Challenge Coin History
The History of Challenge Coins: A Rich History Stamped in Metal.
We have a unique perspective on the history of challenge coins, drawn from the first-hand accounts of people keeping the traditional stories alive. While some may feel like legends or campfire stories by themselves, that does not mean they are not true. If you’ve ever wondered where challenge coins come from, how they have evolved over the years, or the direction in which the challenge coin world is heading, then you have come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know about the history of challenge coins.
Everything You Need To Know About Custom Challenge Coins
As a custom coin company, we know the ins and outs of creating custom coins. But challenge coin history is a different story altogether. It’s almost impossible to know for certain when and where challenge coins first appeared because the stories are all a part of a rich oral tradition. Certain legends involving custom coins are passed down from one generation of soldiers to the next, but only a few of them are backed by official military records.
The Story So Far: Military Challenge Coins of Yesterday
In World War I, a rich lieutenant commissioned a set of solid bronze coins for the pilots under his command. He handed them out as the unit was preparing for a dangerous mission that would take place over enemy territory. Each of the custom unit coins had the team’s emblem pressed into one side of the coin, and the lieutenant carried his own coin in a pouch around his neck.
During the mission, the lieutenant’s plane took damage from ground fire, and he was forced to land. He was captured by German soldiers and was searched and relieved of any personal identification. However, given that the coin was secured in an easily-overlooked pouch, it was missed by the enemy soldiers.
Eventually, the lieutenant managed a daring escape while in transit to an internment camp. He headed to the nearest friendly outpost in France, but when he got there, the French soldiers thought he was a spy and sentenced him to death. In a last ditch effort to identify himself as an ally and save his life, he reached for all he had to identify himself: The unit coin around his neck. Luckily, one of the French soldiers recognized the emblem pressed into the coin and accepted it as proof of his belonging to that friendly unit. The coin saved his life.
No one knows what the coin looked like, which unit it came from, or even if this story is entirely true; however, this account is the most widely spread origin story of custom military coins. The first officially recorded use of challenge coins custom made for a unit came from the United States Army during the Korean War (17th Infantry) and the Vietnam War (10th Special Forces Group-A).
The Army remains one of the most prominent organizations involved with the challenge coin tradition, and the coins they create are some of the most unique you will find. It didn’t take long for unit members to start sharing their coins with other service men and women and for the challenge coin tradition to take hold all throughout the armed forces.
If you’re looking for a unique set of unit coins for your team, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at some of the incredible coins we have made over the years, and find some inspiration for your own custom artwork.
Real Signature Coins Customer Reviews
Challenge Coin Gallery
United States Space Force Challenge Coin Front
United States Space Force Challenge Coin Front
One Identity Dogtag
Almost all of the dog tag challenge coins we help design come with a small cut out to fit a ball chain necklace like this design. Whether you want to wear it around your neck or secure them to a key ring, this simple option makes it a breeze.
Mad Dog 3D Bull challenge coin by Signature Coins
Mad Dog 3D Bull challenge coin by Signature Coins
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin front
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin front
Marine Riders challenge coin
Marine Riders challenge coin
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Front
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Front
USCG Bertholf Challenge Coin
Not only is this an oversized coin, it's also a coin with a unique texture thanks to the diamond plate pattern serving as the base of the artwork. It's important to create a design that looks good, but changing the way a coin feels is also under your control when designing a custom coin.
Rampage Challenge Coin Back
(VAQ-138), also known as the "Yellow Jackets", is an expeditionary EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Their radio callsign is "RAMPAGE".
694 Intelligence Support Squadron
A lot of the military challenge coins we help design draw inspiration from warriors of ancient Greece. This 3D military coin is modeled after a spartan shield. Our artists worked hard to create authentic-looking dents, scrapes and chips in the design to give it a battle-proven look and feel.
Living the Dream
This antique gold coin for an Air Force base in Bahrain shows both the U.S. and Bahrain flags surrounded by a common saying heard around the base.
Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Coin
This Chief Master Sergeant coin is presented for excellence on the job. The 3D designed jet presented in antique silver plating stands out well against the red, white and blue soft enamel.
United States Space Force Challenge Coin Back
United States Space Force Challenge Coin Back
Operation Impact 3D Gold Scorpion Coin
This 3D scorpion, with its scalloped tail, translucent red scales and protruding claws, shows just how creative our customers get when designing a custom edge for their challenge coins. The intricate caduceus over the translucent red Canadian maple leaf and the space for custom laser engravings on the back of the coin help this design make an even bigger impact.
MSG Frederick Sommers Dogtag
The high polish silver plating makes a big impression in this dog tag challenge coin design. If you look at the rays of light issuing from the Master Sergeant insignia, you can see how recessed sandblasting can add a unique texture to a design and add contrast.
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin Back
719th Wolfpack Challenge Coin Back
Marine Security Guard Detachment Vietnam Side 2
Marine Corp red and the eagle and globe emblem are common sights on Marine challenge coins, but this one takes it all to the next level with the custom 3D edge cut in the shape of a dragon ouroboros.
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Back
Presented By Queen B Challenge Coin - Back
U.S. Coast Guard Gunner's Mate Challenge Coin
Sometimes a limited number of cut outs is better for enhancing your design. This Coast Guard coin only has two cut outs, but their effect on the coin are undeniable.
Rampage Challenge Coin Front
(VAQ-138), also known as the "Yellow Jackets", is an expeditionary EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Their radio callsign is "RAMPAGE".
116th Infantry Battalion Red Dragons
Virginia National Guard
N.D. National Guard
This cut to shape coin for the North Dakota National Guard includes the sapper castle that's so common is Army challenge coins.
380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron
For this high polish silver challenge coin, the recessed sandblasting is crucial to keeping the design visible. The engraved sequential numbering also goes a long way towards making each coin unique.
MSG Frederick Sommers Dogtag Side 2
The high polish silver plating makes a big impression in this dog tag challenge coin design. If you look at the rays of light issuing from the Master Sergeant insignia, you can see how recessed sandblasting can add a unique texture to a design and add contrast.
2nd Battalion 501st Aviation Unit Challenge Coin
This Desert Knights Army challenge coin makes great use of a 3D coin mold to get as much unique detail as possible. This 3D challenge coin even makes use of glow in the dark enamel for the knights eyes!
MCAS Iwakuni Marine Coin
Most of the Marine Corps challenge coins you see have the motto Semper Fidelis inscribed somewhere in the design. This coin opts for a different Latin phrase, Mori Quam Foedari, which translates to "death rather than disgrace."
4th Expeditionary Aircraft challenge coin front
4th Expeditionary Aircraft challenge coin front
U.S. Coast Guard Gunner's Mate Challenge Coin Side 2
Sometimes a limited number of cut outs is better for enhancing your design. This Coast Guard coin only has two cut outs, but their effect on the coin are undeniable.
Mustang Submarine Ordinance Navy Challenge Coin
We've seen all kinds of unique challenge coins over the years, and this Navy Mustangs coin is one of our favorites. Basing the design off Michaelangelo from Ninja Turtles is a sure way to get a laugh, and the incredible amount of detail will inspire people to examine every inch of the coins.
United States Army Special Forces Command - Front
As the largest military base in the United States, Fort Bragg has a huge demand for custom coins. These Fort Bragg challenge coins were created for the United States Army Special Forces Command, and we've created different designs for teams spread across the entire base.
Navy SEAL Challenge Coin
Slightly darker than antique silver, antique nickel coins most closely resemble gunmetal grey. The plating adds a sense of strength and durability to the coins.
379 AEW Det 1
One splash of color on a coin with just its plating can be highly eye-catching. The red star on this coin marks the location of the military base the coins were created for.
380 USAF Civil Engineer
For this high polish silver challenge coin, the recessed sandblasting is crucial to keeping the design visible. The engraved sequential numbering also goes a long way towards making each coin unique.
Charlottesville Firefighter Dogtag
One of the coolest features of this dog tag challenge coin is the contrast between the two sides of the design. The front has a wheel of military emblems set against a vibrant American flag design, while the back of the coin uses black enamel to create a much darker finish.
2nd Battalion 501st Aviation Unit Challenge Coin Side 2
This Desert Knights Army challenge coin makes great use of a 3D coin mold to get as much unique detail as possible. This 3D challenge coin even makes use of glow in the dark enamel for the knights eyes!
AGS ATC HQ Marines Challenge Coin
AGS ATC HQ Marines Challenge Coin
World Tour Tiger EAMU Challenge Coin back
World Tour Tiger EAMU Challenge Coin back
U.S. Coast Guard Station Erie Challenge Coin
When the majority of your coin is taken up by enamel and recessed sandblasting, a high polish plating can really shine. The custom shape of this coin also goes a long way towards giving it a unique personality.
Capt Carl J Stokes USN-front
This high polish silver coin from the U.S. Navy is a tale of two worlds. The front of the coin is elegant in its simplicity, while the back presents a collection of vibrant color most often found on a paint canvas. The sunset scene is presented in bright colors and translucent enamel to best complete the effect.
Navy Stormtrooper
Star Wars challenge coins are created by members of the 501st Legion for all kinds of reasons, including supporting our Nation's troops. Different versions of this stormtrooper helmet coin were created for members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps.
386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
The names of specific military missions are common on military challenge coins. This antique gold plated coin for an air base in Kuwait is no exception.
Charlottesville Firefighter Dogtag Side 2
One of the coolest features of this dog tag challenge coin is the contrast between the two sides of the design. The front has a wheel of military emblems set against a vibrant American flag design, while the back of the coin uses black enamel to create a much darker finish.
US Army Corps of Engineers Front 3D
3D and translucent blue lake with scallop edges.
Cherne Rangers Marine Challenge Coin
Cherne Rangers Marine Challenge Coin
World Tour Tiger EAMU Challenge Coin Front
World Tour Tiger EAMU Challenge Coin Front
U.S. Coast Guard Station Erie Challenge Coin Side 2
When the majority of your coin is taken up by enamel and recessed sandblasting, a high polish plating can really shine. The custom shape of this coin also goes a long way towards giving it a unique personality.
Capt Carl J Stokes USN Side 2
This high polish silver coin from the U.S. Navy is a tale of two worlds. The front of the coin is elegant in its simplicity, while the back presents a collection of vibrant color most often found on a paint canvas. The sunset scene is presented in bright colors and translucent enamel to best complete the effect.
Curso De Buceo y Salvamento front
Curso De Buceo y Salvamento front
386 ESFS K9 Coin
This cut to shape coin for a K9 unit overseas uses the front coin face to present a fearsome image while the back of the coin is dedicated to the recessed text needed to explain the coin's purpose.
Nomads Dogtag
The emblems on the back of this coin are unique to the team, but the Nomads chose a lone figure dressed in an EOD suit as the centerpiece of the artwork. Even more unique is the way the bottle open hook is incorporated into the design as the mountain's peak.
3D Skull Translucent
This E-CO2-10 AHB REGULATORS #Challengecoin is dual plated with black nickel as the base, and coated with high polish gold in the center. The gold can be seen through the translucent enamel and the stars of the american flag.
US Army Corps of Engineers Back
Translucent blue lake with scallop edges.
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Side 2
ROTC and JROTC coins are popular and are often created without any colorfill. This copper coin out of Alaska shows just how impressive these coins are capable of being. And at 1.5", the level of detail in the small space is truly amazing.
F-35 Lightning II Airforce Challenge Coin 3D
F-35 Lightning II Airforce Challenge Coin 3D
U.S. Coast Guard Coin
A rope edge is a common sight on Navy and coast guard coins. When the rope edge for your coin doesn't go all the way to the edge, you get the ability to add detail and contrast to the design via colorfill.
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Challenge Coin
The rope edge of this U.S. Navy coin had texture added to it by the recessed sandblasting within it. The result is a coin with a very unique look and feel. The high polish gold plating is also complimented by the dark enamel.
Bricks Across American Challenge Coin front
Bricks Across American Challenge Coin front
Honoring Those That Served
This challenge coin features a depiction of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. It's a perfect example of just how detailed a 3D challenge coin can get.
6th Squadron 1st Cavalry
Adding enamel on top of a 3D design isn't always an option. That's why this antique silver coin uses a 3D mold on the front, but is 2D on the back to make room for the colorfills.
Nomads Dogtag Side 2
The emblems on the back of this coin are unique to the team, but the Nomads chose a lone figure dressed in an EOD suit as the centerpiece of the artwork. Even more unique is the way the bottle open hook is incorporated into the design as the mountain's peak.
United Statest Army Garrison Fort Irwin - USAG
This cut to shape Army challenge coin might not make use of many colors or upgrade options, but it's a great example of the way changing the shape of your coin creates a completely new effect.
3rd Battalion Marines Coin
Antique nickel plating gives this coin a special and unique coloring. Reminiscent of gunmetal, the plating allows each of the colors to shine while also being more reflective than typical antique platings and less reflective than high polish plating.
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D front
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D front
USCGC Library Challenge Coin back
USCGC Library Challenge Coin back
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Challenge Coin Side 2
The rope edge of this U.S. Navy coin had texture added to it by the recessed sandblasting within it. The result is a coin with a very unique look and feel. The high polish gold plating is also complimented by the dark enamel.
Bricks Across American Challenge Coin back
Bricks Across American Challenge Coin back
USAF Veteran Challenge Coin
The high polish silver plating and blue colorfill of this coin pair beautifully. Text on high polish coin designs can be hard to read because of the glare, however, the text in this design is colorfilled to add contrast and make the message clearly legible.
102nd Airborne Dog Tags
Including team emblems in a unit coin design is a great way to make them meaningful to a team, and adding a bottle opener cut out is a great way to boost morale and encourage soldiers to enjoy their days off by sharing a cold drink with their friends.
United Statest Army Garrison Fort Irwin - USAG Side 2
This cut to shape Army challenge coin might not make use of many colors or upgrade options, but it's a great example of the way changing the shape of your coin creates a completely new effect.
Marine Aircraft Challenge Coin
Marine Aircraft Challenge Coin
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D back
USAFA Brooke Duckworth 3D back
USCGC Library Challenge Coin front
USCGC Library Challenge Coin front
Detachment Three Samurai Challenge Coin
3D challenge coins are not the only ones capable of exceptional detail. The design of the samurai mask and the detailing around it add a unique look and feel to this high polish gold coin.
Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum - Front
Where other coins use different shades of the same color to add detail and contrast to their designs, this coin uses the same shade of blue in each colorfill area. The brush strokes on the 3D portrait on the front coin face give the appearance of pencil marks in a sketch.
102nd Airborne Dog Tags Side 2
Including team emblems in a unit coin design is a great way to make them meaningful to a team, and adding a bottle opener cut out is a great way to boost morale and encourage soldiers to enjoy their days off by sharing a cold drink with their friends.
Spartan Helmet Bottle Opener Challenge Coin
This cut to shape bottle opener coin uses the natural contours of the helmet it's designed after to hide a bottle opener in plain sight.
Company-1-Battalion-OCS-Challenge Coin back
Company-1-Battalion-OCS-Challenge Coin back
LRS Logistics Readiness Squardron Challenge Coin
Our favorite part of this design is the unique edge. We offer a few different custom edges that can spice up any design, but if you're looking for something unique, we can make it happen.
Pacific Northwest 122nd Hospital Corpsman Ball Challenge Coin Spinner
Pacific Northwest 122nd Hospital Corpsman Ball Challenge Coin Spinner
Air Force Chaplain Corps Coin
It's not often that Air Force challenge coins make use of high polish plating, but when they do, they use it to maximum effect. This silver coin is dominated by colorfill areas, allowing the shine of the plating to work as an accent to the design.
Missle Handling Team Dogtags
The difference in tone between the front a back of this dog tag challenge coin is striking (pun intended). The high polish silver metal is bright and reflective, ensuring that the black enamel design on the back provides a nice contrast.
US Army Reserve Challenge Coin
This U.S. Army Reserve coin is a perfect example of how well gold plating mixes with green enamel. It's also proof you don't have to choose between raised and recessed text.
Company-1-Battalion-OCS Challenge Coin
Company-1-Battalion-OCS Challenge Coin
Airman Air Force Challenge Coin bottle opener
Airman Air Force Challenge Coin bottle opener
Hong Kong Lotus Challenge Coin
The Great Seal of the United States is a common design on challenge coins. This coin out of a base in Hong Kong uses antique silver plating and a simple red and black colorfill to create a great look at the Hong Kong skyline.
U.S. Coast Guard Gunner's Mate
Sometimes a limited number of cut outs is better for enhancing your design. This Coast Guard coin only has two cut outs, but their effect on the coin are undeniable.
741st MI Batallion
This dual plated, 3D molded challenge coin also makes use of cut outs to better help the most important aspect of the design stand apart from the rest of the coin. The raised text and oblique cut edge are also nice touches.
Emergency Medicine Dogtags
The translucent enamel provides a rich, blue tone on the front of this coin. Translucent colors allow a small amount of light to reach the metal plating underneath. The gold and red color scheme on the back of the coin also has a unique effect.
TrainOurTroops Challenge Coin
Combining black metal and gold metal in the same design creates a striking effect. Due to the difference in production for black metal and gold metal coins, combing these two plating styles will add to the production time of your order.
Airman airforce bottle opener - custom edge - AS back
Airman airforce bottle opener - custom edge - AS back
U.S. Navy Reserve Challenge Coin
The rope edge of this U.S. Navy coin is raised as opposed to recessed, and it's pushed to the very edge of the coin. That means the design of the edge can't be enhanced with colorfill or sandblasting, but the high polish gold plating does enough to help everything stand out.
Q-West Iraq Challenge Coin
Creating a shield-shaped challenge coins design is a great way to break from tradition and make something that stands out from the crowd. These Army coins include different team logos and emblems in a way that's almost reminiscent of an ancient coat of arms.
Navy Chief Marine Ssgt
Dual plating your coin is another way to add two colors without having to rely on enamel. This U.S. Marines coin is plated in both gold and silver, and makes use of a beveled edge for a unique feel.
FEM Bagdad Processing Division Dog Tags
FEM Bagdad Processing Division Dog Tags
TrainOurTroops Challenge Coin
Creating a 3D challenge coin is one of the best ways to make larger than life artwork, and when you put a 3D design on an oversized 3" coin like this, you're sure to make a lasting impression.
AFSOC Black Nickel Coin
Including 3D artwork of the vehicles and equipment that soldiers are trained to operate is a common theme in military unit coins, and the black nickel plating of this design creates a unique charcoal effect that helps it stand out from the crowd.
USN Navy Photographers mate Challenge Coin
A lot of the Navy challenge coins you'll find have a custom rope edge, but this 3D design kicks it up a notch by filling in the spaces between the rope edge with blue colorfill.
89th Maintenance Unit Executive Flying Crew Chiefs - Front
These challenge coins were created in honor of the 89th Maintenance Group who is responsible for the aircraft carrying the Vice President of the United States. The 3D crossed wrenches frame the different seals on the front of the coin, and the space for sequential numbering on the back ensures every coin is unique.
United States Army Special Forces Command
As the largest military base in the United States, Fort Bragg has a huge demand for custom coins. These Fort Bragg challenge coins were created for the United States Army Special Forces Command, and we've created different designs for teams spread across the entire base.
728th Construction Management Team
The Sapper Castle is a common sight for Army challenge coins. Whether the entire coin is shaped like the castle or the castle is just featured on the coin somewhere, those red towers are immediately familiar. This cut to shape coin uses its space well to convey the purpose of the coin, the names of important recipients and important symbols and rank insignia.
Aviation Ordinance MCAS Cherry Point
The three-headed dragon design on this coin stands out beautifully against black nickel plating thanks to the bright red and yellow enamel. Most of the Marine Corps challenge coins we help create use the eagle, globe and anchor emblem as the centerpiece for their artwork, so this coin is definitely a break from tradition. However, the Corps' emblem is still visible just to the left of the dragon.
Navy Ball Ticket Challenge Coin
Ticket shaped challenge coins are popular for all kinds of different military balls. These Navy Ball coins were created for the Navy's 242nd birthday.
89th Maintenance Unit Executive Flying Crew Chiefs - Back
These challenge coins were created in honor of the 89th Maintenance Group who is responsible for the aircraft carrying the Vice President of the United States. The 3D crossed wrenches frame the different seals on the front of the coin, and the space for sequential numbering on the back ensures every coin is unique.
728th Construction Management Team Side 2
The Sapper Castle is a common sight for Army challenge coins. Whether the entire coin is shaped like the castle or the castle is just featured on the coin somewhere, those red towers are immediately familiar. This cut to shape coin uses its space well to convey the purpose of the coin, the names of important recipients and important symbols and rank insignia.
Afrotc Detachment 105 Airforce Coin - 3D front
Afrotc Detachment 105 Airforce Coin - 3D front
Navy Special Warfare Challenge Coin
Even with the two 3D emblems on the back, this dual plated coin can appear simple, but the front quickly dispels that notion. The fine details of the small raised metal strokes and the entwined and overlapping colorfill areas makes this a very detailed coin indeed.
Honor Flight
The high polish gold plating of these honor flight challenge coins takes a backseat to the colorful emblem design. Using color to add contrast is a great way to help metal text stand out in beautiful detail.
720th EOD 2nd PLT Bottle Opener Challenge Coin - closed
720th EOD 2nd PLT Bottle Opener Challenge Coin - closed
Afrotc Detachment 105 Airforce Coin - 3D back
Afrotc Detachment 105 Airforce Coin - 3D back
Navy Special Warfare Challenge Coin
Even with the two 3D emblems on the back, this dual plated coin can appear simple, but the front quickly dispels that notion. The fine details of the small raised metal strokes and the entwined and overlapping colorfill areas makes this a very detailed coin indeed.
Honor Flight
Many of the honor flight challenge coins we help design include the same logo while still having their own unique sense of character. The P-51 Mustang on the front of this coin is presented in raised high polish gold, allowing it to take center stage against the black backdrop.
720th EOD 2nd PLT Bottle Opener Challenge Coin - opened
720th EOD 2nd PLT Bottle Opener Challenge Coin - opened
Coalition Intelligence Fusion Cell Challenge Coin
This coin from the CIFC features a simple 2D design that makes use of pop culture images to convey the coalition's unique placement and position. The back of the coin is more traditional as it draws attention to a specific operation.
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Front
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Front
High Polish Silver Air Force Coin
For this high polish silver challenge coin, the recessed sandblasting is crucial to keeping the design visible. The engraved sequential numbering also goes a long way towards making each coin unique.
Camp Buehring Challenge Coin
This Army challenge coin uses high polish gold plating as little more than an accent on the front, allowing the green enamel to take center stage. The back, however, gives over much of its space to let the gold shine.
Coalition Intelligence Fusion Cell Challenge Coin Side 2
This coin from the CIFC features a simple 2D design that makes use of pop culture images to convey the coalition's unique placement and position. The back of the coin is more traditional as it draws attention to a specific operation.
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Back
Maropsgru 5 HQ Challenge Coin 3D Back
Chief Mills Coin
These Air Force challenge coins were created specifically for pilots. The design shows an aviator in flight wearing his flight helmet and oxygen mask, and the reflection in his visor shows the view out of the cockpit.
Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum
Where other coins use different shades of the same color to add detail and contrast to their designs, this coin uses the same shade of blue in each colorfill area. The brush strokes on the 3D portrait on the front coin face give the appearance of pencil marks in a sketch.
Camp Buehring Challenge Coin Side 2
This Army challenge coin uses high polish gold plating as little more than an accent on the front, allowing the green enamel to take center stage. The back, however, gives over much of its space to let the gold shine.
Seven as one USAF honor guard dual platinig
Seven as one USAF honor guard dual platinig
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin front
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin front
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin front
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin front
27th Infantry Reunion Commemorative Coin
Our oblique line upgraded edge frames this Army challenge coin. The antique silver plating and simple black colorfill also help the 3D design to pop.
Diego Garcia FCPOA Challenge Coin
The front of this antique silver, cut to shape coin makes use of a lot of color, and while it might look like there are more than seven colors used, if you look closely, you can see where a number of those colors are reused. Seven colors without an additional charge might not sound like much, but when you employ them this well, you can create a really impressive coin.
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin back
Vanguard of Victory USS Normandy Navy Challenge Coin back
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin back
Hartsdale Pet Cemetary Rememberance Challenge Coin back
27th Infantry Reunion Commemorative Challenge Coin Side 2
Our oblique line upgraded edge frames this Army challenge coin. The antique silver plating and simple black colorfill also help the 3D design to pop.
Diego Garcia FCPOA Challenge Coin Side 2
The front of this antique silver, cut to shape coin makes use of a lot of color, and while it might look like there are more than seven colors used, if you look closely, you can see where a number of those colors are reused. Seven colors without an additional charge might not sound like much, but when you employ them this well, you can create a really impressive coin.
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D front
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D front
USS Ronald Reagan Media Department Challenge Coin
Iridescent plating is one of the more rare custom challenge coin options we see. It creates a unique rainbow effect that can turn any type of custom coin design into something unforgettable.
Air Force Chaplain Corps College Challenge Coin
It's not often that Air Force challenge coins make use of high polish plating, but when they do, they use it to maximum effect. This silver coin is dominated by colorfill areas, allowing the shine of the plating to work as an accent to the design.
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D back
FCPOA Navy challenge coin 3D back
Gatorade Coin Side 2
The oblique edge of this high polish silver Gatorade coin gives the coin a unique look and feel. Each oblique line in the edge is cut individually.
General Darren W. McDew
With a clear image, we can easily add personal signatures to an order of coins. This silver Commander coin also makes use of recessed sandblasting to add contrast.
Commander Challenge Coin Awarded For Excellence
The translucent green enamel on this Army challenge coin has a subtle shimmer to it thanks to the high polish gold plating shining through from underneath. Translucent colors pair best with reflective metal plating options like high polish gold, silver or copper.
609 CAOC Drop Warheads on Terrorists Challenge Coin
This cut to shape coin showcases how deciding on a design can dictate many different aspects of your coin. While a lot of cut to shape coins take on specific and familiar shapes like shields or weapons, this coin decided that the crossed gavels and scrolls of text were good enough to serve as the entire shape of the coin.
Pentagon FBI Challenge Coin
This coin, created by the FBI, makes use of our upgraded oblique line edge option, and high polish silver plating. The red, white and blue colorfill really pop off the silver coin, and the addition of sequential number engraving helps each coin to be one-of-a-kind.
609 Combined Air and Space Operations Center Side 2
This cut to shape coin showcases how deciding on a design can dictate many different aspects of your coin. While a lot of cut to shape coins take on specific and familiar shapes like shields or weapons, this coin decided that the crossed gavels and scrolls of text were good enough to serve as the entire shape of the coin.
Army Stormtrooper Helmet Challenge Coin
Star Wars challenge coins are created by members of the 501st Legion for all kinds of reasons, including supporting our Nation's troops. Different versions of this stormtrooper helmet coin were created for members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps.
213 Maintenance Squadron Challenge Coin Front
213 Maintenance Squadron Challenge Coin Front
Alpha Company Challenge Coin
Including cut outs in a design is a great way to make artwork that stands out from the crowd. These Army unit coins have a unique Viking design at the center that is framed with cut outs at the top and bottom of the artwork.
213 Maintenance Squadron Challenge Coin back
213 Maintenance Squadron Challenge Coin back
Odin's Ravens Challenge Coin
Odin, king of the Norse gods, is flanked by his ravens at the center of this custom shaped challenge coin design. A lot of the military challenge coins we help design find inspiration from the ancient warriors from Norse and Greek mythology.
AFSOC Black Nickel Coin Side 2
Including 3D artwork of the vehicles and equipment that soldiers are trained to operate is a common theme in military unit coins, and the black nickel plating of this design creates a unique charcoal effect that helps it stand out from the crowd.
Massachusetts National Guard Challenge Coin
This Army National Guard challenge coin has a classic design that pays homage to the history of the service. A clear coating of epoxy was added over the surface to protect the artwork, giving the coins a smooth texture.
4th Expeditionary Aircraft challenge coin back
4th Expeditionary Aircraft challenge coin back
Blue Ridge Honor Flight Challenge Coin
Honor Flight is one of many military charities that we've had the pleasure to work with. While something like an Army unit coin is designed for a specific team of soldiers, this coin was designed to honor the service of veterans from all branches of service.
Aviation Ordinance MCAS Cherry Point Side 2
The three-headed dragon design on this coin stands out beautifully against black nickel plating thanks to the bright red and yellow enamel. Most of the Marine Corps challenge coins we help create use the eagle, globe and anchor emblem as the centerpiece for their artwork, so this coin is definitely a break from tradition. However, the Corps' emblem is still visible just to the left of the dragon.
Army Special Forces Challenge Coin
Choosing a custom shape for your challenge coins is a great way to make the design more exciting for a team. This arrowhead-shaped coin was designed to look like the Army's 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) patch.
Army Special Forces Challenge Coin Side 2
Choosing a custom shape for your challenge coins is a great way to make the design more exciting for a team. This arrowhead-shaped coin was designed to look like the Army's 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) patch.
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Back
Fuerzas Militares de Colombia Challenge Coin Back
2-227 Aviation Regiment
For anyone worried that including cut outs means sacrificing design space, this coin managed to include a number of different symbols and a lot of text while also including four different cut out sections.
30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Challenge Coin
This Army coin perfectly makes use of its red, white and blue colorfill and antique gold plating for a great contrast. The recessed lettering around the coin edge is another unique touch.
NATO Resolute Support Challenge Coin Side 2
The flags on this NATO coin make use of our silkscreen printing option to make sure we can capture as much detail in such a small space as possible.
NATO Resolute Support Challenge Coin
The flags on this NATO coin make use of our silkscreen printing option to make sure we can capture as much detail in such a small space as possible.
264th Engineer Clearance Company Challenge Coin back
264th Engineer Clearance Company Challenge Coin back
264th Engineer Clearance Company Challenge Coin front
264th Engineer Clearance Company Challenge Coin front
US Army Veterinary Corps Challenge Coin Front
US Army Veterinary Corps Challenge Coin Front
XVIII Airborne Corps Challenge Coin front
XVIII Airborne Corps Challenge Coin front
XVIII Airborne Corps Challenge Coin back
XVIII Airborne Corps Challenge Coin back
92D Chemical Company - Front
92D Chemical Company - Front
92D Chemical Company - Back_smooth
92D Chemical Company - Back_smooth
117th Congress Army Challenge Coin - front
117th Congress Army Challenge Coin - front
117th Congress Army Challenge Coin - back
117th Congress Army Challenge Coin - back
Camp Lemonnier Side 2
This coin makes used of both a cut to shape design and cut outs to capture its unique ship wheel shape.
Custom Challenge Coins Today
Comparing challenge coins of old with the custom coins of today, you’ll see that a few things are the same while others have drastically changed. Some of the major changes are seen in styling and construction. Traditionally, unit coins are medallion in shape and range between 1” to 1.75” in size. Nowadays, custom unit coins come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, colors and some even have dual functions like bottle opener cutouts.
Thanks to advancements in the molding and minting process, coins are made faster with more durable materials and offer more options for customization. Our talented art team has the tools and experience needed to bring any of your ideas to life, and our friendly sales team is happy to help you through every step of the design process. Couple this with our industry-leading turnaround time of 14 days or fewer and our 100% quality guarantee, and you’re sure to get the perfect challenge coin for your team. Send us your ideas today, and we’ll get started on your first free proof of artwork.
Things have come a long way from stamping a simple emblem into copper to create a custom unit coin. But even with all the changes in what is possible in custom challenge coin design, some things have remained the same since the very beginning. They represent courage, camaraderie and, more than all else, identity. Just as the lieutenant was able to identify himself with the copper coin he made for his unit, so too are today’s soldiers able to identify themselves as members of specific teams and units just by showing their coin with pride.
What’s Next In the World of Custom Challenge Coins?
Custom challenge coins definitely owe their start to military tradition, and any custom coin company knows that many of their customers will at least have a military background. As service men and women retired and left combat, they were often forced to return to the private sector to secure employment. Of course, they brought many of the lessons, qualities and traditions from the military with them, including challenge coins.
Today, government agencies, law enforcement offices and fire departments order unique challenge coins for any number of different purposes. In more recent years, custom challenge coins have grown in popularity in the corporate world and in the nonprofit sector.
People have realized the benefits of creating coins as an extension of team identity, and are using them to promote camaraderie among employees, encourage excellence and even to promote interest in a group’s mission outside of the company. Nonprofits use them to raise money for important causes and to spread the word on their movement. We have experience recreating team logos and emblems with perfect accuracy. Just let us know what kind of design you need, and we will take care of the rest.
No one knows what the coin looked like, which unit it came from, or even if this story is entirely true; however, this account is the most widely spread origin story of custom military coins. The first officially recorded use of challenge coins custom made for a unit came from the United States Army during the Korean War (17th Infantry) and the Vietnam War (10th Special Forces Group-A).
The Army remains one of the most prominent organizations involved with the challenge coin tradition, and the coins they create are some of the most unique you will find. It didn’t take long for unit members to start sharing their coins with other service men and women and for the challenge coin tradition to take hold all throughout the armed forces.
If you’re looking for a unique set of unit coins for your team, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at some of the incredible coins we have made over the years, and find some inspiration for your own custom artwork.
Creating Your Own Piece of Team History
A custom challenge coin always tells a story, whether it’s a coin from the past, the present or one that has yet to be designed. Military unit coins celebrate team heritage and experiences during deployment. Nonprofit coins tell the stories of people in need and the people taking a stand for change. We may be a small custom coin company based in Orlando, but we help people all over the world tell their stories through custom challenge coin design. We know how to make a meaningful and memorable design that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Our Signature Coins team provides the easiest, friendliest way to create high-quality challenge coins online. We have experience working with military units, police departments, schools, charities and many other types of customers, and have an unrivaled understanding of the different styles and stories that come from each type of customer. We take pride in our work and are happy to help any customer capture a small piece of history through custom challenge coin design. Send us your ideas today, and see what we can help you create.
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