.56 |
| 1.75" | $5.80 | $3.51 | $3.05 | $2.97 | $2.94 | $2.88 |
| 2" | $6.29 | $3.83 | $3.34 | $3.24 | $3.20 | $3.14 |
| 2.25" | $7.44 | $4.75 | $4.01 | $3.79 | $3.73 | $3.67 |
| 2.5" | $7.87 | $5.38 | $4.30 | $4.26 | $4.08 | $4.03 |
| 2.75" | $8.97 | $6.13 | $5.53 | $5.29 | $5.05 | $5.00 |
| 3" | $9.95 | $6.90 | $6.77 | $6.35 | $5.99 | $5.94 |
| 3.25" | $13.13 | $7.60 | $7.46 | $7.00 | $6.62 | $5.89 |
| 3.5" | $14.44 | $8.36 | $8.21 | $7.70 | $7.28 | $6.47 |
| 3.75" | $15.89 | $9.20 | $9.03 | $8.47 | $8.00 | $7.12 |
| 4" | $17.47 | $10.12 | $9.93 | $9.31 | $8.81 | $7.83 |
(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 | - |
Choose the Edge Style that fits your needs
Select from a wide array of custom coin options
Interactive coins where part of the coin is designed to spin or rotate freely.
Not only can the outer shape of the coin be customized, but the interior areas can be “cut out” as well
3D coins have an unlimited number of sculpted levels. We can round edges and create smooth gradations.
The perfect option for anyone looking for trackable coins or just a fun way to make every coin a little more special.
Choosing from our selection of glow enamels ensures your design will continue to shine even when the lights go out.
Not only can you design the front and back of your coins, but the true edge can be engraved with messages as well.
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
