What is a Challenge Coin?
A Closer Look at Custom Challenge Coins and the Meaning Behind Them
We’ve been in the business of designing and manufacturing custom coins for over 20 years, and the question we get asked more than any other is, “What is a challenge coin?”
A challenge coin is a custom made coin that’s designed to represent an organization or team. The people in a team are given challenge coins as proof of membership, and as a mark of respect and honor. Challenge coins are also made to commemorate special events and in honor of important achievements.
Military challenge coins are the most well known, but there are several different uses for challenge coins. The artwork and design of challenge coins vary depending on the organizations ordering the coins and how the coins will be used. However, almost all challenge coins include a team emblem or logo.
This is just a brief explanation of what makes a challenge coin. To really understand the answer to the question, “What is a challenge coin?” you need to dig a little deeper. We’re going to break down everything there is to know about challenge coins, from anatomy to the different types of challenge coins and their meanings.
Once we’re finished, you’ll know exactly what makes a challenge coin a challenge coin.
Challenge Coin Gallery
South New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center Coin front
South New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center Coin front
Mad Dog 3D Bull challenge coin by Signature Coins
Mad Dog 3D Bull challenge coin by Signature Coins
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin front
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin front
Marine Riders challenge coin
Marine Riders challenge coin
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Front
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Front
Rampage Challenge Coin Back
(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".
694 Intelligence Support Squadron
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.
South New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center Coin back
South New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center Coin back
Operation Impact 3D Gold Scorpion Coin
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.
Caroll County 911 Communications Challenge Coin Back
Caroll County 911 Communications Challenge Coin Back
MFO Fixed Wing Aviation Unit
MFO Fixed Wing Aviation Unit
18th Air Support Operations Group - 3D - translucent - AS front
18th Air Support Operations Group - 3D - translucent - AS front
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin Back
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin Back
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Back
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Back
White Construction Challenge Coins
White Construction Challenge Coins
18th Air Support Operations Group - 3D - translucent - AS back
18th Air Support Operations Group - 3D - translucent - AS back
2nd Battalion 501st Aviation Unit Challenge Coin
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!
Diabolis Challenge Coin
One of the most striking things about this Diabolis coin is how much detail was fit into the 3D coin mold of such a small coin. When looking, it can be hard to believe it's only 1.5".
Homeland Security Investigations Challenge Coin - Front
Homeland Security Investigations Challenge Coin - Front
3D challenge coin
3D challenge coin
AGS ATC HQ Marines Challenge Coin
AGS ATC HQ Marines Challenge Coin
Diabolis Challenge Coin Side 2
One of the most striking things about this Diabolis coin is how much detail was fit into the 3D coin mold of such a small coin. When looking, it can be hard to believe it's only 1.5".
Pastor Allen UGL Christian Challenge Coin front
Pastor Allen UGL Christian Challenge Coin front
3D challenge coin back
3D challenge coin back
Curso De Buceo y Salvamento front
Curso De Buceo y Salvamento front
3D Skull Translucent
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.
TrainOurTroops Challenge Coin
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.
Ancient Order of Hibernians Challenge Coin back
Ancient Order of Hibernians Challenge Coin back
Static Line Snap Hook Bottle Opener Coin
This custom bottle opener coin was designed to look like the static line snap hooks used by paratroopers. Basing the design of a military coin off of the equipment that soldiers use every day is a great way to make a personal design that a team will always cherish.
Customs Border Protection Coin
This customs and border patrol challenge coin uses 3D design and high polish silver plating to create a striking design with the killer whale at the center.
United Statest Army Garrison Fort Irwin - USAG
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.
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D front
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D front
Strategic Sealift Officers US Navy Challenge Coin Bottle Opener
Strategic Sealift Officers US Navy Challenge Coin Bottle Opener
Iron Soldiers Challenge Coin
3D challenge coins come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. When it comes to military unit coins, some of the most popular things to include in 3D are the vehicles and equipment that soldiers are trained to operate like the helicopters and IAV Stryker in this design.
3D Critical Incident Team Challenge Coin
With highly detailed 3D artwork and a simple, single color green enamel colorfill area, this Critical Incident Team coin perfectly mixes classic design with innovative techniques.
Groveland K9 Challenge Coin
Groveland K9 Challenge Coin
ODS Navy Coin
The incredibly detailed lion on the front of this coin was created using an intricate 2D mold. Black enamel was added to the recessed areas to increase contrast in the design, helping the facial features stand out. The back of the coin is an incredible example of how well antique gold and silver plating pair in the same design, especially when used to accentuate 3D artwork.
UAS Technology Challenge Coin with 3D Drone
Raised text is a great option to help what you need to say jump off the coin face. This 3D challenge coin showcases how an otherwise simple design can be transformed into something special.
3D Fire Chief's Challenge Coin
We've seen a lot of different versions of the Florian cross, but this Fire Chief's coin is one of our favorites. The cross is presented in full 3D gold metal and, instead of looking at cross head-on, the artwork uses forced perspective to put the cross at an angle.
ODS Navy Coin Side 2
The incredibly detailed lion on the front of this coin was created using an intricate 2D mold. Black enamel was added to the recessed areas to increase contrast in the design, helping the facial features stand out. The back of the coin is an incredible example of how well antique gold and silver plating pair in the same design, especially when used to accentuate 3D artwork.
3D California Firefighter Challenge Coin
The 3D mold for this California firefighters coin makes use of raised letting with recessed colorfill for a truly unique look and feel. The red and blue enamel also add a great contrast to the antique gold plating.
TrainOurTroops Challenge Coin
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.
Santa Ana Police
Santa Ana Police
Captain Duane Eastmond Coin
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.
Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat Veritatem Cognoscere custom challenge coin
Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat Veritatem Cognoscere custom challenge coin
TrainOurTroops Challenge Coin
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.
USN Navy Photographers mate Challenge Coin
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.
DEA Special Agent In Memory Challenge Coin back
DEA Special Agent In Memory Challenge Coin back
3D K9 Coin
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.
3D US Customs and Border Protection Challenge Coin
The raised lettering and stars running around the outside of this 3D U.S. Customs and Border Protection challenge coin are an excellent example of how to improve a standard flat edge to something more unique.
3D Canadian Armed Forces Challenge Coin
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.
Afrotc Detachment 105 Airforce Coin - 3D front
Afrotc Detachment 105 Airforce Coin - 3D front
Los Angeles Intl Airport - Siemens - Translucent - AS - Rope Coin Front
Los Angeles Intl Airport - Siemens - Translucent - AS - Rope Coin Front
British Indian Ocean Territory Police Challenge Coin 3D
British Indian Ocean Territory Police Challenge Coin 3D
Ogara Training Coins
Shaped like a used Spartan shield, this coin for O'Gara Training relies on its antique gold plating to carry the artwork. The nicks and dents in the shield are intended to look random, and add a lot of personality to the design.
Trade Transparency Unit Challenge Coin
Trade Transparency Unit Challenge Coin
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Front
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Front
Rod and Gun Club Challenge Coin back
Rod and Gun Club Challenge Coin back
Spartans 3D Challenge Coin
Spartans 3D Challenge Coin
Multinational Force and Observers Canadian Challenge Coin front
Multinational Force and Observers Canadian Challenge Coin front
419 Tact FT SQN Dual Plated
419 Tact FT SQN Dual Plated
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin front
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin front
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin front
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin front
St Michael Challenge Coin
St Michael Challenge Coin
Delaware Basic Officer Training Course
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.
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin back
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin back
Trap and Skeet Puck 3D front
Trap and Skeet Puck 3D front
Shooting club
Shooting club
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D front
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D front
3D MFO Bottle Opener Coin
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.
3 Corps Drug Task Force
3 Corps Drug Task Force
Bonefrog Legacy Group Challenge Coin front
Bonefrog Legacy Group Challenge Coin front
Bonefrog Legacy Group Challenge Coin back
Bonefrog Legacy Group Challenge Coin back
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Back
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Back
Newark Chief Pilot Office 3D Challenge Coin front
Newark Chief Pilot Office 3D Challenge Coin front
US Army Veterinary Corps Challenge Coin Front
US Army Veterinary Corps Challenge Coin Front
3D Firefighter Challenge Coin
Surrounding the 3D firefighter at the center of this design is a beautiful coating of red translucent enamel. The contrast provided by the dark blue and red colors also helps the high polish silver plating stand out in crisp detail.
92D Chemical Company - Front
92D Chemical Company - Front
117th Congress Army Challenge Coin - front
117th Congress Army Challenge Coin - front
Afganistan 3D Challenge Coin front
Afganistan 3D Challenge Coin front
Federal Aviation Administration Challenge Coin Front
Federal Aviation Administration Challenge Coin Front
Fresno California Police Challenge Coin Front
Fresno California Police Challenge Coin Front
Fresno California Police Challenge Coin Back
Fresno California Police Challenge Coin Back
Custom Challenge Coin Anatomy: What Does a Challenge Coin Look Like?
Traditional challenge coins are round, and they feature custom artwork of a team’s emblem. Some other popular additions are team mottos, important locations, and the dates of special events.
Gold and silver are the most popular metal plating options, but there are several other metal finishes available including copper, nickel, black metal and iridescent metal (also called rainbow metal). Soft enamel paint is added to recessed sections of the artwork by hand to recreate emblems and logos.
While this is the traditional anatomy of a challenge coin, there are plenty of custom options available that can result in something that looks remarkably different.
Custom shaped challenge coins oftentimes include functional bottle openers. Bottle opener coins are most popular in the military, but they’re also an excellent option for fundraisers and volunteering events.
Combining two or more challenge coin plating options creates a beautiful contrast in a design. Gold and silver are always a good pair. We also love combining copper and nickel plating.
For the most depth and detail, 3D artwork is your best option. While traditional 2D challenge coins offer plenty of room for intricate artwork, a 3D design allows for realistic detail.
We make creating custom challenge coins easy!
But we would prefer you hear it directly from other customers 😉
What Does a Challenge Coin Represent
Challenge coins are designed to represent a team. Coins that include references to important dates, mottos or emblems are a celebration of team history, and when it’s shared among a group of people, it becomes a symbol of trust and respect.
If you read through the history of challenge coins, you’ll find a number of different stories that shed light on why challenge coins have become so popular and what they have come to represent for different types of teams.
Roman soldiers were believed to carry special “bonus coins” as proof of their courage on the battlefield.
The famous story about a World War I lieutenant who made bronze coins for his squadron illustrates how challenge coins are a source of identity: proof that a soldier belongs to a team.
During the Korean War, Colonel William “Buffalo Bill” Quinn created special coins for his soldiers that were a celebration of team history, and during the Vietnam War, special unit coins were made to symbolize the camaraderie shared among soldiers during the toughest times.
Today, challenge coins represent all of these things.
What is the Purpose of a Challenge Coin?
The purpose of many military challenge coins is to build camaraderie, celebrate team history, and honor service. However, the purpose of a challenge coin will depend on who is making the coin.
For example, Fortune 500 companies have custom coins made for branding purposes. Corporate coins are sometimes given to staff members and other times shared with people outside of the company for promotional purposes and merchandising.
There are also commemorative challenge coins designed to honor loved ones and men and women who have died while serving our country or the community. Remembrance challenge coins give families and friends a special token to carry that helps memories of loved ones live on.
Challenge coins are used to raise money for charity, to commemorate special events, and for all kinds of other reasons, as well.
How Do You Design a Challenge Coin?
Designing a custom challenge coin takes three easy steps.
To learn more about the design process and about all of the custom options we offer, you can check out our video, Challenge Coin Design 101: How to Design a Challenge Coin.
We offer free artwork, unlimited revisions, free priority shipping, and a 100% quality guarantee on all of our custom products. Our professional art team has experience preparing finished artwork for the challenge coin production process and helping our customers come up with artwork from scratch.
It’s common for us to create a unique challenge coin design based on hand-drawn sketches and bullet lists that outline ideas for a coin design. If you’re ready to create a coin, reach out to us today by filling out a free quote form, and see how we can bring your vision to life!
Ready To Get Started?
When you are ready to proceed, use the convenient Order Form on our site to place your challenge coin order.
