The team that wins the coin toss goes on to win the game, right? Well, that’s not always the case. Different sports have different stakes up in the air with every coin toss, but the outcome of any game is determined by the players, not the side of a coin that faces up in a toss. Flipping a coin before a game is definitely important for getting things started, but
also represent team unity, camaraderie and belonging.
Challenge coins began as a way to enhance teamwork and camaraderie amongst teammates while showcasing the recipient’s belonging to a group. With that being the intention, it only makes sense that sports teams would also get in on the fun. Coins already have a place within the game during coin tosses, but sports challenge coins are effective both on and off the field.
Reagan Bowl Challenge Coin Front
Reagan Bowl Challenge Coin Back
We've created all kinds of different sports challenge coins for tournaments all over the world, but it's always something special when we have a chance to work on something as high profile as the 2019 NCAA Final Four. The design features the official logo of the Final Four with the names of the four schools around the edge of the coin.
GOOMBA Golf Marker
We've created all kinds of different sports challenge coins for tournaments all over the world, but it's always something special when we have a chance to work on something as high profile as the 2019 NCAA Final Four. The design features the official logo of the Final Four with the names of the four schools around the edge of the coin.
Law enforcement challenge coins are often made for special units within a department like these Special Events Unit coins for the Miami-Dade police. The inclusion of Hard Rock Stadium and Marlins Park on the back of the coin in 3D is a nice, personal touch for the coins.
The custom edge of this high polish gold coin was designed to resemble the stitching of a football. Because custom edges like this use our standard flat edge option, they don't incur any additional fees, and they immediately make your coin stand out from all others. This coin, with its heads and tails clearly labeled, is intended to be used as a flipping coin at the start of a game.
The custom edge of this high polish gold coin was designed to resemble the stitching of a football. Because custom edges like this use our standard flat edge option, they don't incur any additional fees, and they immediately make your coin stand out from all others. This coin, with its heads and tails clearly labeled, is intended to be used as a flipping coin at the start of a game.
South west florida sports coin
Referee flipping coins like these are ordered by different organizations that train officiators on how to perform on the field. The Indiana Lacrosse Officials Association included their logo on one side of the coins and a custom lacrosse helmet design on the other.
Referee flipping coins like these are ordered by different organizations that train officiators on how to perform on the field. The Indiana Lacrosse Officials Association included their logo on one side of the coins and a custom lacrosse helmet design on the other.
Custom wrestling coins like these are often designed for specific tournaments or venues and are used before every match to determine starting potions and home and away scoring. Depending on the sport, referee flipping coins will have different colors and certain design considerations.
Soccer coins, football coins and baseball coins are usually the first types of sports challenge coins people think of, but athletes from all over use custom coins. These martial arts coins have an elegant design mostly lent over to black enamel that allows the colors on the flag to stand out in vivid detail.
National Martial Arts Alliance back
24hr Fitness Challenge Coin Side 2
24hr Fitness Challenge Coin Side 1
This Super Bowl LIII coin may not have been designed to determine possession at the start of the big game, but it's the perfect keepsake for the men and women at Atlanta Biowatch who worked the game. The high polish silver plating and dark enamel work well to add clear contrast to the artwork while increasing the perceived value of the coins.
Ryder Cup Golf Challenge Coin front
Ryder Cup Golf Challenge Coin back
This Super Bowl LIII coin may not have been designed to determine possession at the start of the big game, but it's the perfect keepsake for the men and women at Atlanta Biowatch who worked the game. The high polish silver plating and dark enamel work well to add clear contrast to the artwork while increasing the perceived value of the coins.
Trap and Skeet Puck 3D front
Shooting club
Trap and Skeet Puck back
For big market teams like the Detroit Tigers, using the correct colors for logo designs is a must. These baseball coins use the exact shade of blue that the Tigers have on their uniforms and across their entire brand.
Sports coins will often take inspiration from team mascots or school logos, like this Lady Dutch soccer challenge coin. Recessed sandblasting on the back of the coin helps the soccer ball design stand out in beautiful detail.
Sports coins will often take inspiration from team mascots or school logos, like this Lady Dutch soccer challenge coin. Recessed sandblasting on the back of the coin helps the soccer ball design stand out in beautiful detail.
Senior Baseball Coins
All kinds of different organizations order custom coins. These Nevada State Skeet Shooting Association are just one example of a club that designed custom coins for members.
Gracie Survival Tactics Martial Arts Challenge Coin
Gracie Survival Tactics Martial Arts Challenge Coin back
Custom sports flipping coins look different for every sport. Wrestling coins always have one red and one green side to determine home and away as well as starting position for competitors.
Custom sports flipping coins look different for every sport. Wrestling coins always have one red and one green side to determine home and away as well as starting position for competitors.
489234 Sentinel Concepts front
489234 Sentinel Concepts Challenge Coin Back
FBI Superbowl Event Coin 1
FBI Superbowl Event Coin 2
These referee flipping coins were designed for members of the Pine Belt Soccer Officials Association. Believe it or not, labeling heads and tails on either side of a flipping coin is pretty rare. Having each side of a flipping coin labeled ensures there are no disputes over coin tosses.
These referee flipping coins were designed for members of the Pine Belt Soccer Officials Association. Believe it or not, labeling heads and tails on either side of a flipping coin is pretty rare. Having each side of a flipping coin labeled ensures there are no disputes over coin tosses.
Iron Bridge Challenge Coin with Offset Print back
Iron Bridge Challenge Coin with Offset Print front
Super Bowl coin flips are among the most notorious flips that occur every year. The outcome of the coin toss is the center of many friendly wagers before the game starts and is talked about days after the game is over. Football flipping coins like the referee coin used before every Super Bowl are considered by some to have extreme value because of the advantage awarded to the winner of the toss. But sports challenge coins can mean so much more than just choosing starting positions.
Like sports medals and trophies, custom challenge coins are sometimes earned through exceptional performance. And the uses for sports challenge coins go so much farther than just coin flipping.
The most common use for sport challenge coins is, of course, a game-opening coin toss. Soccer flipping coins and football flipping coins are the most well known, but they’re all kinds of different games that require officiators to carry a special coin to flip before a match. Wrestling, disc golf and badminton are just a few that we’ve created custom coins for besides the usual suspects of soccer and football. While these coins are great on the field, they hold a different value off the field as well.
Umpires and referees are almost always a part of an association or union, and many carry special coins to show their membership. These organizations train officiators and offer certification classes, and the only way to earn these types of referee coins is to meet their high standards in knowledge and ability. Having one is a source of pride as well as a special way to kick off any match.
But not all sports coins are for officiators or for coin flipping. Some trainers and gyms use custom challenge coins to motivate their pupils and to honor dedication and progress. Martial arts dojos and fitness centers sometimes award these collectible coins to new members, to students who reach new levels in special programs, and even to staff members in honor of their excellent service.
Referee flipping coins and custom medals are also created as trophies or special keepsakes for players and performers. Custom race medals are designed around themes and locations where road races take place and are sometimes used to help raise money for a special cause. Marathons are a great way to raise awareness about important causes, and sport challenge coins are an excellent source of fundraising to include in the event.
High school booster clubs offer them to fans and supporters along with things like team apparel, stickers and keychains as well. Not only do the coins represent the achievements of different athletes, but they can be used to help teams raise money for travel and to purchase equipment.
It may not be the first thing everyone thinks of, but custom golf ball markers are another popular style of sport challenge coin. Ball markers are usually on the smaller side, but we’ve made them in all sorts of different styles. Some people are looking specifically for a magnetic insert ball marker for their challenge coins, while others are happy to create a one-sided ball marker design for players to carry in their pockets.
No matter what kind of sports team you are a part of or what kind of design you need, Signature Coins has got you covered. Our talented art team has the experience and know-how to help you come up with the perfect coin design. If you’re looking for something that incorporates team emblems, mascots and colors, just let us know. We’ve also created sport challenge coins with sponsorship logos and custom artwork of tournament venues.
To get started, just fill out a free quote form on our website or give us a call. Either way, our team will be able to collect everything we need to begin crafting your free artwork within just a couple of minutes. We have a challenge coin design template for anyone who wants to sketch out their ideas and take detailed notes on their artwork, but it’s not required. But if one of the more artistically inclined members of the team wants to sketch something out, it’s definitely a great tool.
Your first free proof of artwork will be ready within 48 hours, and from there you can make as many changes as you would like. We offer free unlimited revisions on all of our designs because we want to make sure your design is perfect before you have to pay a dime.
Creating custom coins is a fun and engaging process. We’ve spent years perfecting the finer details of our craft and have experience working with all kinds of different teams around the world. Whether you need a set of coins for a series of football games, or need something special for your next club booster meeting, Signature Coins is here to help.
With our industry-leading turnaround time of 14 days or fewer, we can beat the clock and meet almost any deadline imaginable. If you’re ready to create a coin of your own, just give us a call, and see for yourself how we blow all the competition out of the water.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
(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 | - |
Choose the Edge Style that fits your needs
Select from a wide array of custom coin options
Interactive coins where part of the coin is designed to spin or rotate freely.
Not only can the outer shape of the coin be customized, but the interior areas can be “cut out” as well
3D coins have an unlimited number of sculpted levels. We can round edges and create smooth gradations.
The perfect option for anyone looking for trackable coins or just a fun way to make every coin a little more special.
Choosing from our selection of glow enamels ensures your design will continue to shine even when the lights go out.
Not only can you design the front and back of your coins, but the true edge can be engraved with messages as well.
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
