Custom coins are a great way to commemorate special events, recognize achievements, and promote a brand or cause. The most common custom coins are challenge coins, commemorative coins, fantasy coins, and novelty coins.

Challenge Coins: Challenge coins are custom coins that are usually created for military units, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations. They are often given as a token of appreciation or to commemorate a significant event.

Commemorative Coins: Commemorative coins are custom coins that are created to celebrate a specific event or milestone. They are often issued by governments or organizations and are highly collectible.

Fantasy Coins: Fantasy coins are custom coins that are created for use in role-playing games, board games, or other fantasy-themed activities. They often feature intricate designs and may be made of unique materials like silver or copper.

Novelty Coins: Novelty coins are custom coins that are created for their unique designs or themes. Such as weddings, and graduations, as well as for use in business and corporate settings. They may be used for games, promotions, or other novelty purposes.

Why do people choose to create custom coins?

Commemoration: Custom coins can be designed to commemorate a special event or achievement, such as a military deployment, a corporate milestone, or a charity fundraiser. These coins serve as a physical memento that recipients can keep as a reminder of their accomplishments.

Branding: Custom coins can be designed with a company or organization’s logo, mission statement, or other branding elements. These coins can be used as promotional items or given as gifts to clients, employees, or partners.

Identification: Custom coins can be used to identify members of a group or organization, such as military units, law enforcement agencies, or sports teams. These coins can be designed with unique colors, shapes, or symbols to differentiate between different units or teams.

Collecting: Custom coins can be collected by enthusiasts, either as a hobby or as a way to commemorate their participation in certain events or organizations. These coins can increase in value over time as their rarity and historical significance grow.

How to make custom coins-what do buyers need to do?

1. Collect all the elements you want to add to the coin.

2. Decide the coin style. 2D coin or 3D coin.

A 2D coin design refers to a coin design that is flat and has two dimensions: width and height. It is essentially a design that is printed or stamped onto a flat surface, typically made of metal. This type of coin design is commonly used for commemorative coins, challenge coins, and collectible coins.

On the other hand, a 3D coin design refers to a coin design that has three dimensions: width, height, and depth. These coins are created using a process called “minting,” which involves creating a physical mold of the design and then using that mold to strike the coin.

There are several differences between 2D and 3D coin designs. 2D coin designs are generally simpler and flatter, while 3D coin designs can be more complex and have a more detailed appearance. 3D coins also tend to have a more tactile feel due to their raised surfaces and intricate designs.

Overall, both 2D and 3D coin designs have their advantages, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on the intended use of the coin and the desired aesthetic effect.

3. Decide the coin color.

3.1 Coin without color filling

A coin without color filling doesn’t mean a coin without color. We can electroplate color on the coin. Electroplating is a process of depositing a thin layer of one metal onto another metal surface through an electrolytic reaction. The color of the electroplated metal depends on the type of metal used for plating. Normally plating color: Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze, Nickel, Chrome, etc.

3.2 Coin with color filling.

Soft enamel: Soft enamel is created by filling recessed areas of a metal object with enamel paint and then baking the object at a low temperature. This results in a slightly raised surface with a textured feel, where you can feel the metal ridges between the enamel. The color area is lower than raised metal ridges. Soft enamel is more affordable than hard enamel, and it has a more rustic and handmade look to it.

Hard enamel: Hard enamel is created by filling recessed areas of a metal object with enamel paint, and then polishing the surface until it is flush with the metal. The object is then baked at a high temperature to create a smooth, durable finish. Hard enamel is more expensive and has a more refined look than soft enamel. The colors are brighter and more vibrant, and the surface is smooth to the touch.

3.3 Coin with photo print

When your design is too complicated with many fine details or with gradient colors, we can print the photo or picture or your design on the coin. So this way you can custom coin with your face picture or wedding picture or other pictures.

4. Decide the coin metal finishing.

Metal finishing usually is shiny/mirror or matte/sandblast.

5. Decide the coin edge.

The most common edges are standard flat edge, petal edge, rope edge, cross cut edge, flat weave edge, and oblique line edge. Or the one you designed.

6. Decide the coin material.

The choice of metal for custom coins depends on your specific requirements, budget, and preferences. Here are some popular options to consider:

Copper: Copper is a softer metal that has a reddish-brown color. It is a good option if you want to create a custom coin with intricate designs. Copper coins can be plated with a variety of finishes. Copper coin is durable.

Zinc alloy: Zinc alloy is a cost-effective alternative to copper. It is lightweight and has a silver color that resembles nickel or pewter. It can be plated with a variety of finishes.

Iron: Most cost-effective material. Usually use for custom bulk cheap coins.

Copper cost>Zinc alloy cost>Iron cost

Copper weight>Iron weight>Zinc alloy weight

7. Decide the coin size.

Most coins’ diameters are 30mm-50mm, smaller or bigger is no problem. Depend on your design.

8. Decide the coin thickness.

Usually, the coin thickness is 2mm-3mm. The thinnest coin is 1.5mm.

9. Decide if make your coin more special.

If you want to make your coin more special and unique, you can consider the below several ways.

9.1 Combine coin with bottle opener function

9.2 Combine coin with epoxy dome

An epoxy dome refers to a clear, raised and often rounded coating that is applied to the surface of an object or material. The coating is made of a durable and glossy epoxy resin, which is poured or applied onto the surface of the object, and then cured or hardened to create a smooth, glossy, and three-dimensional effect.

Epoxy domes are often used to enhance the appearance and durability of various items. They can protect printed designs from damage and fading caused by moisture, scratches, and UV rays. Additionally, they give the item a three-dimensional effect and make it stand out more. Epoxy domes can also provide a professional look and feel to products, making them ideal for branding and marketing purposes.

Usually, photo print coin+epoxy dome or soft enamel coin+epoxy dome

9.3 Combine coin with rhinestones

Rhinestones are small, glittering stones made of crystal or glass. They can be arranged in various patterns and designs to create a visually appealing and eye-catching.

9.4 Combine coin with glitter

Creating a custom coin with glitter can be a fun and unique way to personalize a coin for a special event or occasion.

9.5 Combine coin with spinner

A spinner coin is a type of coin that has a middle part that can spin around its axis. Spinner coins are often used for games or as a fidget toy. They can also be used as decorative or commemorative items, with designs or logos engraved on the coin’s surface.

10. Decide coin package.

Usually, the coin is packed in an opp bag or acrylic box, or customized box. If packed in acrylic box or customized box need pay extra money depending on your design.

For a buyer, after the above 10 steps, you can get an accurate quotation from the manufacturer.

How much do custom coins cost?

Custom Coins Cost=Mold cost+Unit price*Quantity+Shipping cost

If cooperate with us, the mold cost is usually $50-$150, and the unit price is usually $0.3-$2/pc. Most of the coins we custom unit price are below $1/pc.

We provide high-quality custom coins at a cheap price because we have been custom coins for 20 years in china. We have a strong supply chain and a team of skilled professionals.

What do manufacturers do to custom coins?

1. Process the design that customers send to us.

Usually, customers send Ai or Cdr format designs to us, sometimes our designer needs to take 1-2 days to turn them into 3D designs. Then we will send the processed design to the customer for confirmation.

2. Open the mold.

Using CNC programming to digitally control the machine to complete the engraving of the mold.

3. Use the mold to produce the coin.

Die casting and stamping are both the most common metalworking processes used to produce coins.

Die casting involves forcing molten metal into a mold under high pressure. The mold, or die, is typically made of steel and consists of two halves that are clamped together. When the molten metal is injected into the die, it solidifies quickly and takes the shape of the mold. This process is commonly used to produce complex, high-precision coins with a high surface finish.

Stamping, on the other hand, involves cutting or shaping a flat sheet of metal into a desired shape using a stamping press. The press uses a die or a series of dies to cut or shape the metal into the desired form. This process is often used for producing coins with simple shapes.

4. Deburring and polishing.

Deburring is the process of removing the sharp edges or burrs left on the surface of a metal object after it has been cut or machined. These sharp edges can be dangerous and can also interfere with the proper functioning of the metal object. Deburring can be done using various methods, such as filing, grinding, or using specialized deburring tools.

Metal polishing is the process of smoothing and shining the surface of a metal object using abrasives or polishing compounds. This process is used to remove scratches, stains, and other imperfections on the metal surface, resulting in a smooth and reflective finish.

5. Electroplate color on the coin.

Electroplating is a process of depositing a thin layer of one metal onto another metal surface through an electrolytic reaction. The color of the electroplated metal depends on the type of metal used for plating.

6. Color filling or print on the coin.

Color filling by machine for large orders and manually for small orders. Below automatic filling color video for your reference.

If it is printed on the coin, we will use different print ways to meet customers’ requirements. For example, silkscreen printing, offset printing, CMYK printing, digital printing, and dimensionally printing.

7. Bake the color till it is dry.

8. Packing

If you want to customize a coin, please contact us. We are a team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing high-quality custom coins that perfectly suit your needs. Whether you need custom coins for your business, organization, or special event, we have the expertise and experience to bring your ideas to life.

We use the latest technology and techniques to create coins that are durable, vibrant, and unique. Our design team will work closely with you to create a design that reflects your brand, message, or event theme. We offer a wide range of customization options, including size, shape, color, finish, and more, so you can create coins that truly stand out.

Our commitment to quality extends to every aspect of our service, from design to production to delivery. We take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that every coin we create meets our high standards of excellence.

Whether you’re looking for custom challenge coins, military coins, commemorative coins, or any other type of custom coin, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can create custom coins that will exceed your expectations.