Every military challenge coin tells a different story. Some are designed to celebrate the camaraderie shared by a unit of soldiers, while others are earned through sacrifice and courage in the line of duty. No matter the case, soldiers carry the
they earn as a symbol of identity, a source of inspiration and a mark of honor.
There’s nothing quite like the classics, and in challenge coins, military is where it all got started. Today, challenge coins have spread out to just about every profession imaginable, but nothing tops the coins created for the brave men and women who started it all.
Almost all of the dog tag challenge coins we help design come with a small cut out to fit a ball chain necklace like this design. Whether you want to wear it around your neck or secure them to a key ring, this simple option makes it a breeze.
This Desert Knights Army challenge coin makes great use of a 3D coin mold to get as much unique detail as possible. This 3D challenge coin even makes use of glow in the dark enamel for the knights eyes!
Marine Riders challenge coin
4th Expeditionary Aircraft challenge coin front
Not only is this an oversized coin, it's also a coin with a unique texture thanks to the diamond plate pattern serving as the base of the artwork. It's important to create a design that looks good, but changing the way a coin feels is also under your control when designing a custom coin.
(VAQ-138), also known as the "Yellow Jackets", is an expeditionary EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Their radio callsign is "RAMPAGE".
A lot of the military challenge coins we help design draw inspiration from warriors of ancient Greece. This 3D military coin is modeled after a spartan shield. Our artists worked hard to create authentic-looking dents, scrapes and chips in the design to give it a battle-proven look and feel.
This antique gold coin for an Air Force base in Bahrain shows both the U.S. and Bahrain flags surrounded by a common saying heard around the base.
This Chief Master Sergeant coin is presented for excellence on the job. The 3D designed jet presented in antique silver plating stands out well against the red, white and blue soft enamel.
This 3D scorpion, with its scalloped tail, translucent red scales and protruding claws, shows just how creative our customers get when designing a custom edge for their challenge coins. The intricate caduceus over the translucent red Canadian maple leaf and the space for custom laser engravings on the back of the coin help this design make an even bigger impact.
The high polish silver plating makes a big impression in this dog tag challenge coin design. If you look at the rays of light issuing from the Master Sergeant insignia, you can see how recessed sandblasting can add a unique texture to a design and add contrast.
This Desert Knights Army challenge coin makes great use of a 3D coin mold to get as much unique detail as possible. This 3D challenge coin even makes use of glow in the dark enamel for the knights eyes!
Marine Corp red and the eagle and globe emblem are common sights on Marine challenge coins, but this one takes it all to the next level with the custom 3D edge cut in the shape of a dragon ouroboros.
World Tour Tiger EAMU Challenge Coin back
Sometimes a limited number of cut outs is better for enhancing your design. This Coast Guard coin only has two cut outs, but their effect on the coin are undeniable.
(VAQ-138), also known as the "Yellow Jackets", is an expeditionary EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Their radio callsign is "RAMPAGE".
Virginia National Guard
This cut to shape coin for the North Dakota National Guard includes the sapper castle that's so common is Army challenge coins.
For this high polish silver challenge coin, the recessed sandblasting is crucial to keeping the design visible. The engraved sequential numbering also goes a long way towards making each coin unique.
The high polish silver plating makes a big impression in this dog tag challenge coin design. If you look at the rays of light issuing from the Master Sergeant insignia, you can see how recessed sandblasting can add a unique texture to a design and add contrast.
This E-CO2-10 AHB REGULATORS #Challengecoin is dual plated with black nickel as the base, and coated with high polish gold in the center. The gold can be seen through the translucent enamel and the stars of the american flag.
3D and translucent blue lake with scallop edges.
Most of the Marine Corps challenge coins you see have the motto Semper Fidelis inscribed somewhere in the design. This coin opts for a different Latin phrase, Mori Quam Foedari, which translates to "death rather than disgrace."
World Tour Tiger EAMU Challenge Coin Front
Sometimes a limited number of cut outs is better for enhancing your design. This Coast Guard coin only has two cut outs, but their effect on the coin are undeniable.
We've seen all kinds of unique challenge coins over the years, and this Navy Mustangs coin is one of our favorites. Basing the design off Michaelangelo from Ninja Turtles is a sure way to get a laugh, and the incredible amount of detail will inspire people to examine every inch of the coins.
As the largest military base in the United States, Fort Bragg has a huge demand for custom coins. These Fort Bragg challenge coins were created for the United States Army Special Forces Command, and we've created different designs for teams spread across the entire base.
Slightly darker than antique silver, antique nickel coins most closely resemble gunmetal grey. The plating adds a sense of strength and durability to the coins.
One splash of color on a coin with just its plating can be highly eye-catching. The red star on this coin marks the location of the military base the coins were created for.
For this high polish silver challenge coin, the recessed sandblasting is crucial to keeping the design visible. The engraved sequential numbering also goes a long way towards making each coin unique.
One of the coolest features of this dog tag challenge coin is the contrast between the two sides of the design. The front has a wheel of military emblems set against a vibrant American flag design, while the back of the coin uses black enamel to create a much darker finish.
Translucent blue lake with scallop edges.
AGS ATC HQ Marines Challenge Coin
F-35 Lightning II Airforce Challenge Coin 3D
When the majority of your coin is taken up by enamel and recessed sandblasting, a high polish plating can really shine. The custom shape of this coin also goes a long way towards giving it a unique personality.
This high polish silver coin from the U.S. Navy is a tale of two worlds. The front of the coin is elegant in its simplicity, while the back presents a collection of vibrant color most often found on a paint canvas. The sunset scene is presented in bright colors and translucent enamel to best complete the effect.
Star Wars challenge coins are created by members of the 501st Legion for all kinds of reasons, including supporting our Nation's troops. Different versions of this stormtrooper helmet coin were created for members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps.
The names of specific military missions are common on military challenge coins. This antique gold plated coin for an air base in Kuwait is no exception.
One of the coolest features of this dog tag challenge coin is the contrast between the two sides of the design. The front has a wheel of military emblems set against a vibrant American flag design, while the back of the coin uses black enamel to create a much darker finish.
This cut to shape Army challenge coin might not make use of many colors or upgrade options, but it's a great example of the way changing the shape of your coin creates a completely new effect.
Cherne Rangers Marine Challenge Coin
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D front
When the majority of your coin is taken up by enamel and recessed sandblasting, a high polish plating can really shine. The custom shape of this coin also goes a long way towards giving it a unique personality.
This high polish silver coin from the U.S. Navy is a tale of two worlds. The front of the coin is elegant in its simplicity, while the back presents a collection of vibrant color most often found on a paint canvas. The sunset scene is presented in bright colors and translucent enamel to best complete the effect.
Curso De Buceo y Salvamento front
This cut to shape coin for a K9 unit overseas uses the front coin face to present a fearsome image while the back of the coin is dedicated to the recessed text needed to explain the coin's purpose.
The emblems on the back of this coin are unique to the team, but the Nomads chose a lone figure dressed in an EOD suit as the centerpiece of the artwork. Even more unique is the way the bottle open hook is incorporated into the design as the mountain's peak.
This cut to shape Army challenge coin might not make use of many colors or upgrade options, but it's a great example of the way changing the shape of your coin creates a completely new effect.
ROTC and JROTC coins are popular and are often created without any colorfill. This copper coin out of Alaska shows just how impressive these coins are capable of being. And at 1.5", the level of detail in the small space is truly amazing.
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D back
A rope edge is a common sight on Navy and coast guard coins. When the rope edge for your coin doesn't go all the way to the edge, you get the ability to add detail and contrast to the design via colorfill.
The rope edge of this U.S. Navy coin had texture added to it by the recessed sandblasting within it. The result is a coin with a very unique look and feel. The high polish gold plating is also complimented by the dark enamel.
Bricks Across American Challenge Coin front
This challenge coin features a depiction of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. It's a perfect example of just how detailed a 3D challenge coin can get.
Adding enamel on top of a 3D design isn't always an option. That's why this antique silver coin uses a 3D mold on the front, but is 2D on the back to make room for the colorfills.
The emblems on the back of this coin are unique to the team, but the Nomads chose a lone figure dressed in an EOD suit as the centerpiece of the artwork. Even more unique is the way the bottle open hook is incorporated into the design as the mountain's peak.
This cut to shape bottle opener coin uses the natural contours of the helmet it's designed after to hide a bottle opener in plain sight.
Antique nickel plating gives this coin a special and unique coloring. Reminiscent of gunmetal, the plating allows each of the colors to shine while also being more reflective than typical antique platings and less reflective than high polish plating.
Our favorite part of this design is the unique edge. We offer a few different custom edges that can spice up any design, but if you're looking for something unique, we can make it happen.
The rope edge of this U.S. Navy coin had texture added to it by the recessed sandblasting within it. The result is a coin with a very unique look and feel. The high polish gold plating is also complimented by the dark enamel.
Bricks Across American Challenge Coin back
The high polish silver plating and blue colorfill of this coin pair beautifully. Text on high polish coin designs can be hard to read because of the glare, however, the text in this design is colorfilled to add contrast and make the message clearly legible.
Including team emblems in a unit coin design is a great way to make them meaningful to a team, and adding a bottle opener cut out is a great way to boost morale and encourage soldiers to enjoy their days off by sharing a cold drink with their friends.
This U.S. Army Reserve coin is a perfect example of how well gold plating mixes with green enamel. It's also proof you don't have to choose between raised and recessed text.
Marine Aircraft Challenge Coin
Airman Air Force Challenge Coin bottle opener
3D challenge coins are not the only ones capable of exceptional detail. The design of the samurai mask and the detailing around it add a unique look and feel to this high polish gold coin.
Where other coins use different shades of the same color to add detail and contrast to their designs, this coin uses the same shade of blue in each colorfill area. The brush strokes on the 3D portrait on the front coin face give the appearance of pencil marks in a sketch.
Including team emblems in a unit coin design is a great way to make them meaningful to a team, and adding a bottle opener cut out is a great way to boost morale and encourage soldiers to enjoy their days off by sharing a cold drink with their friends.
Combining black metal and gold metal in the same design creates a striking effect. Due to the difference in production for black metal and gold metal coins, combing these two plating styles will add to the production time of your order.
Company-1-Battalion-OCS-Challenge Coin back
Airman airforce bottle opener - custom edge - AS back
Pacific Northwest 122nd Hospital Corpsman Ball Challenge Coin Spinner
It's not often that Air Force challenge coins make use of high polish plating, but when they do, they use it to maximum effect. This silver coin is dominated by colorfill areas, allowing the shine of the plating to work as an accent to the design.
The difference in tone between the front a back of this dog tag challenge coin is striking (pun intended). The high polish silver metal is bright and reflective, ensuring that the black enamel design on the back provides a nice contrast.
Creating a 3D challenge coin is one of the best ways to make larger than life artwork, and when you put a 3D design on an oversized 3" coin like this, you're sure to make a lasting impression.
Company-1-Battalion-OCS Challenge Coin
Including 3D artwork of the vehicles and equipment that soldiers are trained to operate is a common theme in military unit coins, and the black nickel plating of this design creates a unique charcoal effect that helps it stand out from the crowd.
The Great Seal of the United States is a common design on challenge coins. This coin out of a base in Hong Kong uses antique silver plating and a simple red and black colorfill to create a great look at the Hong Kong skyline.
Sometimes a limited number of cut outs is better for enhancing your design. This Coast Guard coin only has two cut outs, but their effect on the coin are undeniable.
This dual plated, 3D molded challenge coin also makes use of cut outs to better help the most important aspect of the design stand apart from the rest of the coin. The raised text and oblique cut edge are also nice touches.
The translucent enamel provides a rich, blue tone on the front of this coin. Translucent colors allow a small amount of light to reach the metal plating underneath. The gold and red color scheme on the back of the coin also has a unique effect.
The Sapper Castle is a common sight for Army challenge coins. Whether the entire coin is shaped like the castle or the castle is just featured on the coin somewhere, those red towers are immediately familiar. This cut to shape coin uses its space well to convey the purpose of the coin, the names of important recipients and important symbols and rank insignia.
The three-headed dragon design on this coin stands out beautifully against black nickel plating thanks to the bright red and yellow enamel. Most of the Marine Corps challenge coins we help create use the eagle, globe and anchor emblem as the centerpiece for their artwork, so this coin is definitely a break from tradition. However, the Corps' emblem is still visible just to the left of the dragon.
The rope edge of this U.S. Navy coin is raised as opposed to recessed, and it's pushed to the very edge of the coin. That means the design of the edge can't be enhanced with colorfill or sandblasting, but the high polish gold plating does enough to help everything stand out.
Creating a shield-shaped challenge coins design is a great way to break from tradition and make something that stands out from the crowd. These Army coins include different team logos and emblems in a way that's almost reminiscent of an ancient coat of arms.
Dual plating your coin is another way to add two colors without having to rely on enamel. This U.S. Marines coin is plated in both gold and silver, and makes use of a beveled edge for a unique feel.
FEM Bagdad Processing Division Dog Tags
The Sapper Castle is a common sight for Army challenge coins. Whether the entire coin is shaped like the castle or the castle is just featured on the coin somewhere, those red towers are immediately familiar. This cut to shape coin uses its space well to convey the purpose of the coin, the names of important recipients and important symbols and rank insignia.
This coin from the CIFC features a simple 2D design that makes use of pop culture images to convey the coalition's unique placement and position. The back of the coin is more traditional as it draws attention to a specific operation.
A lot of the Navy challenge coins you'll find have a custom rope edge, but this 3D design kicks it up a notch by filling in the spaces between the rope edge with blue colorfill.
These challenge coins were created in honor of the 89th Maintenance Group who is responsible for the aircraft carrying the Vice President of the United States. The 3D crossed wrenches frame the different seals on the front of the coin, and the space for sequential numbering on the back ensures every coin is unique.
As the largest military base in the United States, Fort Bragg has a huge demand for custom coins. These Fort Bragg challenge coins were created for the United States Army Special Forces Command, and we've created different designs for teams spread across the entire base.
720th EOD 2nd PLT Bottle Opener Challenge Coin - closed
This coin from the CIFC features a simple 2D design that makes use of pop culture images to convey the coalition's unique placement and position. The back of the coin is more traditional as it draws attention to a specific operation.
Ticket shaped challenge coins are popular for all kinds of different military balls. These Navy Ball coins were created for the Navy's 242nd birthday.
These challenge coins were created in honor of the 89th Maintenance Group who is responsible for the aircraft carrying the Vice President of the United States. The 3D crossed wrenches frame the different seals on the front of the coin, and the space for sequential numbering on the back ensures every coin is unique.
720th EOD 2nd PLT Bottle Opener Challenge Coin - opened
Seven as one USAF honor guard dual platinig
Even with the two 3D emblems on the back, this dual plated coin can appear simple, but the front quickly dispels that notion. The fine details of the small raised metal strokes and the entwined and overlapping colorfill areas makes this a very detailed coin indeed.
The high polish gold plating of these honor flight challenge coins takes a backseat to the colorful emblem design. Using color to add contrast is a great way to help metal text stand out in beautiful detail.
This Army challenge coin uses high polish gold plating as little more than an accent on the front, allowing the green enamel to take center stage. The back, however, gives over much of its space to let the gold shine.
The front of this antique silver, cut to shape coin makes use of a lot of color, and while it might look like there are more than seven colors used, if you look closely, you can see where a number of those colors are reused. Seven colors without an additional charge might not sound like much, but when you employ them this well, you can create a really impressive coin.
Even with the two 3D emblems on the back, this dual plated coin can appear simple, but the front quickly dispels that notion. The fine details of the small raised metal strokes and the entwined and overlapping colorfill areas makes this a very detailed coin indeed.
Many of the honor flight challenge coins we help design include the same logo while still having their own unique sense of character. The P-51 Mustang on the front of this coin is presented in raised high polish gold, allowing it to take center stage against the black backdrop.
This Army challenge coin uses high polish gold plating as little more than an accent on the front, allowing the green enamel to take center stage. The back, however, gives over much of its space to let the gold shine.
The front of this antique silver, cut to shape coin makes use of a lot of color, and while it might look like there are more than seven colors used, if you look closely, you can see where a number of those colors are reused. Seven colors without an additional charge might not sound like much, but when you employ them this well, you can create a really impressive coin.
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Front
For this high polish silver challenge coin, the recessed sandblasting is crucial to keeping the design visible. The engraved sequential numbering also goes a long way towards making each coin unique.
Our oblique line upgraded edge frames this Army challenge coin. The antique silver plating and simple black colorfill also help the 3D design to pop.
It's not often that Air Force challenge coins make use of high polish plating, but when they do, they use it to maximum effect. This silver coin is dominated by colorfill areas, allowing the shine of the plating to work as an accent to the design.
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Back
These Air Force challenge coins were created specifically for pilots. The design shows an aviator in flight wearing his flight helmet and oxygen mask, and the reflection in his visor shows the view out of the cockpit.
Where other coins use different shades of the same color to add detail and contrast to their designs, this coin uses the same shade of blue in each colorfill area. The brush strokes on the 3D portrait on the front coin face give the appearance of pencil marks in a sketch.
Our oblique line upgraded edge frames this Army challenge coin. The antique silver plating and simple black colorfill also help the 3D design to pop.
This cut to shape coin showcases how deciding on a design can dictate many different aspects of your coin. While a lot of cut to shape coins take on specific and familiar shapes like shields or weapons, this coin decided that the crossed gavels and scrolls of text were good enough to serve as the entire shape of the coin.
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin front
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin front
Iridescent plating is one of the more rare custom challenge coin options we see. It creates a unique rainbow effect that can turn any type of custom coin design into something unforgettable.
This cut to shape coin showcases how deciding on a design can dictate many different aspects of your coin. While a lot of cut to shape coins take on specific and familiar shapes like shields or weapons, this coin decided that the crossed gavels and scrolls of text were good enough to serve as the entire shape of the coin.
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin back
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin back
The translucent green enamel on this Army challenge coin has a subtle shimmer to it thanks to the high polish gold plating shining through from underneath. Translucent colors pair best with reflective metal plating options like high polish gold, silver or copper.
213 Maintenance Squadron Challenge Coin Front
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D front
This coin, created by the FBI, makes use of our upgraded oblique line edge option, and high polish silver plating. The red, white and blue colorfill really pop off the silver coin, and the addition of sequential number engraving helps each coin to be one-of-a-kind.
213 Maintenance Squadron Challenge Coin back
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D back
The oblique edge of this high polish silver Gatorade coin gives the coin a unique look and feel. Each oblique line in the edge is cut individually.
With a clear image, we can easily add personal signatures to an order of coins. This silver Commander coin also makes use of recessed sandblasting to add contrast.
Star Wars challenge coins are created by members of the 501st Legion for all kinds of reasons, including supporting our Nation's troops. Different versions of this stormtrooper helmet coin were created for members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps.
Including 3D artwork of the vehicles and equipment that soldiers are trained to operate is a common theme in military unit coins, and the black nickel plating of this design creates a unique charcoal effect that helps it stand out from the crowd.
Including cut outs in a design is a great way to make artwork that stands out from the crowd. These Army unit coins have a unique Viking design at the center that is framed with cut outs at the top and bottom of the artwork.
4th Expeditionary Aircraft challenge coin back
Odin, king of the Norse gods, is flanked by his ravens at the center of this custom shaped challenge coin design. A lot of the military challenge coins we help design find inspiration from the ancient warriors from Norse and Greek mythology.
The three-headed dragon design on this coin stands out beautifully against black nickel plating thanks to the bright red and yellow enamel. Most of the Marine Corps challenge coins we help create use the eagle, globe and anchor emblem as the centerpiece for their artwork, so this coin is definitely a break from tradition. However, the Corps' emblem is still visible just to the left of the dragon.
This Army National Guard challenge coin has a classic design that pays homage to the history of the service. A clear coating of epoxy was added over the surface to protect the artwork, giving the coins a smooth texture.
Honor Flight is one of many military charities that we've had the pleasure to work with. While something like an Army unit coin is designed for a specific team of soldiers, this coin was designed to honor the service of veterans from all branches of service.
Choosing a custom shape for your challenge coins is a great way to make the design more exciting for a team. This arrowhead-shaped coin was designed to look like the Army's 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) patch.
Choosing a custom shape for your challenge coins is a great way to make the design more exciting for a team. This arrowhead-shaped coin was designed to look like the Army's 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) patch.
This Army coin perfectly makes use of its red, white and blue colorfill and antique gold plating for a great contrast. The recessed lettering around the coin edge is another unique touch.
The flags on this NATO coin make use of our silkscreen printing option to make sure we can capture as much detail in such a small space as possible.
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Back
For anyone worried that including cut outs means sacrificing design space, this coin managed to include a number of different symbols and a lot of text while also including four different cut out sections.
The flags on this NATO coin make use of our silkscreen printing option to make sure we can capture as much detail in such a small space as possible.
264th Engineer Clearance Company Challenge Coin back
264th Engineer Clearance Company Challenge Coin front
US Army Veterinary Corps Challenge Coin Front
XVIII Airborne Corps Challenge Coin front
XVIII Airborne Corps Challenge Coin back
92D Chemical Company - Front
92D Chemical Company - Back_smooth
This coin makes used of both a cut to shape design and cut outs to capture its unique ship wheel shape.
Custom military coins come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes and are used across every branch of service. As the best challenge coin company in the country, our Signature Coins team has worked with soldiers stationed all over the world. Whether you’re a member of a Marine detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, a commanding officer at Fort Bragg, or anyone else in between, we’ve got you covered.
Looking at a handful of unit coins from each branch of service is enough to see the difference in styles throughout the military. Army challenge coins are more likely to have custom shapes and dual functions like bottle opener cut outs, while custom Marine Corps challenge coins are generally more conservative, always making room for the famous eagle, globe and anchor emblem. There are always going to be exceptions to these rules, but it just goes to show that each branch of service has a distinct style when it comes to creating custom military coins.
Custom Army coins are often inspired by a unit’s mascot or emblem, giving them a unique sense of personality. Soldiers carry these coins with pride as a source of identity and camaraderie with their fellow teammates. While soldiers all throughout the Army work together and share common goals, coins like these celebrate what makes a team unique.
Air Force Challenge coins have been a central part of every Airman’s journey since 1947 when the Air Force became a stand-alone service branch. After basic training, recruits are given an Airman’s coin and addressed as Ariman for the first time. While the coin design has changed over the years, it’s importance as the first step in service remains the same. After receiving their first coin at the end of basic training, Airmen are introduced to all kinds of different custom Air Force coins earned through service and excellence.
The United States Navy has ships spread across every ocean of the world. Sailors find themselves at sea for months at a time, but they find a home away from home aboard their vessel. It’s for this reason that so many Navy coins include different ships in the design. Officers sometimes have their own personal coins created that they hand out as a sign of respect and honor to the sailors under their command. No matter what kind of design is pressed into the coin face, all Navy challenge coins are carried with pride.
Marines have a reputation around the globe as an elite fighting force. Semper Fidelis, meaning always faithful, is the motto that every Marine lives by and is present in almost all the Marine challenge coins we help design. Custom Marine Corps challenge coins are often made for individual teams, but they have a strong connection to the Corps as a whole thanks to the Marine Corps emblem included in each design.
No matter what style of coin suits your needs, choosing the right military coin maker is an important step in getting the design just right. Our Signature Coins team is committed to providing the industry’s best quality coins and helping every customer create something meaningful and memorable for their team. Fill out a quote form and get started on your set of custom military coins today!
Creating a set of high-quality coins is quick and easy when working with our Signature Coins team. To get started, fill out one of our free quote forms and let us know what style of coins you need, how many coins you need and when you need the coins to be delivered. There is also a place to upload any artwork you have prepared, or any stock images you would like our team to use as a reference for your design. We also have a challenge coin design template available to help organize your thoughts and map out your design.
We will have a free proof of artwork ready within 48 hours after a request is submitted. If you see anything you would like to change, just let us know. We offer free unlimited revisions because we want to make sure every customer is extremely satisfied with the artwork before spending a dime. If there are any specific custom options you would like to try out like dual plating, custom edging or cut to shape designs, our art team is happy to work on multiple proofs so you can compare how they look.
For a list of some of our most popular options and a breakdown on how much custom challenge coins cost with different options, check out our pricing page.
Our Signature Coins team has been handcrafting military challenge coins since the year 2000. We partner with teams from every branch of service, as well as foreign allies like the Canadian Armed Forces, the Armada De Chile and the British Armed Forces to create beautiful designs and the highest quality coins available on the market. If you’re ready to get started on your own set of military coins, we’re here to help.
All of our customers receive a 100% quality guarantee coupled with an industry leading 14 day turnaround time with free priority shipping. Send us your ideas today, and see how our team can help design a meaningful and memorable gift for you and your team.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
(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
