May 16, 2025

How to Get a Custom Challenge Coin Made

A Step-by-Step Guide

By Challenge Coin Nation

Custom challenge coins are more than just collectible memorabilia—they're powerful symbols of identity, honor, and unity. Whether you're commemorating a military unit, celebrating a corporate achievement, or honoring a personal milestone, designing and producing your own challenge coin is a rewarding and creative process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a custom challenge coin made, from concept to delivery, including helpful tips, common mistakes to avoid, and what to expect at each stage.

About Challenge Coin Nation

We at Challenge Coin Nation are a veteran founded company and are honored to be able to continue serving our brothers and sisters in arms all over the world. We sell many different military themed items, but challenge coins are our specialty.

Why Custom Challenge Coins Matter

Custom coins are a time-honored tradition in military circles, but their popularity has spread far beyond. Today, they are widely used by:

Military units and veterans' organizations
Police, fire, and EMS departments
Corporate teams and leadership awards
Clubs, events, and charities
Collectors and hobbyists

A well-crafted coin is a unique, tangible reminder of shared pride and purpose—and Challenge Coin Nation makes it easy to turn your idea into a striking finished product.

Step 1: Start with Your Concept

Every great coin starts with a purpose. Ask yourself:

What is the coin commemorating?
Who will receive it?
Do you want to include names, dates, or unit numbers?
Will it be formal or humorous in tone?

Even a rough idea is enough to get started. We recommend jotting down the following:

A title or theme
Symbols, icons, or mascots to include
Preferred colors or finishes
Any meaningful text (motto, quote, mission number, etc.)

You don’t need to be an artist—our design team can take your concept and refine it into a stunning layout. Contact us if you still need help.

Step 2: Choose Your Coin Specs

Now that you’ve got a concept, it’s time to decide on the technical details. At Challenge Coin Nation, we help you customize:

Size

Most coins range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Larger coins allow for more detail but may cost more.

Shape

Standard coins are round, but we also create custom shapes—shields, wings, dog tags, aircraft outlines, and more.

Plating Options

Choose from finishes like:

Antique gold
Polished silver
Black nickel
Dual plating
Matte or high-shine

Color Fill

Use soft enamel or hard enamel to fill your coin with vibrant, long-lasting colors.

Edge Styles

Want something distinctive? Choose rope edge, wave cut, spur cut, or even text-engraved edges.

Step 3: Submit Your Idea

Once you know your specs and have your design ideas written down, it’s time to submit them to us. Begin at our Custom Coins page.

What to Include:

A sketch or image reference (if available)
Written notes on text, layout, and symbols
Preferred colors and plating
Quantity (typically 50+ minimum)
Your contact and shipping info

At Challenge Coin Nation, our online form makes it fast and easy. You can also email us directly if you're starting from scratch—we'll help guide you through.

Step 4: Receive Your Free Digital Proof

Once we receive your design brief, our in-house artists will create a free digital proof of your coin.

This detailed rendering includes:

Front and back views
Final size
Color and plating details
Any 3D elements or engraving

You’ll get a chance to revise the proof before production begins. Don’t hesitate to request changes—this is your coin, and it should reflect your vision.

Step 5: Approve and Begin Production

Once you're happy with the final proof, it’s time to approve and submit your order for production.

What Happens Next:

Tooling Begins: We create a mold specific to your coin.
Metal Die-Striking or Casting: Your design is struck or cast into the chosen metal.
Enamel Filling and Polishing: Colors are filled, then hardened or baked.
Plating and Finishing Touches: The coin receives its final plating, edge design, and optional laser engraving.

Timeframe:

Production usually takes 3–4 weeks, depending on complexity and quantity.

Step 6: Delivery and Unboxing

Once complete, your coins are packaged and shipped directly to your address.

Each coin arrives:

Individually bagged or sleeved
Quality inspected for accuracy
Ready for presentation or distribution

Need to send them as awards, deployment gifts, or promotional items? Let us know—we offer additional packaging options upon request.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Custom Coin

Keep it bold and simple: Small text and intricate details may get lost on smaller coins.
Consider dual-tone plating: For that premium look without a premium cost.
Think about presentation: Coins can be paired with presentation boxes or velvet pouches.
Order extras: Many clients wish they’d ordered more after seeing the finished product.
Use both sides: Don’t waste the back—use it for quotes, dates, or insignia.

Why Choose Challenge Coin Nation?

We’re not just another coin company—we’re veteran-owned, mission-driven, and obsessed with quality. Here’s why customers keep coming back:

Free Artwork and Revisions
No Setup Fees
Low Minimum Orders
Fast Turnaround
Military Precision and Pride

We’ve helped units across every branch, corporations of all sizes, and thousands of coin creators like you turn their ideas into reality.

Let’s Get Started on Your Custom Coin

Your story deserves to be honored with a coin that speaks volumes. Whether you’re recognizing excellence, preserving heritage, or creating something memorable for your team—Challenge Coin Nation is here to help you every step of the way.

👉 Get your free custom coin quote today and let us bring your vision to life.