Tips for Designing & Ordering Your Challenge Coins
Our graphics department is the core of what we do – designing and manufacturing great looking coins. We try our very best to get your coin design back to you as fast as possible. There are some things you can do to prepare our graphics staff so that your design shows up even quicker.
Images: Our challenge coin quote form allows for the upload of two images; one for the front of your coin, and one for the back. Try to make sure you send us the largest possible images so that we may extract the most detail from the image into your challenge coin design. If you have your artwork pre-drawn in vector or PDF format, this will greatly speed up the process. Extremely complicated challenge coins sometimes take up to 5 hours to compose (especially those with 3D requests). Vector artwork will drastically reduce this time.
3D: Many customers wish to have one or more elements of their custom coins manufactured using a 3D process. For this to be most successful, your image must be high resolution. Our 3D technique is unique to us – no other company renders 3D coins like we do, and while the process is very time consuming on our end, the end result is fantastic. Costs for advanced 3D imagery range from $100 per side and up.
An example of our 3D capability is below:
Worth The Wait: An average design submitted to us for proofing takes about 2.5 hours of work from our graphics department. A challenge coin with 3D included takes up to 4 or more hours. With the amount of requests we receive every day from customers, we may not be the fastest to get your custom design back, but we are willing to bet our artwork is superior. If you are in a rush, please indicate this on your request submission, or give us a call, and we can prioritize your project accordingly. You may want to read “Superior Challenge Coins Start With Great Artwork†for even more information.
Bigger Really Can Be Better: If you are looking to get the absolute most detail possible into your coin, consider some of the larger sizes. We are often asked to cram an enormous amount of detail into a 1.50†coin. Although we usually come up with a solution by simplifying certain details, in the end most customers are much more satisfied if the coin has ALL of what they wanted to see. There are times when a coin has so many detailed “parts†to it, that a larger coin is warranted. For example, military ratings combined with one or more 3D images and/or seals with small wording. If in doubt, you can leave it up to us and we will make your custom coin artwork at the smallest possible size to accurately fit your wishes.
Options and Delivery: Need your coins fast? Here are a few examples of options that will slow the delivery of your coins: epoxy, silk screening, edge engraving or numbering, complicated color schemes, dual plating, specialty edging, hard enamel challenge coins and offset printed images.
As an illustration, the challenge coin on the left will deliver much quicker than the coin on the right. This is due to the many colors and small spaces on the right hand coin that must be hand filled at our factory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I design my own challenge coin?
Yes. Start with a sketch or finished art, then upload front and back images when you request a quote. Our artists refine your idea, add crisp detail, and email a proof for your approval—design service and revisions are free.
How much does a custom challenge coin cost?
Your coin’s price depends on size, shape, metal finish, and extras like 3D or edge text. Most orders cost between $3 and $10 per coin when you buy 100 or more, and basic artwork is free. For an exact figure, request a free quote.
What artwork files should I send for the best results?
Upload the highest-resolution files you have. Vector formats (AI, EPS, PDF) work best, but large PNG or JPEG images also preserve detail. Send separate files for the front, back, and any 3D element to speed up proofing.
How long does it take to get my coin design proof?
Standard designs take about two to three hours of art time, so you’ll usually see your proof within two business days. If you’re on a tight deadline, note it in the quote form and we’ll prioritize your project.
Can my coin include 3D details?
Yes. We can raise or recess parts of your artwork for a true 3D look. We need high-resolution images, and a special mold fee starts at $100 per side. Done right, 3D adds depth without losing clarity.
Which options add extra production time?
Features that require hand work—such as epoxy coating, silk-screen colors, edge engraving, serial numbering, dual plating, or complex color schemes—can add several days. If you need coins fast, choose simpler enamel fills and standard edges.
