Challenge coins can represent many different groups, and your design often carries real meaning—unit pride, milestones, and recognition. Sometimes you also need extra protection for those detailed designs. An epoxy dome is a crystal-clear resin layer poured over the coin’s face that locks in color, adds a glass-like shine, and guards the metal from day-to-day scratches or UV fading.
Have you ever seen a coin with a clear coating over one or both sides? This is called an epoxy dome and is used in the production of challenge coins to appeal to those customers who desire a smooth glassy finish to their coins.
An epoxy dome also:
- protects the surface from scratches and scuffs
- seals in color for a longer-lasting look
- adds a subtle magnifying effect over fine details
- wipes clean easily from fingerprints and dust
While many people enjoy the textured sides of challenge coins caused by the stamping of the design into the blank, there are those customers who opt for an epoxy finish.
In our experience, customers who simply display their challenge coins will have only one side of the coin finished with epoxy. The one-sided finish allows the challenge coins to be placed on a table or desk and remain sturdy.
- Single-sided epoxy dome: best for display, so your coin can sit flat on a desk or table.
- Double-sided epoxy dome: best for carrying, since both sides get the same protective finish.
The epoxy finish on each challenge coin is really bubble shaped – not perfectly flat. So, if you set your challenge coin on a flat surface, it will tend to wobble if placed on the epoxy finish side. Conversely, those who intend on carrying the challenge coins in their pocket will choose double sided epoxy for their challenge coins. In either situation, the epoxy dome offers a protective glossy finish that will accent your custom designed coins. This extra step adds 2 days to our production process.
Designing custom coins is an important process in making sure our customers are pleased with the finished product. We welcome clients at every stage of their design journey, from initial concepts to fully developed ideas, and our experienced design team excels at transforming your vision into a meaningful, professionally crafted coin. With these ideas, our challenge coins designers incorporate our factory manufacturing standards to make sure the finished coins match each design proof as closely as possible.
Because of their size, challenge coins can include impressive detail, and larger diameters give your artwork even more room. Most challenge coins are 1.75″ diameter, with some coins exceeding 2.5″ or more depending on the customer’s needs. You are not limited to certain shapes or sizes – we have produced some rather unusual and distinct coins for troops and private companies all over the world.
Military challenge coins often use highly detailed crests and unit insignia, while corporate, civic and sports oriented challenge coins are typically not as detailed. With this in mind, we find that our military coins are usually ordered at 1.625″ and above, while most others remain at around 1.5″.
Regardless of your design requirements, you can count on our designers to help you choose the right size for your custom coin. For examples of different size coins, we invite you to visit our website’s coin gallery. There you will find many different coins of various sizes and detail. Our design consultants bring decades of experience to help you select the optimal size and specifications that will best honor your organization’s story and ensure your coin becomes a treasured symbol of achievement. Most custom coin orders are completed in 10 days. Call us today at 1-800-818-3229 to discuss your custom coin project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Epoxy Dome on a Challenge Coin?
An epoxy dome is a crystal-clear resin layer poured over one or both sides of a challenge coin. It gives your design a smooth, glass-like shine, and it adds a protective barrier that helps guard against scratches, scuffs, and everyday wear.
Should I Put Epoxy on One Side or Both Sides of My Coin?
If you plan to display your coin on a desk, epoxy on one side usually works best, since the unfinished side can sit flat. If you plan to carry your coin in a pocket, a double-sided epoxy dome protects both faces and keeps the finish consistent on each side.
Will an Epoxy Finish Make My Coin Wobble?
It can. The epoxy dome has a curved, bubble-like profile, so the coin may wobble if the domed side is placed down on a flat surface. If you want a steadier display, choose epoxy on one side only, and place the coin with the epoxy side facing up.
Does Adding an Epoxy Dome Change Production Time or Cost?
Yes. Adding an epoxy dome typically adds about two days to production, and it usually includes a small per-coin fee. Call us for a quote, and we’ll confirm pricing and timing based on your design and quantity.
What Does It Mean When Someone Gives You a Challenge Coin?
Receiving a challenge coin often signals welcome, recognition, or appreciation. In military culture especially, it can represent belonging to a unit, acknowledgement of service, or a moment of earned trust and respect.
What Is Proper Challenge Coin Etiquette?
Keep your coin with you, treat it with respect, and don’t hand it over unless you’re gifting it. If someone calls a “coin check,” you’re expected to produce your coin. And if you’re presenting a coin to someone, it’s typically given as a personal sign of recognition, not tossed or exchanged casually.
