Custom Challenge Coins are custom coins that are manufactured to a customer’s or customers’ design specifications. Custom Challenge Coins are usually either die struck brass or copper, or die cast zinc alloy. Normally round custom challenge coins are die struck due to their simplistic nature. Intricate special shaped custom challenge coins usually require die casting. Die casting allows for greater detail in what I would consider challenging areas of the coin to be struck. Die struck coins feel more significant weight wise than their die cast zinc alloy counterparts.
Custom Challenge Coins can be created to accommodate paint color or without paint color. Let your challenge coin vendor know if you are planning to add paint color to your custom coin design in the future. Custom challenge coin designers will need to take that information into account prior to completing your design. There are occurrences where such things were not considered the first time and the customer must pay for a new set of dies because this detail was not explained on the first production run. Paint colors that are used on Custom Challenge Coins are based off the Pantone color chart. While we’re on the subject of color, did you know that black is considered the absence of color and white is considered the presence of color? Customers’ also have special paint options in addition to standard Pantone paint colors. Special paint options include pearlescent paint, transparent paint, glow in the dark paint, heat changing paint and glitter paint just to name a couple.
One of the unique details that sets custom coins apart from monetary coins is their thickness and edge. Most die struck custom challenge coins are approximately 3 millimeters thick. Challenge coins have a variety of edges. The standard edge is a smooth flat edge like a US penny. There is also a reeded edge available like a US quarter or US dime and there are special edges such as various diamond cut edges (petal cut, weave, twist and flat to name a few) and a rope edge. Additional special edges may also be available such as a chain edge. Be advised that any edge beyond the diamond cut edges, reeded or rope edge may require your coin to be die cast.
Rope edges or chain edges are built into the die, while diamond cut edges are machined after the coin is struck. Chain edges normally require a die cast mould instead of a die struck mould. Don’t ask me, I’m just the messenger. I am simply stating what I have experienced.
Until next time, be good to yourselves and each other.
