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How to Design a Challenge Coin

A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military), bearing an organization̵7;s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization̵7;s members. They are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. An attracive challenge coin is a boost to a unit's morale and an attractive and tangible piece of the unit's history. Designing a challenge coin is not difficult and there are a number of coin and medallion manufacturers who will help you through the process. With a bit of care and planning, your unit will have a reasonably priced, interesting and unique piece of history each member can carry and keep.

Things You'll Need

Unit insignia

Instructions

- 1
  Scan or transfer your unit's insignia to a jpeg format suitable to use as an email attachment.
- 2
  Choose the size challenge coin you wish to produce. Challenge coins vary from the size of a quarter to the size of a silver dollar or larger. Larger coins will cost more.
- 3
  Designate a design for the coin's reverse (back) side if you wish to make a two-sided coin. Reverse designs are often either the branch or base logo, but sometimes the logo of a specific operation is used. Again, a two-sided challenge coin will cost more than a single-sided coin, but two-sided coins are more common.
- 4
  Choose whether you prefer a simple engraved (design cut into metal), embossed (design raised on metal) coin and if you wish colors to be enameled onto the coin.
- 5
  Contact a coin and medallion manufacturer with your design and design choices. The manufacturer will need to know the number of coins you wish to make (larger quantities enjoy a price break) and if you wish to add things to your coin such as key chains or enclosed knife blades.

Collecting Memorabilia