If you’ve been around the military, or police, fire or emergency medical services much, you know what a challenge coin is. It’s a coin given as a symbol of recognition and belonging within an organization. These coins are awarded to members of the organization for various achievement milestones. They are often presented in a presentation case or box and are valuable collectibles.
Because they are custom-made, they can be specific to each organization. If you want to give an award to someone or simply want something different for yourself, a custom challenge coin might be just the thing.
It’s easy to design a custom challenge coin of your own. Here are five different things to consider if you want to create great-looking coins.
1. Incorporate a Unique Design
Custom coins are most often round, but they don’t have to be. With modern equipment, coin suppliers can craft coins in virtually any shape. With the correct tools, you can design a custom challenge coin.
The added texture or color will help distinguish your coin from other coins. Also, it helps make it more memorable than your average round metal coin.
2. Use the Internet and Other Resources
The Internet is a source of many resources related to coin making. There are online resources that will help you create your artwork/ Look for coins online, such as firefighter challenge coin.
Search different time periods. You might find you want to bring back a unique style that was popular decades ago.
3. Explore Your Coin’s Concept
Organize your thoughts, collect your content, and create a concept for your coin design. Think about what you want your coins to say, and what artwork you want to include.
For example, if you’re considering icustom coin with more than one plating style, it’s not a bad idea to think about how the details and designs are displayed. A good coin supplier can help you with these and other details to optimize your design.
4. Plating Options
Color plating options will depend on the design features you are looking for. Consider the design’s nature. Some designs are very shiny and would not look good on nickel or copper plating. Other designs have a more patina-like feel, and those work great on copper or even bronze plating.
5. Localize Your Design
Custom challenge coins are not typically created for a specific geographic location. However, that doesn’t mean there can’t be some sort of local element incorporated into your coin. Perhaps you want to include the logo for your company or a local symbol that only residents would know about.
Aim to include text, imagery, or symbols familiar to the local population. This will help you in the presentation of your product as well. Seek out a local artist and see if they can help you with your design. It will probably take you a couple of tries to get the design just right. That’s okay. Keep at it, and soon you’ll have a custom challenge coin that people will admire.
