The city of Boston created the first American police force in 1838. Since then, brave men and women across the country have taken up the call of protecting their communities and fellow citizens. As police forces spread across the country, so too have custom police challenge coins. These days, you’d be hard pressed to find an officer who doesn’t have a
of their own.
Over the years, we’ve worked with departments across the nation. From the largest organization, the NYPD, all the way down to even small sheriff’s offices. We’ve seen just about every police coin design imaginable, and yet somehow, our law enforcement customers continue to surprise us.
This coin pairs translucent enamel with high polish gold plating. It's the recessed sandblasting that gives the coin that particular glittering look. Translucent enamel is the sort of upgrade that can turn out very differently depending on the plating and certain other factors. But it always creates a striking effect.
This coin pairs translucent enamel with high polish gold plating. It's the recessed sandblasting that gives the coin that particular glittering look. Translucent enamel is the sort of upgrade that can turn out very differently depending on the plating and certain other factors. But it always creates a striking effect.
Troopers Bridge Foundation Challenge Coin Back
Not all coins have to choose between being round and being cut to shape. This high polish gold coin from the DEA uses cut outs to have the best of both worlds.
Not all coins have to choose between being round and being cut to shape. This high polish gold coin from the DEA uses cut outs to have the best of both worlds.
The thin blue line of this coin is positioned like war paint over the face of the fearsome dog skull. It's a strong design choice for this K9 Unit coin from Montgomery.
United Nations Government Challenge Coin front
United Nations Intelligence Bureau Government Challenge Coin back
Handcuff shaped challenge coins are becoming steadily more popular with our law enforcement customers. This coin from Las Vegas includes a thin blue line on a stripe in the flag and a cut out for a functional bottle opener.
The oblique line edge gives this coin a special and almost sharp feel. The recessed text staring out from the high polish gold plating is also a nice touch.
The translucent colors behind the helicopter design capture the Denver sky at sunset in beautiful detail. High polish plating and translucent enamel pair exceptionally well because the translucent colors allow a small amount of light to hit the reflective metal underneath, creating a unique shimmer effect.
The laurel wreath framing the entire edge of the front of this coin gives the coin a very unique look and feel. It only appears on the front, but when you look at the back, you can see how the shape affects the entire coin. Badge and shields are some of the most common custom shapes we see in challenge coins.
The translucent colors behind the helicopter design capture the Denver sky at sunset in beautiful detail. High polish plating and translucent enamel pair exceptionally well because the translucent colors allow a small amount of light to hit the reflective metal underneath, creating a unique shimmer effect.
This coin for the Miami Dade Police Department's Autism Awareness fundraiser pulls out all the stops. The translucent enamel over the high polish silver plating is a match made in heaven, and the star in the center of the badge is created with a 3D mold. The recessed sandblasted metal of the puzzle pieces in the background is also a special touch.
The Latin phrase below the knight, tueri innocentem reum persequendum, translates to "Aims to protect the innocent prisoner." Including Latin in a custom coin design is sometimes the best way to impart a message.
The Latin phrase below the knight, tueri innocentem reum persequendum, translates to "Aims to protect the innocent prisoner." Including Latin in a custom coin design is sometimes the best way to impart a message.
The detective badge is a very important aspect of the design of this coin as it shows up on both the front and the back. The way the coin pairs its antique silver plating with darker enamel creates a very secretive feel to this coin.
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 detective badge is a very important aspect of the design of this coin as it shows up on both the front and the back. The way the coin pairs its antique silver plating with darker enamel creates a very secretive feel to this coin.
This law enforcement challenge coin makes use of high polish gold plating paired with a deep green colorfill to best represent the Boston Police Department. The spur edge is a particularly nice touch.
This law enforcement coin was ordered by the Delaware Probation and Parole office. The recessed portions of the police badge are sandblasted to help reduce the glare coming off the reflective silver metal.
Binary numbering and computer chip circuitry are common sights on coins for computer crimes units. The binary on this coin is presented in raised text so the high polish gold plating can strand out against the dark enamel.
One thing 3D molds give you is the ability to get curved and rounded designs onto your coin. The details of the muscles on the horses on this El Paso Border Patrol coin wouldn't be possible without the 3D mold.
This high polish silver coin from the Chatham County Police Department shows just how reflective a high polish surface is capable of getting. Without sandblasting or some kind of design, the plating is shiny and clear enough to be a mirror.
This high polish gold California Highway Patrol coin uses a dark blue enamel to add contrast to the front of the coin. The back, on the other hand, is given over to lighter colors so the plating can be used as just an accent.
This high polish gold California Highway Patrol coin uses a dark blue enamel to add contrast to the front of the coin. The back, on the other hand, is given over to lighter colors so the plating can be used as just an accent.
This custom shaped coin from the Cleburne Police department was created in preparation for the Texas Police Chiefs Association conference. The high polish gold plating shines bright through the sea of black enamel that covers the entire recessed portion of the design.
This custom shaped coin from the Cleburne Police department was created in preparation for the Texas Police Chiefs Association conference. The high polish gold plating shines bright through the sea of black enamel that covers the entire recessed portion of the design.
This cut to shape challenge coin is designed to closely resemble a real law enforcement badge. The custom edge not only adds to the design, it also effects the way the coin feels in hand.
Created for the Chief of Police of Hegins Township, this challenge coin is dual plated in high polish gold and silver. The platings mix nicely to create an authentic looking badge, but the best contrast comes from the darker enamel.
Created for the Chief of Police of Hegins Township, this challenge coin is dual plated in high polish gold and silver. The platings mix nicely to create an authentic looking badge, but the best contrast comes from the darker enamel.
The thin blue line of this PTSD police coin is actually a thick blue line. The inspiring message along the edge is presented in raised text to make sure it stands out perfectly against the black colorfill.
Dogs feature heavily in any challenge coin created for K9 units. While a lot are created with a 3D mold, this coin relies on 2D and dark colorfill areas for its design.
Recessed sandblasting is typically reserved for high polish coins in order to best add contrast, but this New Jersey State Police coin proves it's a solid option for antique plating as well. This law enforcement coin was also created in honor of a fallen officer and the foundation started in his memory.
This coin was created by the New York State Police Major Crimes unit. One side makes use of dual plating in high polish gold and silver while the other is only plated in silver and relies more heavily on enamel to create its design.
This coin was created by the New York State Police Major Crimes unit. One side makes use of dual plating in high polish gold and silver while the other is only plated in silver and relies more heavily on enamel to create its design.
This coin for the California Highway Patrol shows off oh much can be done with just a coin plating and two different colors of enamel. Even the detail in the center of the coin is created without the use of any 3D mold.
This coin for the Lawrence Police Department was created in honor of the department's public affairs unit. This is why the Twitter logo (color matched to Twitter's brand guidelines) takes such a position on the back of the coin. The high polish gold plating matches nicely with the dark blue around the coin's custom edge.
This coin for the Lawrence Police Department was created in honor of the department's public affairs unit. This is why the Twitter logo (color matched to Twitter's brand guidelines) takes such a position on the back of the coin. The high polish gold plating matches nicely with the dark blue around the coin's custom edge.
This coin from the Miami Dade Police Department features an impressively designed figure in the center and a great high polish finish. The pink enamel is actually in honor of the coin's use during breast cancer awareness month.
The copper plating of this Sheriff challenge coin gives the artwork a unique rustic appearance. Most of the police coins we help design are made with gold or silver plating, so choosing a different option is a great way to make your design stand out from the crowd.
The copper plating of this Sheriff challenge coin gives the artwork a unique rustic appearance. Most of the police coins we help design are made with gold or silver plating, so choosing a different option is a great way to make your design stand out from the crowd.
You may be surprised to hear that these aren't the first Lego-inspired challenge coins we've worked on. We've created several challenge coins that incorporate the famous Lego figures, however, this is the fire one created in the actual shape of a Lego character.
CopBlue.com is a website created by cops for cops. The offer insight into the world of law enforcement and useful resources for any police officer working in the field.
CopBlue.com is a website created by cops for cops. The offer insight into the world of law enforcement and useful resources for any police officer working in the field.
The stars lining the edge of this high polish gold coin from the Chatham County Police department are a custom edge created at the request of the customer.
The ancient warriors of Sparta, Rome and Norway are a popular source of inspiration when it comes to custom military and police challenge coins. The Spartan helmet in this design incorporates the Thin Blue Line American flag into the design.
When dual plating with two antique metals, your coin has the ability to take on a rustic, or classic, look that increases the perceived value of the coin.
There's something about enamel color on black nickel plating that just makes the color stand out so much more strongly than it does on other coins. this coin form the US Forces Police Makes use of six colors on the front and five on the back, and each one stands out in vibrant detail against the dark coin.
There's something about enamel color on black nickel plating that just makes the color stand out so much more strongly than it does on other coins. this coin form the US Forces Police Makes use of six colors on the front and five on the back, and each one stands out in vibrant detail against the dark coin.
The seal of Rhode Island graces the front of this black metal coin. The colors of the seal lend themselves far better to a dark plating than they would in a gold or a high polish coin. Even without the bright enamel of the front, the back of the coin pairs well with the black metal.
The dog on the front of this coin was part of a police K9 unit. His team sent us a picture that we used to create a 3D design with realistic depth and detail.
New York Women in Law Enforcement Challenge Coin Front
New York Women in Law Enforcement Challenge Coin Back
Baltimore County Police Challenge Coin Front
Baltimore County Police Challenge Coin Back
Fresno California Police Challenge Coin Front
Fresno California Police Challenge Coin Back
Virginia Tech Police Coin
Hesperia California Challenge Coin Gold Front
Hesperia California Challenge Coin Gold back
California Highway Patrol Challenge Coin Front
California Highway Patrol Challenge Coin Back
California Rural Crime Challenge Coin Front
California Rural Crime Challenge Coin back
Law enforcement challenge coins are often made for special units within a department like these Special Events Unit coins for the Miami-Dade police. The inclusion of Hard Rock Stadium and Marlins Park on the back of the coin in 3D is a nice, personal touch for the coins.
PVC patches like this Raid patch are perfect for anyone who expects their patches to get down and dirty in the great outdoors. The flexible material is water-resistant and easy to wash.
PVC patches like this Raid patch are perfect for anyone who expects their patches to get down and dirty in the great outdoors. The flexible material is water-resistant and easy to wash.
Across the country, and many other countries as well, police officers are the people on the front lines of keeping the peace and ensuring the safety of millions. A lot of people only sleep soundly in their beds at night because they know there’s a well-trained group of men and women on call 24/7 to intercede should something happen. Honoring the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of these brave individuals is not only necessary, it’s the least we can do for all that they do for us.
The challenge coins police officers carry are often presented for excellence in the line of duty just like military challenge coins. This particular similarity comes from the fact that challenge coins enter the law enforcement industry because retired and discharged soldiers often head into law enforcement when their term of service is over, and they bring a lot of the traditions of the military with them into their new professions.
However, the uses for law enforcement challenge coins don’t stop at honoring individual officers for a job well done. Custom police coins are a great symbol of belonging, and therefore are often given to all of the members of special teams and task forces. But one of the primary places that police and military coins differ is in the fact that police department coins are just as likely to be created for members of the community as they are for the officers themselves.
For soldiers in the military, the hard work they do often takes place far from civilian eyes. Even though they fight for their nation and to protect their fellow citizens, those citizens very rarely have any idea about the specifics of their duty and their sacrifice.
For soldiers in the military, the hard work they do often takes place far from civilian eyes. Even though they fight for their nation and to protect their fellow citizens, those citizens very rarely have any idea about the specifics of their duty and their sacrifice.
Police officers work shoulder to shoulder with the people they protect and serve. Patrol officers often work the same beat for years at a time. When you spend that kind of time within one community, creating ties with the people within the community is inevitable. Given these tight-knit relationships, you’re far more likely to find coins intended to be handed out to citizens.
Often, police challenge coins going out to community members are designed in recognition of helping officers to best accomplish their tasks, or they can be dedicated to informing the public of a certain service the department offers. Another common goal of police department challenge coins is fundraising. Whether it’s for raising funds for the department itself, or in honor of a worthy cause, the power of challenge coins for this purpose is undeniable.
Man’s best friend plays an important role for soldiers and police officers alike, and the men and women lucky enough to work closely with police dogs will all tell you that it’s the best partnership they’ve ever had. Unlike riding with a human partner, an officer’s K9 companion never complains about their lunch choices, is unwavering in their loyalty, and will always listen attentively when they complain about the rigors of the job.
Given their importance, every officer’s furry friend deserves a police coin of their own. However, seeing as how the importance of the coin is likely to be lost on a police pup, it’s better to create coins for the K9 unit officers on your team to honor their hard work. The pups will be happier with treats and belly rubs.
The challenge coins police carry often feature custom designs created by a team of officers for the brave men and women in their own unit, or are sometimes created by a commanding officer. However, no matter how detailed the final coins are, designing them is as easy as possible when you partner with the best free online coin designer.
Our team of artists are well trained and perfectly suited to bring any coin idea to life. And with the help of our custom challenge coin design template, selecting the upgrade options you’d like to see and organizing all of your design ideas in one place is a snap. Print out the template and hand it to the officer with the most artistic ability, and watch as their sketch is transformed into an amazing challenge coin.
Of course, the template isn’t required to place an order. We’ve created challenge coins based on little more than notes jotted down from a phone conversation. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a more artistically minded person on your team, then the template is a great resource for organizing your thoughts and seeing most of our available upgrade options in one place. Give us a call or shoot us an email today to get started.
Law enforcement officers have one of the toughest jobs available. Their bravery and selflessness deserve to be rewarded as often as possible. Custom police coins are the quickest and easiest way to say thank you to the men and women working tirelessly to keep their community as safe as possible.
All orders placed with Signature Coins benefit from free artwork and an unlimited amount of free revisions, an industry-leading turnaround time of 14 days or fewer, and all of our challenge coins are created using only the highest quality materials. To get your very own order of custom police coins started, get in touch with us today, and we’ll be sure to get your first free proof of artwork to you in under 48 hours.
| 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
