Monthly Archives: May 2012

Surf’s Up With Hawaiian Themed Military Challenge Coins

Hawaii Surfboard Challenge Coins

Surfboard shaped challenge coins for the 324th Intelligence Squadron in Hawaii.

Just when you think the shape of a challenge coin has been pushed to the limits, BAM….another interesting and conversation inspiring coin comes out from the folks at Challenge Coins Limited. This time in the shape of a surfboard….but wait…this one is dual featured. It also has a bottle opener cut-out that is fully functional!

When we think about the Hawaiian Islands, surfing naturally comes to mind. The two basically go hand in hand. That’s why the 324th Intelligence Squadron based at Hickam Air Force Base, HI chose to use the shape as the basis for their coin.

Measuring 2.50″ in height and plated in high polished bronze, the 324th challenge coin displays the Squadron’s logo and many tell-tale Hawaiian attributes. Note the Tiki, lava mountain range, and red and white pua aloalo flowers spread about the obverse side.

The reverse side uses the island chain and all too familiar saying in Hawaii, “Mahalo Nui Loa” which translates to “Many Thanks!.”

Is your unit or group based in Hawaii and interested in having custom coins made? If so you can give us a call at 1-800-818-3229 to discuss your project. We have the ability to feature your very own local design into a challenge coin with ease. Visit our gallery or coin design page to see other designs that may help you along the way.



“Pop the Top” With Challenge Coin Bottle Openers

3D Bottle OpenerThis summer you’ll be everyone’s favorite person with your challenge coin bottle opener. These bottle openers can be manufactured with any custom design or color scheme you like.

They can be great give-aways at retirement parties, bachelor events, or just about any celebration you can think of. Add an extra touch to your order with numbering or edge engraving for even more personalization.

Guaranteed to work: While similar coins are just for “show” – these coins are 100% able to open a bottle of beer when our guidelines are followed*. We use the right specs in the design process to make sure they are functional, every time.

We can even add a second cutout in your coin bottle opener so that it can be worn on a necklace or key chain for easy access!

Challenge Coins and Drinking: A Perfect Combo

Considering the history of challenge coins, it’s surprising that it has taken this long for the challenge coin bottle opener to arrive. Drinking and challenge coins have been popular with soldiers since World War I.

Part of the fun of challenge coins is “challenging” fellow soldiers to show their coins at local bars. If a soldier does produce the coin, they have to buy a round of drinks. Now any challenge coin collector who enjoys a cold brew on a summer afternoon can pop the top off their favorite beer with a challenge coin bottle opener.

42nd Clearance Company Bottle Opener Challenge Coin

Bottle Opener Quote

A New Take on the Challenge Coin

Becoming very popular as commemorative or memorabilia giveaway coins, the new take on the coin is a pop-top challenge coin bottle opener. It comes in various custom shapes and sizes.

• Round
• Cowbell shaped
• Dog Tag shaped
• Rectangular, Octagon, Pentagon and so on

Custom Bottle Opener Coins

Anything Can Be Put on the Challenge Coin Bottle Opener

Just as other custom challenge coins this type coin can represent the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Firefighters, Policeman, or even a congressional group, a corporate group or a personal group. Use your imagination and most any company catering to the challenge coin should be able to help you design and customize a coin for your needs and purpose. The challenge coin can be made of:

• Copper
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold

The stronger metals are the best choice for the custom bottle opener. They will be able to be functional and relatively indestructible. The front and back lettering and insignia or logo can be raised, painted and have an epoxy dome finish or can simply be brushed, polished or antiqued. Its finish can be smooth or rough. The rim is smooth and even around and flush to the front and back. The edge of round shapes can be diamond cut, roped, or even flowered. There are many, many characteristics that can be applied to make this coin your very own.

Functionality and Sentiment are Expressed with These Coins

USMC Challenge Coin Bottle OpenerChallenge coin bottle openers are used at home, in bars and other social gatherings. These custom coins are a spectacular hit and conversation piece at any barbecue or pool party. What an asset it would be to have one of these bottle openers on hunting or fishing camping trips. They are given at conventions, parties, ceremonies, assemblies, dedications or any other special event you might want to commemorate. The recipients are usually being honored or awarded for something they have done or participated in. They promote camaraderie and loyalty. Admirals, chiefs, and presidents have given these coins. They are long lasting and forever a reminder of the event and spirit in which it was given.

At Challenge Coins Limited, we offer you the ability to customize your challenge coin bottle opener just as you would like it. We offer you many choices to consider including:

• Various shapes and sizes
• Different fronts and backs
• Various metals
• A plethora of insignias, logos and slogans

A pricing chart and a toll-free phone number is available below, so you can call if you want to customize your coin or speak with a representative that can help you with the information you are looking for but can’t find.

Bottle Opener Challenge Coin Price Chart

We look forward to helping your unit or group come up with a lasting bottle opener bearing your trademark or emblem – just give us a call to being the process. We offer free design services so you can see what your coin will look like before you spend a dime. It’s just part of what makes the Challenge Coins Limited experience superior to the competition.



How Custom Coins Relate To Geocoins and Pirate Lore

Geocachers use tracking systems to hunt for “treasure” like pirates of old, minus the pillaging and poor hygiene. The treasure is not gold or anything of substantial monetary value, but instead, unique items called geocaches that are hidden by other geocachers. Geocoins make for the perfect geocaches due to their coin shape and customizability. While they are not typically worth much of anything money-wise, the reward for finding them is the enjoyment that one gets out of the adventure.

Geocoins and other types of geocaches can be anywhere, from your own neighborhood to the other side of the planet. More than one million caches are to be found all over the globe. Cachers do not typically keep caches when they find them. Rather, they leave them in place, or move them to another location for other cachers to find.

“Pieces of Eight!:” Geocoins As Booty

Geocoins are often used for geocaching. Like pieces of eight or gold doubloons, these special challenge coins can resemble riches from a treasure chest. Geocoins are often personalized with the state or name of a cacher. They can be inscribed with tracking numbers or tags that trace the “hitch-hiking” token’s journey.

Are Geocachers Pirates?

Geocaching is popular with hikers and recognized by the United States Forest Service as a legitimate outdoor activity. Geocaching is discouraged in some National Parks because it could potentially harm wildlife or disrupt traffic on popular footpaths. To some, caches seem like litter and aren’t appropriate in designated wilderness areas. But geocachers follow codes that hold them responsible for the maintenance of their geocaches. Sometimes they even use virtual caches that don’t involve objects or logbooks and respect the low-impact guidelines of wilderness areas. However, mischief-inclined cachers can plant “evil caches” that are purposefully difficult to recognize.

A “Hi-Tech” yet Rustic Hobby

Geocaching is a “hi-tech” hobby that inspires seekers to go outdoors and explore with friends. In the early 2000s, when geocaching began, the cachers relied on GPS systems to find geocoins and other caches. Now, apps make caching accessible to smart phone owners. Geocaching apps offer cache locations, clues, and a simulated compass. With a little imagination, an iPhone screen is a crinkled pirate map, and the blue dot position locator is the “X marks the spot.” Cachers, through their adventures, are linked to fellow treasure hunters. They can share their experiences on the Internet or sign their names in cache logbooks. Uncovering caches offers a sense of accomplishment to seekers whether they are “FTF” (first to find), or among other successful searchers.

The Value of Geocoins

Geocoins are technically not coins, but medals. Coins are created by governments and have financial value. A medal is meant to commemorate something, as opposed being spent like money. Military challenge coins, medals that honor patriotic deeds, inspired geocoins. Both traditional challenge coins and geocoins have a positive influence on developing leadership skills and community building,

If you would like to order geocoins, and join in on the treasure hunt like activity of geocaching, please fill out your quote for challenge coins today.



Napa Valley, California Casino Rolls The Dice With Custom Coins

Napa Valley Casino Challenge CoinsKnown as “The Friendliest Casino in America,” the American Canyon, California based Napa Valley Casino wanted to extend their hospitality in the form of a challenge coin that reflected their unique and regional-specific logo. The designers at Challenge Coins Limited were able to use the existing logo to create and mint a very attractive coin for their use.

At first glance one should recognize the tell-tale grape vines indicative of this region of California. These grape vines encase the “NVC” and the outer edge of the design mimics an actual poker chip. Combining wine country appeal in gold plating and authentic poker-chip characteristics are just another example of how versatile a custom coin can be.

NVC features over a dozen poker tables and other venues for the serious player or casual visitor. It wouldn’t matter what time of day you plan to visit as their doors are open day or night, at all hours. Local and regional tournaments are held at certain times of the year, and if you are lucky enough, you may even get a glimpse of the coin we were a part of.

No matter what your need, Challenge Coins Limited can use your logo or brand to design a coin you would be excited to pass out. For local casinos or national brands, we’ve got you covered! Call us at 1-800-818-3229 or email info@challengecoinsltd.com



Glow In The Dark Feature Adds Spark to Custom Challenge Coins

Glow In The Dark Challenge Coins Color

We’ve found that one thing remains constant when it comes to designing coins, and that is that everyone wants their challenge coin to be somehow “different” than the next. One feature that isn’t so often utilized is our glow in the dark enamel color fill. This special coloring allows for any area that is able to colored to glow when exposed to any light source, and then presented in darkness. The coin above is just one example of how this option can be used, but keep in mind any area of your coin can be made to glow.

Challenge Coins Limited has minted many of these coins approaching Halloween, a few for our corporate customers, and hundreds using this technique for military units. An interesting application for this option is coding. Some clients have filled only select areas of their coin with glow in the dark enamel so that a hidden message, or code, is seen only when the coin is viewed in darkness. Additions like this can make your challenge coins really stand out from the crowd in terms of originality. Most recently, a company that specializes in Night Vision equipment used the glow in the dark enamel for their coin – a perfect fit given that the enamel glows in a “greenish color” that is often seen through a viewfinder on such equipment.

One downfall of the glow in the dark option is that you won’t want to combine it with an epoxy coated challenge coin. The epoxy will limit the amount of light that interacts with the special enamel, causing a diminished “glow” effect. While most of the coins we sell don’t have an epoxy coating, we thought we would point this out before you decide to take your design to the next level with this option. We actually learned the hard way – experience counts!

To find out more, reach out to us via our website or email at: info@challengecoinsltd.com.



The Sumter, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary Challenge Coin

Is your Chamber of Commerce celebrating a significant milestone in your community? The Sumter, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce used our services to design a challenge coin for their upcoming 100th Anniversary celebration on May 16th, 2012. Their coin shows the historic building on one side and colorful representations of the Sumter, South Carolina area on the other. This coin is plated in high polished silver with a standard edge at 1.75″ in size. The first 500 coins will be used at the event as celebratory pieces with more coins being rolled out at a later date.

Custom coins are great for any event, large or small. Since they are a hard, durable good…they don’t get tossed aside or end up in the trash can when your event is over. People tent to collect and display these coins over time. In fact, they have even evolved into a new business card of sorts.

If you are in the Sumter area on Wednesday, May 16th, stop by and join the festivities. The even will be held at the Sumter Civic Center located at 700 W. Liberty Street with drinks being served at 6:30pm and dinner beginning at 7:00pm. There will also be a silent auction, live music, photography and additional cuisine offered. Please call 803-775-1231 for complete details.

Sumter South Carolina Challenge CoinsSumter, South Carolina is centrally located in the middle of the State and is widely known as the Gamecock City. It’s diverse culture and business elements make it ripe for growth, and with under 100 miles from the beach one might see why this is a desirable place to live and raise a family.

Put your event on a custom coin by contacting the experts! Challenge Coins Limited works with organizations big and small to find an attractive and tasteful solution to their celebration needs. With our creative artists and exemplary service, this is one task that your organizer won’t have to stress over. Call 1-800-818-3229 to get started.



El Paso, Texas FD Challenge Coins Combine Unique Design Elements

When the El Paso, Texas Fire Department needed a new coin to present to it’s training graduates, they commissioned Challenge Coins Limited to come up with a unique design that portrayed not only their recognizable logo, but also their core values. The El Paso logo is quite intricate, which created a “challenge” for the design department as far as fitting each element on a coin.

El Paso Texas FD Challenge Coin

Gold plated custom challenge coins for El Paso, Texas Fire Department. Click the coin image above for detailed view.

When a challenge coin is deigned, the actual specifications of manufacturing capability must be adhered to. What does this really mean? Well, you can’t simply slap a logo on an artwork file for production and just hope it turns out well. Metal line thicknesses are critical when it comes to a finished coin looking good. A quick glance at the El Paso example to the left reveals very small details within the reverse side. Knowing the manufacturing limits is critical for such detail to turn out well.

On the other hand, there is quite a bit of small text in the lower “International Accredited Agency” seal near the bottom. This small wording is actually beyond the minimum requirements for line thickness. The solution: silk screening. Silk screening very small text is noting new and quite common, especially in lapel pin manufacturing. This technique applies the desired color to the surface metal of the coin. Before you ask, we’ll let you know that silk screened text, or imagery, is very durable – it does not scratch off.

To make this challenge coin even more distinctive, we created a custom edge just for this coin. The edge is actually an adaptation of a “Rope Edge” that is fairly common on some custom made challenge coins.

Challenge Coins Limited is able to tackle just about any design issue that may arise when composing your coin. With industry-leading options and helpful tips on ordering your coins, the process is a breeze!



Edwards Air Force Base Troops Receive Iron Man 2 Challenge Coins

During the filming of Iron Man 2, director Jon Favreau presented ‘Iron Man’ challenge coins to the troops stationed at Edwards Air Force Base. It was during the production crew’s time aboard the base that they bonded with the troops by exchanging these customized challenge coins.

Favreau and crewmembers were given battalion and squadron challenge coins by service men and women stationed on the ship. Favreau was honored by the gesture, and in return, had customized Iron Man 2 challenge coins made and handed out to the troops.

“The people at Edwards were great,” said co-producer Rockwell. “They provided everything we asked for and let us put up on the screen what their world really looks like.”

The specific scene filmed at Edwards is that which showed arms dealer Justin Hammer shopping for high-tech weapons on the black market. Favreau wanted complete authenticity for the scene, and so he had real weapons used as props. Although there were no sightings of Robert Downey Jr. on the set, troops were still thrilled to have a Hollywood film crew on-board. Whenever they had an opportunity, they would walk up to Favreau and other crew members and hand them one of their challenge coins. This began a friendship that both film crew and military service people on board the Edwards will never forget.

It was fitting that this friendship was made aboard an Air Force base. Legend has it that the origin of the challenge coin began during World War I amongst U.S. flying squadron troops. Young men from all walks of life wanted a chance to fly the never-before-used fighter planes in war. A wealthy lieutenant belonging to one of these new fighter squadrons decided to have bronze challenge coins specially made for members of his troop. As the story goes, it was one of these coins that saved one crewmember’s life.

While flying over enemy territory, German fire shot down one of the fighter pilots. The Germans captured the man and stripped him of all his belongings. However, they did not find his gold plated challenge coin tied around his neck in a leather sack. The overlooked coin would soon save his life.

Not long after he was captured, allied troops attacked the prison camp. The soldier escaped into the woods, but French troops soon captured him. They assumed that he was another German soldier in disguise. Just as he was about to get shot, the U.S. pilot pulled out his challenge coin and showed it to the captain. The captain stared down at the coin, and after studying the insignia for a few moments, he told the soldier to put away his gun. He had seen this insignia before. It was American.

When co-director Rockwell was asked about how the military service people responded to Favreau’s gesture of giving out Ironman 2 challenge coins, he emphasized that he was incredibly humbled by the unwavering kindness of the troops, and they were grateful that he not only understood, but also respect their culture and tradition.

Customized challenge coins are still used today. You can make your own coins for all kinds of events and club activities. Just as the coins helped the film crew of Iron Man 2 connect with the troops, you too can connect with new friends and colleagues through this unique token of appreciation.



Iraq War Veteran Establishes First Official Challenge Coin Association

Iraq War veteran, Jesse Medford, has taken challenge coins to another level by creating the first official challenge coin association. The Challenge Coin Association was established in 2006 after Jesse returned home from serving in the Middle East. The 34-year-old war veteran served in the 102nd Field Artillery, and like many military service men and women, received military challenge coins throughout his time in the service. By the end of his tour, he had an extensive collection of custom designed challenge coins.

When Jesse returned from his military service, he was a hero with a passion for a unique hobby. He wanted to continue collecting challenge coins, but was uncertain as to how he could find other enthusiasts. He soon discovered that the hobby had grown in popularity. Collecting challenge coins was no longer a hobby strictly enjoyed by military service people; rather, it had grown into a massive popular hobby nationwide. It was clear there needed to be some kind of organization to help challenge coin collectors meet. This was the beginning of the Challenge Coin Association.

The CCA is considered an exonumia organization. This means that it is recognized as a club or organization that deals in numismatic items, such as tokens or medals. The CCA currently has 700 registered members and is closely affiliated with American Numismatic Association. The CCA’s recognition from a prestigious coin organization like the ANA shows Jesse Medford created something long needed in the numismatic community.

Challenge coins have become something of a craze in the coin-collecting world. Originally military service people received them during their time in the U.S. military. They would hold on to these coins as tokens or mementos of their service. Some traded them, while others passed them down to family members. However, within the past ten years, people from all walks of life have had them customized and used challenge coins for different purposes.

Challenge coins have been given as gifts by U.S. Presidents like George Bush and Barack Obama. They have handed these coins out to military service people, as well as average American citizens as a way to show their appreciation for the work and support of average American citizens. Other organizations collecting these coins include the police department and fire department. In fact, professional poker players now use challenge coins as cardholders.

The CCA is growing every day. It has forums on MySpace, Google, and Yahoo. Collectors meet in these chat rooms and discuss topics related to challenge coins. They also go to virtual meet-ups to trade their coins with one another. One of the great parts about the CCA is anyone can join.

Membership into the CCA is a free and easy process. Jesse has created an official website for the organization where you can sign up and become a member. Once you are a member, you receive a free newsletter and access to trade links where other collectors look for people to trade their challenge coins.

With the growing number of challenge coin collectors, the Challenge Coin Association will only continue to expand. The possibilities are endless. Over time, Jesse Medford’s hobby may become one of the world’s most recognized authorities on exonumia. Time will only tell. However, one thing is for sure, people love challenge coins, and thanks to the ingenuity of Iraq War veteran, Jesse Medford, people can share their passion for this hobby in a fun and organized way.



7 Things You Want to Consider When Customizing Your Challenge Coin

Do you want a customized challenge coin but you’re unsure as how to design it? Before you go about placing your order, there are seven important things that you need to consider:

1. Event

A challenge coin can be the perfect token of appreciation at a special event. The types of events people give them out at include:

• Retirement parties
• Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
• Birthdays
• Commemoration ceremonies
• Events honoring acts of bravery
• Poker tournaments
• Fantasy football drafts
• Business conferences

People are using challenge coins in new and fun ways every day. It’s really up to you how you want to use them.

2. Artwork

Before looking for a challenge coin company, you should first brainstorm about the design you want on the face of your coin. Remember, you want to be unique, so pick art images or insignias that relate specifically to the event or people to who you are giving your challenge coins. Some options include:

• Cultural symbols like a shamrock or eagle
• Flags
• Monuments
• Dates
• Sports teams

The possibilities are endless, so take time to narrow down your choices.

3. Soft or Hard Enamel

The difference between a soft enamel and hard enamel challenge coin has nothing to do with the actual “hardness” or “softness” of the coin. Soft and hard enamel refer to the finishing process used to complete the challenge coin. Because the paint fills flush with the coin’s edges, a hard enamel coin has a smoother feel. On the other hand, softer enamel coins have raised metal areas that provide dimension, so they “feel” more textured to the touch. Naturally, hard enamel coins are more costly. You can read more on this subject here.

4. Quantity

If you’re designing a challenge coin as a gift to a few family members, then a small order is all you will need. However, many are designed for use at big events, like wedding coins or retirement parties. In these cases, you want to be sure that you order enough coins for everyone. Most challenge coin companies require minimum orders of at least 100 coins. That may sound like a lot, but it never hurts to order extra. That way you’re not leaving anyone out when it comes time to distribute them.

5. Plating

Plating refers to the outside covering of the challenge coin. There are many types of plating types to choose. These include:

• High polished gold, silver, or bronze
• Black nickel
• Antiqued gold, silver, or bronze
• Black metal

Plating Options for Custom Coins

6. Size

Coins are measured in diameter. You may wish to a U.S. quarter as a reference point when deciding on the desired size of your custom challenge coin. A quarter is just shy of an inch in diameter.

Challenge coins are much larger than U.S. coin currency. They range from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. This means a quarter is about a half inch smaller in diameter than the smallest standard size challenge coin.

7. Edge

Challenge coins come in a variety of edges. It is best to think about the type of edge that you would like for your customized design before placing an order for your challenge coin. The most common edge types include:

• Flat edge
• Rope cut edge
• Spur edge
• Oblique line edge
• Flat weave edge
• Diamond cross cut edge

Custom Coin Edge Options

As you decide on how you want your challenge coin designed, you should consider each of these seven mentioned aspects. Taking the time before you call a company will ensure you get the perfect coin design for your individual needs. If you’ve already know what you want, you can fill out a free design and quote request, and the representatives at Challenge Coins Limited will offer you a great deal on coins featuring your customized design.



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