Military Challenge Coins

Every military challenge coin tells a different story. Some are designed to celebrate the camaraderie shared by a unit of soldiers, while others are earned through sacrifice and courage in the line of duty. No matter the case, soldiers carry the

custom coins

they earn as a symbol of identity, a source of inspiration and a mark of honor.

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Military Challenge Coins

Military Challenge Coins

There’s nothing quite like the classics, and in challenge coins, military is where it all got started. Today, challenge coins have spread out to just about every profession imaginable, but nothing tops the coins created for the brave men and women who started it all.

Custom Military Coin Gallery

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Challenge Coin Customer Reviews

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Getting Started on the Perfect Military Coin Design

Custom military coins come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes and are used across every branch of service. As the best challenge coin company in the country, our Signature Coins team has worked with soldiers stationed all over the world. Whether you’re a member of a Marine detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, a commanding officer at Fort Bragg, or anyone else in between, we’ve got you covered.

The Different Styles of Military Challenge Coins

Looking at a handful of unit coins from each branch of service is enough to see the difference in styles throughout the military. Army challenge coins are more likely to have custom shapes and dual functions like bottle opener cut outs, while custom Marine Corps challenge coins are generally more conservative, always making room for the famous eagle, globe and anchor emblem. There are always going to be exceptions to these rules, but it just goes to show that each branch of service has a distinct style when it comes to creating custom military coins.

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Custom Army coins are often inspired by a unit’s mascot or emblem, giving them a unique sense of personality. Soldiers carry these coins with pride as a source of identity and camaraderie with their fellow teammates. While soldiers all throughout the Army work together and share common goals, coins like these celebrate what makes a team unique.

Air force challenge coins by signature coins

Air Force Challenge coins have been a central part of every Airman’s journey since 1947 when the Air Force became a stand-alone service branch. After basic training, recruits are given an Airman’s coin and addressed as Ariman for the first time. While the coin design has changed over the years, it’s importance as the first step in service remains the same. After receiving their first coin at the end of basic training, Airmen are introduced to all kinds of different custom Air Force coins earned through service and excellence.

signaturecoins Navy coins

The United States Navy has ships spread across every ocean of the world. Sailors find themselves at sea for months at a time, but they find a home away from home aboard their vessel. It’s for this reason that so many Navy coins include different ships in the design. Officers sometimes have their own personal coins created that they hand out as a sign of respect and honor to the sailors under their command. No matter what kind of design is pressed into the coin face, all Navy challenge coins are carried with pride.

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Marines have a reputation around the globe as an elite fighting force. Semper Fidelis, meaning always faithful, is the motto that every Marine lives by and is present in almost all the Marine challenge coins we help design. Custom Marine Corps challenge coins are often made for individual teams, but they have a strong connection to the Corps as a whole thanks to the Marine Corps emblem included in each design.

No matter what style of coin suits your needs, choosing the right military coin maker is an important step in getting the design just right. Our Signature Coins team is committed to providing the industry’s best quality coins and helping every customer create something meaningful and memorable for their team. Fill out a quote form and get started on your set of custom military coins today!

Customizing Your Coins

Creating a set of high-quality coins is quick and easy when working with our Signature Coins team. To get started, fill out one of our free quote forms and let us know what style of coins you need, how many coins you need and when you need the coins to be delivered. There is also a place to upload any artwork you have prepared, or any stock images you would like our team to use as a reference for your design. We also have a challenge coin design template available to help organize your thoughts and map out your design.

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We will have a free proof of artwork ready within 48 hours after a request is submitted. If you see anything you would like to change, just let us know. We offer free unlimited revisions because we want to make sure every customer is extremely satisfied with the artwork before spending a dime. If there are any specific custom options you would like to try out like dual plating, custom edging or cut to shape designs, our art team is happy to work on multiple proofs so you can compare how they look.

For a list of some of our most popular options and a breakdown on how much custom challenge coins cost with different options, check out our pricing page.

The Easiest Way to Design Custom Coins Online

Our Signature Coins team has been handcrafting military challenge coins since the year 2000. We partner with teams from every branch of service, as well as foreign allies like the Canadian Armed Forces, the Armada De Chile and the British Armed Forces to create beautiful designs and the highest quality coins available on the market. If you’re ready to get started on your own set of military coins, we’re here to help.

All of our customers receive a 100% quality guarantee coupled with an industry leading 14 day turnaround time with free priority shipping. Send us your ideas today, and see how our team can help design a meaningful and memorable gift for you and your team.


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Download Our Design Template

Custom Challenge Coin Pricing

Color on Both Sides
(Up to 7 Colors per Side)

Size 50 100 300 500 1,000 2,000
1.5" $6.03 $3.66 $3.24 $3.16 $3.08 $3.02
1.75" $6.83 $4.16 $3.74 $3.69 $3.64 $3.59
2" $7.61 $4.63 $4.29 $4.23 $4.18 $4.13
2.25" $8.28 $5.24 $4.87 $4.81 $4.73 $4.68
2.5" $9.30 $6.21 $5.84 $5.71 $5.70 $5.65
2.75" $10.27 $6.83 $6.48 $6.23 $6.07 $6.02
3" $11.40 $7.43 $7.12 $6.72 $6.46 $6.40
3.25" $15.15 $8.20 $7.84 $7.43 $7.12 $6.72
3.5" $16.66 $9.02 $8.63 $8.16 $7.83 $7.39
3.75" $18.33 $9.91 $9.48 $8.99 $8.61 $8.12
4" $20.16 $10.91 $10.43 $9.88 $9.47 $8.93

Color on One Side
(Up to 7 Colors)

Size 50 100 300 500 1,000 2,000
1.5" $5.69 $3.45 $2.97 $2.92 $2.86 $2.81
1.75" $6.32 $3.79 $3.40 $3.34 $3.27 $3.22
2" $6.93 $4.27 $3.84 $3.77 $3.69 $3.64
2.25" $7.82 $5.02 $4.57 $4.54 $4.48 $4.43
2.5" $8.92 $6.13 $5.65 $5.11 $4.75 $4.70
2.75" $9.71 $6.62 $6.26 $5.86 $5.58 $5.53
3" $10.77 $7.00 $6.88 $6.60 $6.40 $6.34
3.25" $13.78 $7.83 $7.58 $7.28 $7.07 $6.20
3.5" $15.16 $8.61 $8.34 $8.01 $7.78 $6.83
3.75" $16.68 $9.47 $9.17 $8.81 $8.55 $7.51
4" $18.34 $10.42 $10.09 $9.69 $9.41 $8.25

No Color!
(Metal Only)

Size 50 100 300 500 1,000 2,000
1.5" $5.26 $3.23 $2.73 $2.67 $2.61 $2.56
1.75" $5.80 $3.51 $3.05 $2.97 $2.94 $2.88
2" $6.29 $3.83 $3.34 $3.24 $3.20 $3.14
2.25" $7.44 $4.75 $4.01 $3.79 $3.73 $3.67
2.5" $7.87 $5.38 $4.30 $4.26 $4.08 $4.03
2.75" $8.97 $6.13 $5.53 $5.29 $5.05 $5.00
3" $9.95 $6.90 $6.77 $6.35 $5.99 $5.94
3.25" $13.13 $7.60 $7.46 $7.00 $6.62 $5.89
3.5" $14.44 $8.36 $8.21 $7.70 $7.28 $6.47
3.75" $15.89 $9.20 $9.03 $8.47 $8.00 $7.12
4" $17.47 $10.12 $9.93 $9.31 $8.81 $7.83

Mold Setup Fees

Molds are FREE on all orders over 300 pieces

(on coins up to 2.5")

Size 1 Side 2 Sides Order 300+ Coins
1.5" $50.00 $100.00 FREE
1.75" $62.50 $125.00 FREE
2" $75.00 $150.00 FREE
2.25" $87.50 $175.00 FREE
2.5" $100.00 $200.00 FREE
2.75" $112.50 $225.00 -
3" $125.00 $250.00 -
Size 1 Side 2 Sides Order 300+ Coins
1.5" $50.00 $100.00 FREE
1.75" $62.50 $125.00 FREE
2" $75.00 $150.00 FREE
2.25" $87.50 $175.00 FREE
2.5" $100.00 $200.00 FREE
2.75" $112.50 $225.00 -
3" $125.00 $250.00 -

Custom Challenge Coin Edge Options

Choose the Edge Style that fits your needs

Standard Flat Edge

Standard Flat Edge

Rope Edge

Rope Edge

Spur Edge

Spur Edge

Flat Weave Bevel Edge

Flat Weave Bevel Edge

Oblique Edge

Oblique Edge

Cross Cut Edge

Cross Cut Edge

Challenge Coin Plating Options

Antique Gold

Antique Gold

Antique Silver

Antique Silver

Antique Copper

Antique Copper

High Polish Gold

High Polish Gold

High Polish Silver

High Polish Silver

Dual-Plating

Dual-Plating

Additional Challenge Coin Options

Select from a wide array of custom coin options

Spinner Challenge Coins

Interactive coins where part of the coin is designed to spin or rotate freely.

Cutouts

Challenge Coin Cut Outs

Not only can the outer shape of the coin be customized, but the interior areas can be “cut out” as well

3D Challenge Coins

3D coins have an unlimited number of sculpted levels. We can round edges and create smooth gradations.

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Sequential Numbering

The perfect option for anyone looking for trackable coins or just a fun way to make every coin a little more special.

Glow in the Dark

Choosing from our selection of glow enamels ensures your design will continue to shine even when the lights go out.

Edge-engraving

Edge Engraving

Not only can you design the front and back of your coins, but the true edge can be engraved with messages as well.

Common Challenge Coin Questions

A challenge coin is usually a metal coin or medallion, bearing an organization's insignia, emblem or logo and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, challenge coins were used by the military and displayed by service men and women to prove exclusive membership when challenged, and to enhance the military units' morale.

Historically, challenge coins were awarded by military unit commanders in recognition of special achievement made by a member of the unit. They are also known to be exchanged and traded during recognition visits to different international organizations, bases and service tours. These coins have been heavily collected by active and retired service members and law enforcement personnel for years.

Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and often include popular culture references such as superheroes as well as known characters in a parody. Many companies today are using them to build morale in teams, link people with similar interests and even to promote their brand. Challenge coin designs today are pushing the boundary of what a challenge coin could mean or be used for. One thing is for sure, personalized coins further strengthen the sense of bond within people that both give and receive them.

Challenge coins are often used as a physical token or symbol to represent membership to an organization, unit, or team.

Challenge coins also serve as a lasting personal award for anyone that has received one. Since they are custom and long lasting, challenge coins serve well to commemorate the time and experience put in to overcome overwhelming obstacles or the extraordinary effort and sacrifice needed to reach a given achievement. These keepsake coins become a life long reminder of the achievements made.

Challenge coins can also be used as a token to commemorate a special event or anniversary. You can view some of our commemorative coins here.

Our bravest first responder services also have a history of using challenge coins. Whether for fire departments, emergency medical technicians or law enforcement officers, challenge coins have been used to award bravery, acts of heroism and department camaraderie.

Many companies today have been started by veterans, or are veteran owned and are beginning to use the challenge coin tradition to help represent accomplishments in their businesses. This modern approach to awarding challenge coins has garnered some criticism from the traditionalists. Signature Coins has been making challenge coins for 20 plus years, and we see more and more companies joining in on awarding custom challenge coins to customers, staff, and volunteers. They are using them to build morale in teams, link people with similar interests and even to promote their brand or charities.

Generally speaking you give someone a challenge coin when you want to honor them for a good deed or for their hard work.

Challenge coins still play a major role in the military today, much like a "Thank you Plus" or "Great Job Plus". In the armed forces not every action rates an honorable medal or certificate, for those moments when someone is deserving of more than a thank you, awarding them with a challenge coin fills the gap.

As a very simple miltary example. You're out on a 3 day field op. One of your guys or gals busts their butt during a particularly stressful couple hours of it. Shows great attitude, effort, and was overal top notch. If you tried to write it up, it wouldn't "quite" be "award worthy" but definitely deserved "recognition."

Now even if you’re not a veteran or a member of the armed forces, you can still recognize and award someone with custom challenge coins.

You can use challenge coins to reward employees after the completion of a special project or if huge accomplishments have been made company wide. The coin design can be representative of the achievement, the employee or the company goals. Studies show when employees are recognized for a job well done, they feel more satisfied with their job performance, are more likely to reach for higher goals, and are more loyal to their organizations.

Finding the right time and place to give someone a challenge coin can be, well, a bit challenging.

  • Military tradition has a few ways of approaching this honor. One being "The Secret Handshake" where commanding officers, department officials or the president himself would shake a soldiers hand and "slip" them the coin via the handshake. Transferring the coin shouldn’t be dramatic or obvious, like a quiet wink and a nod, this honor is more personal to the people giving and receieving the award and less ceremonial. Although a bit more obvious, another military tradition is to hand them out in front of a formation or during a meeting, but it's more commonly done one on one.

  • As more civilians and businesses use challenge coins, they have taken a more ceremonious and inclusive approach to awarding them. When looking to give a challenge coin to an employee or team member most businesses will do it during a team meeting. Some businesses have even integrated their employee award recognition into their annual and quarterly ceremonies. Awarding their employees in front of others can be a great way to show the rest of the team that you too can be "recognized" if the effort is there.

  • Modern marketers are also finding that custom challenge coins make for great business cards, so many high end service providers, such as lawyers, accountants and commercial developers are now giving their custom coins out as a means of promoting themselves or their business offerings.

Challenge coins typically cost $3.00 -$5.00 per coin for a full production run of 100 coins generally speaking.

More specifically though, it depends. Challenge coin pricing is dependent on a variety of factors including size, quantity, and coloration. Your organization’s insignia or logo, as well as the brand standards surrounding it, will often dictate coloration. The level of complexity, industry standards, and personal preference will dictate the size of the coin.

You can view our challenge coin pricing here.

Designing challenge coins is a lot of fun, but there’s also a ton of things to think about before getting started. Luckily, we have years of experience making custom coins, and we’re happy to help you every step of the way.

We have put together a how-to guide that will tell you everything you need to know about challenge coin design.

Challenge Coin Design 101: A How-To Guide For Creating Challenge Coins