CHALLENGE COIN
OPTIONS GUIDE
Every customization choice you can make — plating, edge, shape, size, thickness, enamel type, packaging. Browse the options, then sketch yours in the free online coin designer.
PLATING OPTIONS
Plating is the metal finish applied to the struck coin. Antique finishes (darkened in the recesses) bring out raised detail; polished finishes give a clean, modern look. All ten options are available on any coin at the same base price.
Mirror-bright yellow gold. Premium, formal feel.
Darkened in recesses for vintage contrast. Most popular for command coins.
Mirror-bright silver — clean and modern.
Darkened recesses, military classic. Most-ordered plating overall.
Warm copper-bronze with mirror finish.
Darkened, weathered look. Strong on unit and deployment coins.
Warm red-orange copper — distinctive on smaller pieces.
Darkened copper, almost rust-colored in recesses.
Dark grey-black, tactical look. Pairs well with OD or earth-tone designs.
Two finishes on one coin — e.g. antique gold raised, antique silver background. Premium.
EDGE STYLES
The edge is where you add a quiet customization without changing the face art. All five standard edges are included at no extra charge.
Clean, undecorated edge. Modern, restrained look.
Twisted braid pattern. The classic military edge — works on almost any design.
Vertical lines (like a U.S. quarter). Traditional and tactile.
Gentle scallop pattern. Softer and more decorative.
Aggressive diagonal slashes. Common on operator and tactical pieces.
SHAPES
Coins don't have to be round. Custom shapes cost the same as standard rounds — no surcharge for going off-circle.
The traditional shape. ~85% of orders. Standard sizes 1.5″–3″.
Heraldic shield outline — popular for police, fire, and military commands.
Vertical rectangle with rounded corners — references the military ID tag.
Hexagons, octagons, diamonds — modern and distinctive.
Hull silhouette of your ship, aircraft outline, vehicle profile.
Custom-cut to follow the silhouette of your unit mascot or insignia.
Cut to the shape of your state or country — strong on regional unit coins.
Anything you can describe. No extra charge for custom shapes.
SIZES
Smaller coins are more pocket-friendly and budget-friendly; larger coins give more room for detail and read as more substantial. 1.75" is the most ordered size.
Small. Lapel-friendly. The compact option when you want something pocket-discreet.
Our most popular size. The standard 'challenge coin' visual.
More room for detail. Reads as more substantial in hand.
Premium everyday size. Common for command coins.
Presentation size. Used for command coins, retirement pieces.
Display pieces — ceremonial awards, oversized retirement gifts, trophy pieces.
THICKNESS
Thicker coins feel heavier in hand — meaningful for command and retirement pieces where weight carries part of the message. Thinner coins cost less and still display all the same detail.
Standard for budget runs. Holds detail but feels lighter in hand.
Most-ordered thickness for everyday coins. Good balance of weight and cost.
Heavier, more substantial feel. Standard for command and retirement pieces.
Maximum standard thickness. Real weight in hand. For presentation and ceremony pieces.
COLOR & ENAMEL TYPES
How color goes into the coin. Soft enamel is the most popular; hard enamel is more premium; 3D mold and UV print handle special cases.
Color filled into recesses; metal lines remain raised. You can feel the design. Most affordable, most common.
Filled and polished flat — smooth, jewelry-grade finish. Color and metal sit flush. Premium look.
Sculpted relief — design rises and falls across the coin face. Cast, not struck. For dimensional, dramatic looks.
Direct digital print on metal under a clear coat. For full-color art, gradients, photo detail. Unlimited colors.
Color enamel with light passing through. Creates a stained-glass effect over metal background.
Phosphorescent enamel — charges in light, glows in dark. Specialty add-on.
PACKAGING
Bulk packing is included; presentation packaging is an optional add-on. Premium velvet display boxes are most common for command and retirement pieces.
Loose in a poly bag, packed in shipping cartons. Included at no charge.
Clear PVC zip pouch — protects the coin during issue. Common for unit coins.
Hard-shell clear capsule — display-quality protection.
Hinged plastic box with foam insert. Premium presentation feel.
Soft fabric drawstring bag in standard colors. Mid-tier gift presentation.
Hinged velvet-lined box with embossed lid. Top-tier presentation for retirement and command pieces.
SEE YOUR OPTIONS LIVE
Open the free online coin designer and try every option in real time — swap plating, edges, shapes, and text as you go.