Police & Law Enforcement
Challenge Coins
Tell us about your department and your coin design ideas using our free quote form. We make any shape or size coin you require.
Challenge Coins Limited is owned by a retired Florida Law Enforcement Officer.
How to Order Custom Made Police Challenge Coins
- Submit your design ideas, badge art, text, and quantity requirements using our quote form.
- Review the digital proof and approve the layout, colors, and final details before production begins.
- Once the proof is approved, your custom coins move into production using the materials and finish you selected.
- After production, the finished coins are packed and delivered to your department or event location.
Your quote will confirm proof turnaround, production timing, shipping options, rush availability, and minimum order requirements for your project.
Our police challenge coins come in any size or shape you can dream up. Bulk ordering options are available to save you money on extremely large orders, and our graphics team is standing by to help you get started.
Know exactly what you want? Great! Our knowledgeable staff can make it happen.
Not sure where to begin? Our artwork portfolio has plenty of ideas to help fire up your imagination and spark some creativity. We’re also ready to work with you one-on-one to figure out the perfect custom challenge coins design.
A well-crafted police challenge coin becomes part of your department’s story, and we’re ready to help you create one that your officers will carry with pride. If you have questions about your project, please call us at 1-800-818-3229.
Why Law Enforcement Agencies Use Challenge Coins
The popularity of police challenge coins has grown to the point that some major municipal agencies have launched their own challenge coin programs. In the Mint Hill, N.C., Police Department, a law enforcement officer who has done a good deed and received two letters of recommendation receives a challenge coin. They are also used by the Utah Highway Patrol, the Duluth, MN, Police Department, the Hartford County, MD, Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Colorado State Patrol, the Metropolitan Police of Nashville, and hundreds of other law enforcement agencies.
Police challenge coins support recognition, morale, public relations, anniversaries, and unit pride. The awarding of coins can celebrate an anniversary, commemorate a milestone, and give members a lasting collector’s item that stands as a badge of honor.
How Police Departments Use Challenge Coins
How Law Enforcement Agencies Use Challenge Coins for Fundraising
Police challenge coins are effective fundraising tools because they give supporters something tangible in return for their contributions. Departments can tie the design to a local mission, memorial, auxiliary, or charitable partnership, turning the coin into both a keepsake and a source of support for equipment, uniforms, or nonprofit causes. The Howard, WI Fire Department used challenge coins bearing the department’s symbol to support its auxiliary’s purchase and maintenance of gear and uniforms. The Oregon Department of Corrections used challenge coins to support Homes for Our Troops, and first-responder commemorative coins have also helped direct donations to police organizations in cities such as New York and Seattle.
The next time a colleague or business associate brings up the idea of starting a coin project or company challenge coin program, remember the concept behind it and what it represents. The tradition that makes police challenge coins meaningful also connects them to other service coin programs, including Air Force challenge coins. Buying such a coin is a good way to show support for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other public servants who risk their lives daily for others. Owning one gives a sense of unity and pride – both key aspects in the challenge coin tradition – and proudly displaying it is a constant reminder of significant events.
Custom law enforcement challenge coins are fully customizable and one-of-a-kind, which enhances their collectible status and makes them more meaningful. Most law enforcement units order high-quality police challenge coins inscribed with their police department’s name and insignia.
Even more design services and customization options are available depending on your needs. If, for example, you want to order coins in bulk for many different events, you might want to stop at that level of customization, since police challenge coin designs featuring your department name and insignia will be perfect for any occasion. If, however, you are in need of a collectible challenge coin for a special event or you wish to recognize or commemorate an individual, you might want to include more text on your coin.
What are some examples of police challenge coins customers might order for special events?
Perhaps a particular unit in your department has achieved a significant milestone in law enforcement. What better way to recognize your team members’ excellent work than to gift each one with a special commemorative coin? You can include the name of your police department and the name of that unit, for example, Special Operations or High Risk Entry Team. Departments also order prayer coins for police officers for ceremonies and recognition events. The gift of these special coins will further cultivate unity and cohesion among the ranks.
Maybe a particular individual in your department stands out from the crowd. You can award that person with an amazing challenge coin bearing his or her name and position within the department. A custom coin design or medallion demonstrates to your officer or civilian staff that you truly care enough to bestow a meaningful, personal reward of recognition. Coins are more momentous awards for exemplary service than certificates; they are more resilient and made of higher-quality materials. Quite simply, they endure…just like their message.
Custom Design Options for Police Challenge Coins
Police challenge coins can vary widely in diameter and thickness, and are custom-made per your department’s specs. The metal and finish you choose shape the meaning, look, and feel of a police challenge coin. Bright silver, gold, nickel, and bronze finishes give an award a formal or ceremonial appearance, while antique finishes create a sense of history and depth. Color fills, printed insets, and epoxy coatings can make a coin feel bold and modern or solemn and commemorative, depending on the message you want the award to carry.
- Sizes: 1.50″ to 2.0″ or more depending on use.
- Shapes: Our custom police challenge coins can be minted in all shapes and sizes, from square or oval. Even badge-shaped coins are possible.
- Finishes: Coin finishes include silver, gold, nickel, bronze, or an antique finish.
- Color options: Colored enamel fills or a printed inset with an epoxy coating can add color and depth.
- Edge details: Edge options include a basic flat edge, rope cut, spur, oblique, bevel cut, and diamond cross cut edges, as well as edge engraving.
Soft Enamel vs. Hard Enamel: Choosing the Right Finish for Your Police Coins
| Finish | Appearance | Durability | Typical use case | Best-fit examples |
| Soft enamel | Textured surface with raised metal and recessed color | Durable for regular handling | Bold designs with strong contrast | Unit coins, event coins, fundraising coins |
| Hard enamel | Smooth, polished surface with a more refined finish | Very durable with a sleek feel | Formal awards and presentation pieces | Memorial coins, executive gifts, ceremonial recognition coins |
We craft police challenge coins that convey depth through techniques such as three-dimensional molding, cutouts, acrylic coatings, dual plating, and sequential numbering. Traditional 2D designs are also available if you prefer a smooth surface. Texture and depth can increase the presentability of your custom police challenge coins and help them catch the light and stand out in a display case. Glitter paint and glow-in-the-dark details can add a little extra panache—glow-in-the-dark paint could be particularly appropriate to reward an officer who does night rounds.
Quick Answers
What is the standard size for a law enforcement challenge coin?
A typical pocket coin usually measures 1.50″, while a presentation coin or honorary medallion is normally 2.0″ or larger.
What is the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel?
Soft enamel coins have raised metal lines with recessed color, which creates a textured feel. Hard enamel coins are polished smooth, so the metal and color sit flush for a sleeker, more formal finish.
What information is usually included on a police challenge coin?
Most police challenge coins include the name of the police department, the department insignia, and sometimes a unit name, event title, milestone, or the name and position of an individual being recognized.
What packaging options are available for law enforcement coins?
Packaging options include clear PVC envelopes, velvet coin pouches, presentation boxes, plastic coin capsules, and acrylic coin boxes.
How do police departments use challenge coins?
Police departments use challenge coins for officer recognition, unit milestones, memorials, academy graduations, charity partnerships, fundraising campaigns, and special events.
You Have Questions, We Have Answers
Didn’t find the answer you’re looking for? We’re here to help. Reach out to our team anytime for support and be sure to check out our FAQ page.
Can I Design My Own Challenge Coin?
Yes. You can start with a basic sketch or finished art, then simply upload the front and back images when requesting a quote. Our artists will refine your idea, add crisp details, and email you a proof for your approval. Both the design service and revisions are provided for free.
How Much Does A Custom Challenge Coin Cost?
The price of your coin depends on its size, shape, metal finish, and any extra features like 3D imagery or edge text. Most orders typically cost between $3 and $10 per coin when you purchase 100 or more, and basic artwork is free. For an exact figure, you can submit a free quote request with your artwork online.
What Artwork Files Should I Send For Best Results?
You should upload the highest-resolution files you have available. Vector formats (such as AI, EPS, or PDF) work best and greatly speed up the process, but large PNG or JPEG images are also effective at preserving detail. To speed up proofing, send separate files for the front, the back, and any requested 3D elements.
How Long Does It Take To Get My Coin Design Proof?
Standard designs typically require about two to three hours of art time, so you will usually receive your proof within two to three business days. If you are on a tight deadline, you can indicate this on the quote form or give us a call, and we will prioritize your project.
Can My Coin Include 3D Details?
Yes. We can incorporate true 3D elements into your coin design. You will need to provide high-resolution images for this process to be successful, and a special mold fee starting at $50 per 3D image applies. When done right, the unique 3D technique adds impressive depth without losing clarity.
Which Options Add Extra Production Time?
Features that require manual handwork at the factory will slow down delivery. These include epoxy coating, silk-screen colors, edge engraving, sequential numbering, dual plating, specialty edging, hard enamel, and complex color schemes (many colors and small spaces). If you need your coins fast, it is recommended to choose standard edges and little to no enamel color fills.