Challenge coins have long been used to honor the valiant actions of those in the armed forces. Coins are given to servicemen and women that complete certain trainings or special missions. Additionally, they are given as an award to those that have demonstrated excellence in their performance of duty. Recently, challenge coins have also been used to honor those that have fallen in battle. The Carolina Field of Honor Coin stands as a perfect example of such use.

Remembering Those That Have Fallen

The Carolina Field of Honor is a memorial park set within the Triad Park in North Carolina. It is being constructed to honor those have fought in any of the wars and peace missions in which the United States has been involved throughout history. The park serves to connect each mission, and more importantly, the soldiers involved to one another in order to recognize their sacrifices and commitment in defending our proud nation.

While the memorial park will help to preserve the history and pride associated with each mission and battle, its greater purpose will be to educate future generations about the sacrifices made by those that came before them. The Carolina Field of Honor is designed to cater to large groups of school children and tourists, and even has a Parade Deck that is designated for special ceremonies for such public service groups as military units, the Boy Scouts, and law enforcement.

Using Custom Challenge Coins to Commemorate the Park’s Opening

In order to celebrate the opening of the park, both Forsyth and Guilford counties had a special set of challenge coins designed. Because challenge coins have historically been used to honor military servicemen and women, they were the obvious choice for a commemorative token. The Carolina Field of Honor Coin will be distributed to those involved in its creation, and could very well be used to promote the opening of the park.

Celebrating Public Works Projects with Challenge Coins

Challenge coins are being used more frequently than ever to honor and celebrate important events with purposes that fall of those traditionally used by the military. The individuals behind many public works projects in the United States are using challenge coins as a means of celebrating the project’s completion. In the case of the Carolina Field of Honor coin, the planned distribution of the coins serves to celebrate the new memorial park while also honoring those that fought to preserve our nation’s liberties.

Challenge coins used to celebrate the completion of such projects as the Carolina Field of Honor are typically similar in style. They generally feature a specific date and the name of the building, park, bridge, or other newly opened or renovated area. On the flip side of the coin, a picture or 3D rendering that symbolizes the purpose of the project is used. For the design and opening of a park similar to the Carolina Field of Honor, an organization may wish to design challenge coins that feature an honorable soldier.

If you would like to design challenge coins to celebrate the opening of a new park, building, or bridge, please feel free to contact us, and one of our representatives will assist you with all of your needs and questions.

When we think of a challenge coin, we automatically think of a standard round shape…but such coins can be minted in shapes that are limited only by your imagination. Take for example, the example here made and designed by Lt. Jesse W. Johnson, USAF. using a basic circle, Lt. Johnson incorporated a silhouette of a B-1 bomber to overlap and protrude off the edges, making a not-so-often-seen type of coin.

Using cutouts and dual plating, Msgt. Amado Azua created a series of coins for his unit. We see dual plating (silver and gold on the same coin) frequently, but its use on the outer edge of the design make it really stand out. An oblique line edge is cut into the outer portion of the high polished gold for a distinguished look.

Creative use of camouflage has been poplar as of late also with military unit coins, and this mock-up from the Wounded Warrior Regiment is no exception. Different shapes, creative graphics, and specialized coloring patterns really make this one sought after.

What can we design for your unit? We take your ideas and transform them into striking military challenge coins. Call us at 1-800-641-5831 or use our website to send us your request today.

There is no doubt that members of law enforcement could be considered one of the most under appreciated group of professionals in practically any community. The safety and security of the neighborhood they serve is a direct correlation of the local police department and its good works. The commitment to the job deserves recognition. Yet, how easily is that forgotten?

There are many kind ways to show your admiration: a smile, a greeting, a handshake, a respectful nod as they walk by…and there are custom law enforcement and police challenge coins.

Inspiring

In both fund raising events and ceremonies, from organizing charity runs to families needing to raise funds to cover unexpected expenses, the involvement of custom law enforcement and police challenge coins have become symbols of courage and determination. They are presented to identify members of a specific unit or team. For recipients, these coins represent honor and personal excellence. In its greatest moment, custom police coins are used to distinguish anything from bravery to performing deeds that improve the community. A great symbol of pride, credit and allegiance to law enforcement, these coins — the very idea of receiving one — has, yes, challenged individuals to strive for the brass ring. Or, in this case, the die struck coin.

Law enforcement coins have increased in popularity since intense use in the military has become better known. In many cities and counties, these coins aren’t used to merely promote unity among a single department. They are traded to strengthen unity between precincts in other jurisdictions. To collect funds for programs that benefits the community. It’s a great hobby and, when gifted, a wonderful way to show appreciation for dedication and service.

The Coins

What makes these coins distinguished and fun is that each one can be uniquely designed to suit your precise circumstances. This is why they are treasured collectibles. Police departments have commissioned them and given them out in memory of a fallen colleague. Police academies present them to graduating students. Each coin, or set, designed specific to the occasion.

Either using a design of your own, or a design developed working with our artist, we can manufacture an insanely detailed image on a coin. The size of the coin is up to you. The graphics are guaranteed to be professional and striking. Our graphic artists are ready to work with you on color and any necessary refinement of the design. Having created hundreds of unique custom coins, we treat every project with precise attention and paramount care. You want coins of high quality. That’s what we intend to produce.

We know how important custom coins can be to both those who give and receive. We will adapt to any requirements you set before us. We will break down every conceivable path that will be taken in the creation of your project: coin size, colors, edging, type of materials, patina, enamel finishes, 3- or 2-dimensional molding, coatings, cut-outs, dual plating. We have multiple options for presenting the finished product: simple envelopes for each coin ordered; or a coin pouch or box for a more stylish appearance.

Be it a design to acknowledge a civilian staff member’s contribution to the department, or a commemorative coin to immortalize a fallen colleague, we realize you need your product to be a source of inspiration. We promise that will always be the case.

The Right Stuff

Our coins are and always will be customized to your exact specifications. We know they will be used to present individuals with a momentous award for service, or to raise funds for deeply personal reasons. Our job is, with unequaled customer support, to offer our clients the highest quality custom challenge coins, at affordable prices. We are committed to this!

Using every state of the art technique available, we are ready to craft your coin. If you need a quote or you’re ready to go, feel free to contact us. One of our experienced representatives is ready to assist you. We’ll help you choose the metal that best suits your purpose. We’ll help design the color palette and send you a color proof. This gives you the opportunity to review everything and let us know exactly what needs to be changed.

Though there may be any number of options for actually designing your customized coin, there are essentially two main types of coins manufactured. They are hard enamel and soft enamel.

Soft Enamel

Soft enamel color is filled. It’s then left to air dry. The practice allows the paint to settle. At the same time, the metal ridges are kept, to some extent, at higher levels than the paint. This leaves the product with a dimensional appearance.

Hard Enamel

Hard enamel color is overfilled. The next step is to cure the coin by heating under extreme temperatures. After it’s hardened, the product is hand polished and sanded down. This adjusts the paint fill and the raised metal so that the areas are at the same level. This will leave the surface of a hard enamel color smooth to the touch.

Outside of this, the sky is the limit.

Let us show you the possibilities. We have a catalog of previous works that you can review. Or you can contact us via email or telephone. We would be happy to cover the entire process before you take a single step.

Once you have taken that step though, be assured we will take all other steps with you. We will always be there to answer any questions about your order. It doesn’t matter to us if it’s 10 coins for your staff, or 500 to be sold for a charity event, each and every single coin will get the diligence it deserves.

Proud to Serve

We specialize in creating custom law enforcement coins. Knowing what these coins represent and mean, we’d be honored to represent you, your colleagues and your community. We look forward to hearing from you.

Military challenge coins have been given to the men and women in the U.S. Military services as recognition for extraordinary valor, exceptional teamwork, to special crews and clubs in the armed forces for over 50 years. They are often times the prized possession of members of the Armed Services and are a symbol of loyalty and patriotism. Each is manufactured with specific graphics, colors and metals and are attractive symbols of great significance that are valued for a lifetime and beyond.

Challenge coins are normally presented by a high-ranking officer and considered a great honor to receive thereby enhancing morale. They prove membership in a unit or participation in a military effort. One of the most treasured coins is the one given after basic training for the Air Force. It marks the beginning of the military career of the new Airman.

Military coins can be can be etched, stamped with a die or 3D with different types of edges and may be very colorful or simply the color of the metal. They are usually manufactured with custom designs and the emblems of the military branch. The two most common types of military coins are hard or soft enamel.

The manufacturing process for hard and soft enamel is basically the same. The coin is stamped from a metal alloy such as brass and the image as well as the shape of the coin is formed by the stamping. The graphics have raised and recessed areas which give the coin depth. In the hard enameling process, the recesses are filled with color to the brim and baked at high temperatures. After cooling, the coin is polished so that that it is smooth and no recesses are felt.

Soft enameling does not fill the recesses to the brim but just below it. The same type of enamel color is used as in the hard enamel process. After baking, the recesses can still be felt. This gives the coin texture, dimension and character, and the reflected light enhances the design. A vast majority of military challenge coins are made with the soft enamel technique.

The artwork in a military challenge coin is what makes it attractive and special. Some people have an idea for a coin but have no idea how to draw it or turn it into a beautiful graphic. Other people have the idea and the skills to create a beautiful coin. The design should be in harmony with the manufacturing process for the best results. Professional artists who create coins can take an idea or simple drawing and create exactly the right coin.

The edge is another important aspect of a challenge coin and should harmonize with the graphic and meaning. The reeded edge is the tiny lines on the actual edge of the coin and looks like money. The other edges are on the face of the coin. The flat cut edge is a smooth and shiny line around the circumference of the coin. The rope cut edge has a braided effect around the coin. The spur edge resembles a star-burst around the coin, the flat weave or beveled cut looks like waves around the edge. The oblique line edge looks like slanted sun rays around the edge, and the diamond cross edge looks like woven gold bars around the edge of the coin.

Military coins are generally 3 to 4 millimeters thick, but they can be custom made to any thickness. Coins are made from a brass base metal and then plated in gold, silver, nickel, bronze and other metals. The base metal can be changed, but professional coin manufacturers will recommend the best base metal and plating metal for different types of designs. Steel is not a good base metal because, even though it has good weight, it does not take a die well for a clean cut design.

When ordering military coins, the purchaser should see clearly how the coin will look when completed. It is this high quality art work that will convince the purchaser that the coin will also be of high quality. A simple drawing of the possible coin will not show how the light affects the contours and colors of the actual coin. When selecting a coin manufacturer, the preliminary art work is very important. It would be a great disappointment to present an inferior product to the brave men and women in any military unit.

Some of the military challenge coin features include glow-in-the-dark paint and heat-changing paint. There is also glitter paint, opalescent paint and transparent paint. Plating can be two-tone with a shiny finish or an antique finish. Each coin can be personalized with laser engraving or edge text.

Military coins represent a proud tradition of recognizing valor and heroism for a job well done in any branch of the U.S. Military.