If you look at fire department badges, helmets, and patches across the U.S., you’ll see the same four-armed cross shape again and again. A lot of people simply call it the Maltese Cross, but many of the symbols actually used by fire departments look closer to the Florian Cross, or to a firefighter-specific version that blends features of both.

They may look similar at first, but they’re not exactly the same. Their shapes are different, their histories are different, and they became connected to the fire service in different ways.

In this article, we’ll look at the key differences between the Maltese Cross and the Florian Cross, and why both have become such common design elements on firefighter challenge coins.

What Is the Maltese Cross?

The Maltese Cross is closely tied to the medieval Knights of St. John, later known as the Knights of Malta. Its traditional shape is made up of four V-shaped arms that meet in the center, creating eight distinct points.

So how did it become connected with the fire service? One widely told story says that the knights sometimes had to move through fire to rescue injured comrades during battle. Over time, that story helped connect the cross with values such as courage, protection, and sacrifice — qualities that also fit closely with the work firefighters do.

However, the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri points out that much of the popular story behind the firefighter Maltese Cross comes from long-standing oral tradition, and the real history is more complicated than the version that is often repeated.

So rather than treating it as a fire service symbol with one clear point of origin, it is more accurate to see it as a symbol that evolved over time and eventually became part of modern firefighter culture.

Because of its clean, symmetrical shape, the Maltese Cross also became a common outline for fire department emblems and commemorative coin designs.

What Is the Florian Cross?

The Florian Cross is another symbol you’ll often see in the fire service. It gets its name from St. Florian, a Roman officer who later became known as the patron saint of firefighters. Over time, his name and this cross became closely tied to firefighter tradition.

At a glance, the Florian Cross can look a lot like the Maltese Cross, but the shape is different. Its four arms are usually more rounded and curve outward, while a traditional Maltese Cross has straighter edges and sharper points.

Today, many fire departments use the Florian Cross in badges, logos, and other department graphics. The center is often filled with a helmet, axes, ladders, flames, or a station number, which is why this shape has become so closely associated with the fire service.

Maltese Cross vs. Florian Cross: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Maltese Cross	Florian Cross
Shape	Straighter sides with sharper, more pointed ends	More rounded, with curved and outward-flaring arms
Historical Connection	Associated with the Knights of St. John and later the Knights of Malta	Named after St. Florian, traditionally associated with firefighters
Fire Service Use	Widely recognized as a traditional firefighter symbol	Commonly seen in modern fire department badges, logos, and emblems
Challenge Coin Design	Works well for sharper, more traditional cross-shaped coin designs	Works well with department logos, station numbers, helmets, axes, and other fire service details

Why Do Fire Departments Use These Crosses on Challenge Coins?

any departments use these symbols on custom firefighter challenge coins because they already mean something to their members. They connect the coin to the department and to the courage, service, protection, and sacrifice that come with the job.

Protection and Courage

Firefighters often go in while everyone else is getting out. Whether it is a fire, rescue, or another emergency, facing danger and protecting people is simply part of the job. That is one reason these symbols are so closely associated with courage and protection.

Service

The job goes far beyond putting out fires. Crews also respond to rescues, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and other calls in the community. Because of that, the symbol can also stand for service.

Honor and Remembrance

You will also see it used for retirements, service awards, department anniversaries, and memorials for fallen firefighters.

Department Identity

Many departments already use one of these designs in their logos, helmet shields, patches, or badges. Carrying the same look over to a coin helps it feel specific to that department instead of looking like a generic firefighter design.

They Work Well on Coins

A coin needs enough room for department names, numbers, and other details, and these shapes are easy to work with. They can sit in the center of a round design or become the shape of the piece itself.

How to Use a Maltese or Florian Cross on a Firefighter Coin

From the firefighter coin artwork we’ve worked with, we rarely see the Maltese Cross and Florian Cross used together in the same design. Most departments simply stick with the one that already appears in their logo, patch, or helmet shield.

1. Put the Cross in the Center

For a round coin, the cross can sit in the center with the logo, station number, engine number, or a firefighter helmet inside it.

The department name, city, year, or motto can go around the outer edge. This gives the layout more room and keeps the center from feeling crowded.

2. Make the Coin in the Shape of the Cross

If this symbol is already a major part of the department logo, the coin itself can follow the same outline.

This gives it a stronger look, but there’s less room on the four arms for small text or detailed artwork. In most cases, a simpler design keeps the shape easier to see and recognize.

3. Pair It With a Few Fire Service Elements

Helmets, crossed axes, fire trucks, ladders, flames, and the Thin Red Line can all work with it, but there’s no need to use everything at once.

We usually recommend keeping just one or two elements that really represent the department. That often gives the design more character than filling it with generic firefighter symbols.

4. Keep the Department’s Existing Design

If the department already uses a specific version on its logo, patch, or helmet shield, it usually makes sense to keep that same shape.

There’s no need to redraw it just to make it look more like a “standard” Maltese Cross or Florian Cross. Keeping the final coin consistent with the department’s existing identity is usually more important.

Keep the Coin True to the Department

Firefighters protect lives, property, and their communities every day, often working side by side with other emergency response teams. Whether it’s for recognizing a member, marking years of service, or remembering a special call, a custom firefighter coin can help preserve those moments.

But a coin that truly represents a department should be more than a collection of familiar fire service symbols. Its own logo, station number, engine number, important dates, or the cross it has used for years will usually make the design feel far more personal and recognizable.

Honor the Firefighters Who Serve Their Communities

We make custom challenge coins for fire departments, EMS teams, and other emergency service organizations. Send us your existing logo, badge, or design idea, and we can help you work out the right size, shape, and production method for the artwork.

Most challenge coin designs start with the same basic elements: artwork, text, plating, and shape. When people want something a little different, the first thought is usually to move beyond the standard round format and try a shield, square, triangle, or another custom shape.

But changing the shape isn’t the only option.

You can also add a real function, such as a bottle opener.

The idea isn’t to turn the piece into an everyday tool. It’s simply another way to make it more useful without taking away from what it was made to represent.

So what does a bottle opener actually add to a challenge coin, and when does it make sense? Here are a few things we look at when working on these designs.

Benefits of Adding a Bottle Opener to a Challenge Coin

Adding a bottle opener gives a challenge coin something it normally doesn’t have: a reason to be used, not just displayed.

Give a Collectible One More Use

A lot of challenge coins eventually end up in a display case, on a desk, or tucked into a collection. That’s exactly where many of them are meant to be.

Adding a bottle opener gives the piece another use.

At a barbecue, retirement dinner, unit get-together, company event, or wedding, someone may actually pull it out and open a drink with it.

It still carries the same meaning—it just has another reason to be used.

The bull-head design above is a good example.

Instead of starting with a standard round coin and adding an opener afterward, the opening is built into the space above the bull’s head and between the horns.

At first glance, it still reads as a complete bull-head design. The opener doesn’t take over the artwork.

That’s usually the better approach: get the design right first, then make the function feel like it belongs there.

For Giveaways, Being Useful Matters

If the coin is being handed out as a company gift, event giveaway, or branded item, usefulness matters even more.

In PPAI’s 2026 consumer research on branded merchandise, 55.2% of respondents said the main reason they keep a promotional product is because it’s useful in everyday life.

The study wasn’t specifically about challenge coins, but the takeaway is pretty straightforward: if a keepsake also does something useful, people have one more reason to hang onto it.

A standard anniversary coin can work perfectly well. But if the company also hosts employee parties, outdoor events, or customer gatherings, a bottle opener may make more sense than a display-only piece.

This round design shows how that can work without changing the feel of a traditional challenge coin.

The outer text, American flag, and center artwork still do most of the visual work. The opener is simply built into the bottom.

Take away the opening, and it would still look like a fairly traditional commemorative piece.

That approach works well when you want it to stay formal but still have a practical feature.

With Military, Police, and Firefighter Coins, the Story Comes First

Military, police, and firefighter challenge coins are different from ordinary promotional giveaways.

What gives them value is usually what they represent—a unit, a mission, years of service, a retirement, a promotion, or an experience shared by the people receiving them.

So if we’re working on a firefighter retirement coin, the department logo, Maltese cross, station number, name, and years of service all come before the bottle opener.

The Swiftwater Dive Rescue design handles that well.

They Work Well for Events Where People Are Already Hanging Out

Bottle openers make the most sense in places where people are already gathering.

Unit reunions, retirement dinners, fire station anniversaries, company parties, wedding receptions, brewery events, and team barbecues are all natural fits.

A regular commemorative coin may go straight into someone’s pocket after it’s handed out. A functional version might actually get used during the event.

And once someone pulls one out, people tend to notice it.

“Is that your unit coin?”

“Wait, that thing actually opens bottles?”

That little bit of interaction is something a functional design can add that a standard keepsake usually can’t.

There is one catch, though:

It actually has to work.

Opening a bottle puts real force on the metal. If the area around the cutout is too thin, the leverage point is wrong, or there isn’t enough room to get a good grip, a nice-looking rendering won’t matter much.

That’s why we don’t just check the logo, colors, and layout. We also look at the cutout itself, the amount of metal around it, where the force is going to land, and how it will feel in someone’s hand.

Corporate Coins Should Start With the Recipient

Companies use challenge coins for all kinds of projects—company anniversaries, employee recognition, sales kickoffs, product launches, trade shows, and customer gifts.

For those projects, one question is worth asking early:

What is the recipient actually going to do with this afterward?

If the company regularly hosts employee gatherings, outdoor events, customer functions, or simply has a more casual brand personality, adding a bottle opener can feel completely natural.

For a 20th anniversary, for example, the design might revolve around the company logo, a large “20,” and the anniversary years. If the logo or number already creates usable negative space, that area may even become part of the opening.

The point isn’t to add as many features as possible.

It’s to use one that makes sense for the brand, the occasion, and the people receiving it.

Wedding Bottle Openers Don’t Need Giant Names on the Front

Bottle openers are also popular as wedding favors, but this is one area where personalization can go too far.

A lot of them put something like:

JOHN & JESSICA
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026

That information matters to the couple. But once the day is over, the guest is still carrying around a keepsake from someone else’s wedding.

Reviews for personalized bottle openers on Etsy often mention two things people care about: whether they actually work and whether the design looks good enough to keep.

For a wedding bottle opener coin, we’d usually make the front a little more versatile. That might mean using:

• Couple initials
• A wedding monogram
• A family crest
• An illustration of the venue
• A floral pattern

The full names, date, and location can go on the back.

You still keep the important details, but the front doesn’t feel like a date card stamped onto a piece of metal.

The basic idea is simple: make something guests will want to keep, then work the wedding details into it.

When a Bottle Opener Is NOT the Right Choice

The Occasion Is Very Formal

Picture a formal command presentation, executive recognition event, or high-level commemorative ceremony.

A piece with an obvious bottle opener cutout may feel a little out of place.

For projects like these, a more traditional challenge coin is often the better fit.

The Design Is Already Packed

Some clients come to us specifically because their artwork is simple and they want to give it a little more character with a custom shape or bottle opener.

That can work well.

But if the design already has a logo, motto, names, dates, unit text, and several graphic elements, adding one can start eating into valuable space.

The Recipient Probably Won’t Use It

If the coin is mainly going to be collected or displayed—and there isn’t much connection to things like parties, barbecues, wedding receptions, or unit reunions—the added function may not bring much value.

In that case, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it traditional.

Bottle Opener Challenge Coin Design Ideas

There isn’t one correct place to put a bottle opener.

When we start a design, we look at the main artwork, how much text needs to fit, the overall shape, and how it will be held. From there, we can decide whether the opener belongs at the bottom, on the side, or inside the outline itself.

Round Coin With Bottom Opener

If you want to keep the look of a traditional round challenge coin, a bottom opener is usually one of the easiest layouts to work with.

It leaves the center open for a logo, badge, mascot, or main piece of artwork, while the outer ring can still hold a unit name, motto, or dates.

The main thing to watch is how far the cutout reaches into the center.

If it comes up too high, it starts stealing space from the artwork and can make the whole layout feel top-heavy.

Side Bottle Opener

A side opener makes sense when the center artwork is important or when the bottom is already being used for text or other elements.

Moving the opening to the left or right helps keep the middle intact.

The challenge is making that side cutout feel intentional.

If you simply remove a chunk from the edge of a round coin, it can look like something is missing.

Usually the surrounding border, lines, or outer shape need to change with it so the feature feels like part of the design rather than something added afterward.

Custom Shape Bottle Opener Coin

If the project is already going to use a custom shape, there’s a lot more freedom.

Badges, helmets, shields, anchors, animal heads, gears, and tools can all create places where an opener can fit naturally.

The goal isn’t to make the shape as unusual as possible. It’s to find one where the theme and function actually work together.

On a gear-shaped coin, for example, an opener built into the outer edge can make sense. A random cutout somewhere else probably won’t.

We usually look for open areas that can be used without sacrificing something important.

The main logo, a face, the center of a badge, or small lettering generally shouldn’t be cut away just to make room for it.

Opener Built Into the Artwork

This gives a designer the most freedom, but it also takes the most planning.

Instead of treating the opener as a separate hole, it becomes part of the artwork itself. Animal horns, an anchor opening, the jaw of a wrench, a gear gap, or the edge of a helmet can all work.

When done well, people notice the artwork first and the bottle opener second.

The key is not to force it. If an element has to be stretched or distorted just to make the function work, the design usually suffers.

That’s why this approach works best when the opener is considered from the sketch stage.

Want to Add a Bottle Opener to Your Challenge Coin?

Whether it’s for a military unit, a company, or another organization, adding a bottle opener gives it a practical use beyond the display case.

At VeperPins, we don’t just cut a hole into an existing design. We look at the logo, artwork, shape, and layout to find a way to work the opener in without letting it take over.

Law enforcement agencies and specialized units often build their coin designs around the things that make their team recognizable—department badges, unit insignia, mission roles, equipment, and local symbols.

From police departments and chief’s coins to K9, SWAT, detective, and motor units, each team has its own visual identity and details worth highlighting.

Below are a few law enforcement coin ideas and real-world design directions that can help inspire your next project.

Police Department & Leadership Coin Ideas

Department Badge Coins

Police department coins often start with an existing department badge, shield, or official seal. The front can keep recognizable details such as the eagle, shield, star, and department name, while raised relief can give the badge more depth and make it feel closer to the original insignia.

The reverse side can be used for a motto, unit number, city name, state outline, or local landmark. This gives one side a strong department identity while the other adds something specific to the area it serves.

If the original badge already contains a lot of detail, there is usually no need to crowd the design with extra police cars, flags, or text. A coin can also follow the outline of the badge itself, or use an open handcuff shape to make the overall silhouette immediately recognizable as law enforcement.

Chief’s Coins

A Chief’s Coin usually feels more formal than a standard department coin and puts more emphasis on the chief’s position and leadership role.

The front might feature rank insignia, the department badge, the chief’s name, and the title “Chief of Police.” Four stars or other rank markings can also become a central part of the layout, with department wording arranged around the outer edge.

The reverse can include a department motto, core values, years of service, city landmarks, a thin blue line flag, or a program closely associated with that chief’s term. These details make the coin feel connected not only to the position, but also to the person and the period they served.

Special Unit Coin Ideas

What makes special unit coins interesting is how easy it is to recognize the team from its symbols alone. K9, SWAT, detectives, and motor units can all look completely different before you even read the wording.

K9 Unit Coins

K9 coins often make the dog the main focus, especially when the coin is being created for a specific working dog. A real photo can be used as reference to capture the shape of the head, ears, vest, or other recognizable features, while the dog’s name or badge number adds a more personal detail.

Instead of a standard round shape, some designs use a paw print, police badge, or K9 insignia as the outline. One side can focus on the dog, while the reverse carries the department badge, unit motto, handler information, or years of service.

Some K9 coins use a more sculpted portrait so the face and equipment become the visual center of the design. Others stay closer to a clean badge style and place more emphasis on the dog’s name, unit identity, and service information.

SWAT / SRT Unit Coins

SWAT and SRT coins usually lean heavily into the identity of the tactical team.

Along with a SWAT shield, team patch, or unit insignia, designs may include crossed rifles, tactical carbines, gas masks, helmets, or crosshair imagery. These details help separate the coin visually from a standard patrol or department piece.

One side might focus on the team patch or shield, while the other includes a unit motto, call sign, team number, or platoon number. Those specific identifiers often make the design feel much more connected to a real team than simply placing “SWAT” across the coin.

CID & Detective Unit Coins

CID and detective unit coins usually do not rely as heavily on tactical equipment. Instead, they tend to focus on investigation, unit identity, and a more formal appearance.

A department shield or detective badge can sit at the center of the front, while the reverse identifies the specific section—such as Homicide, Narcotics, Major Crimes, or CID—along with the department or jurisdiction.

Smaller investigative details can help give the design its own character without overwhelming it. Fingerprint patterns, magnifying glass outlines, case files, evidence numbers, city skylines, or local landmarks can all work well when used sparingly.

For a more personal unit piece, the reverse can also include an internal motto, historic call sign, squad number, or even a small reference that only members of the team would recognize. Those details can make the coin feel like it belongs to the unit rather than simply representing the department as a whole.

Traffic & Motor Unit Coins

For traffic and motor units, the strongest visual element is often the motorcycle itself, along with motor wings and the department badge.

The front can feature an official shoulder patch, municipal seal, or a raised image of a motorcycle officer. Motorcycle silhouettes, winged wheels, highway lines, and road layouts can also help make the unit immediately recognizable.

The reverse may include a unit motto, call sign, patrol area, highway corridor, or individual number. These details help tie the piece to a specific team or area of responsibility.

These coins also work well in badge, shield, or motorcycle-inspired shapes. For units with a long history, older badges, founding dates, or classic motorcycle models can add a sense of tradition and continuity.

Community Policing & Joint-Agency Ideas

Community Policing Coins

Community policing coins usually focus more on trust, service, and partnership than on tactical imagery.

A department badge can be paired with a local landmark, neighborhood symbol, community event, or a specific outreach program. This keeps the design connected to the department while also giving it a strong local identity.

Words such as “Trust,” “Partnership,” and “Service” can work well when they are already part of the department’s values or program messaging. If the department uses a star-shaped badge, the coin can also follow that original outline rather than forcing the design into a standard round format.

The overall feel does not need to be aggressive. The strongest designs in this category usually communicate service, community involvement, and a long-term relationship with the people the department serves.

Joint-Agency Coins

Joint-agency coins are a good fit for projects involving police and sheriff’s offices, police and fire departments, local and state agencies, or multi-agency task forces.

The goal is to show the agencies involved and the mission they shared, rather than simply placing several logos next to each other.

When three or four agencies are represented, their emblems can be arranged around the outer area or divided into separate sections, with an operation name, task force title, or year in the center. If one agency is leading the project, its badge can take the central position while the others are placed around it.

The reverse can include a shared motto, jurisdiction map, city skyline, handshake, or thin blue line element. When several agencies are involved, splitting their badges between sections or between the front and back usually keeps the design cleaner and easier to read.

Sheriff’s Office Coins

Sheriff’s Office designs often center on the sheriff’s star, county seal, or official office badge.

The star itself is usually strong enough to become the main feature of the front, along with the county name, deputy unit, or jurisdiction. Some designs even follow the outline of the original star badge instead of using a standard round shape.

The reverse can feature a county map, local landmark, unit motto, or department founding year. These details help connect the coin not only to the Sheriff’s Office, but also to the county and community it represents.

State Police & Highway Patrol Coins

State Police and Highway Patrol designs tend to highlight statewide identity and road patrol duties.

A trooper badge or state seal can be combined with the state outline, flag elements, highway numbers, patrol vehicles, or other details associated with the agency.

For a specific Highway Patrol unit, route numbers, trooper numbers, highway shields, or motor wings can make the design more specific to a particular patrol area instead of simply representing the state as a whole.

Federal Law Enforcement Coins

Federal law enforcement coins often center on the agency seal, task force identity, and the mission behind the project.

The front can feature the agency emblem, while the reverse includes an operation name, mission code, year, unit motto, or task force title.

For joint operations, multiple agency emblems can be separated into different sections with the task force name or operation title placed in the center. Compared with many local department designs, federal coins often work best when the layout stays formal and clear, with the agency and mission kept as the main focus.

Make It Clearly Yours

A memorable law enforcement coin does not need to be packed with details. What matters most is that it clearly represents the department, unit, or shared experience behind it.

If you already have a badge, logo, sketch, or reference design, that can be a strong starting point for creating something that feels specific to your team.

Planning a 5K or marathon is exciting, but there are a lot of moving parts. Between registration, volunteers, timing, course setup, and race-day logistics, merchandise can easily become one more thing to worry about.

Finisher medals, shirts, bibs, pins, and race packets all need to be designed, ordered, and delivered on time.

And for many runners, these are the pieces of the event they remember long after race day is over.

5K and Marathon Finisher Medals

Finisher medals are usually at the top of the list. If runners take one physical reminder home from the finish line, it is often the medal they earned after completing the course.

According to Running USA’s Global Runner Survey, 16% of runners consider the medal or finisher award when deciding which race to enter, ranking it ahead of whether an event uses chip timing.

A good race medal should feel specific to that event. The logo, year, distance, local landmarks, or even part of the course can all become part of the design.

At VeperPins, we recommend finalizing the size, shape, ribbon, and quantity early. Medals are one item you do not want arriving late.

Custom Keychains for Race Giveaways

Personalized keychains are a simple way to give runners something they can actually use after the event. They are less formal than a medal, but that is part of the appeal.

Runners can attach them to keys, gym bags, backpacks, or zipper pulls, giving them a small reminder of the race that does not have to sit on a medal rack.

They are also flexible from an organizer’s point of view. A keychain can go inside the race packet, be handed out at the finish line, or be used as a small gift for VIPs, sponsors, or staff.

For events working with a tighter merchandise budget, they can also be an easy way to add another keepsake without competing with the main finisher medal.

Enamel Pins for Marathon Events

Enamel pins work especially well as wearable race memorabilia.

Runners can add them to backpacks, running vests, hats, or jackets and show where they have raced without pulling a medal out of a drawer. For events with a strong running community, a small pin can also become a subtle badge of belonging.

They do not need to replace the finisher medal. Instead, they work well in race packets, volunteer gifts, staff kits, or VIP packages.

Some events also create different versions for runners, volunteers, or special groups, giving the pin both a commemorative and practical role.

Patches for Running Clubs and Trail Events

Patches are a natural fit for trail races, endurance events, themed runs, and running clubs.

They have more of an outdoor and team feel than a typical giveaway and can be sewn or attached to running packs, jackets, hats, or vests. That makes them especially suited to events built around course difficulty, club culture, or a strong sense of tradition.

They can also represent a specific achievement. Different distances, routes, elevation challenges, or difficult stages can each have their own design.

In that case, the patch says more than “I was there.” It says, “I completed this challenge.”

Race Coins as Finisher Keepsakes

Custom sports coins are another solid option for race merchandise. They are smaller than traditional finisher medals but have a substantial metal feel, which makes them well suited for special awards, limited-edition keepsakes, or collectible race memorabilia.

Both sides of the coin can be customized. The front might feature the event logo, year, and distance, while the back can include the course, a local landmark, race motto, or finisher details. This gives organizers more room to tell the story of the event in one compact piece.

Cups, T-Shirts, and Race Bags

Running USA also found that 57% of runners would like race organizers to offer keepsakes beyond a standard finisher shirt.

That does not mean every event needs a bag packed with merchandise. Cups, tote bags, drawstring bags, and other useful items can be selected based on the audience, budget, and how they fit into the event itself.

A bag, for example, can double as packaging for packet pickup. A T-shirt can carry the event identity and sponsor logos. Cups can be useful around aid stations, the finish area, or after the race.

The goal is to choose items that have a clear purpose instead of filling a packet with things runners will throw away.

Real Race Merchandise Examples

Talking about it is one thing. Here are a few real examples shared by runners on Instagram.

Finisher Medal

A runner shared her growing race medal collection and joked that it was finally time for a medal rack.

Race Keychain

One race calls its finisher keychain “always a hit” and even upgraded it to a metal version.

Enamel Pin

This 7K event included a finisher enamel pin as part of the race experience.

Race Patch

A runner added her second finisher patch directly to her vest, turning each race into something she can wear and display.

Race Swag

A Bentonville Half Marathon runner shared the race swag she brought home before race day.

What Good Race Swag Can Do for Your Event

Well-planned race merchandise does more than give participants another free item. It can shape how runners remember the event and how they talk about it afterward.

Make registration more appealing: A distinctive medal, shirt, or finisher item can be one more reason a runner chooses your event over another.

Extend sponsor visibility: Shirts, bags, and drinkware can keep event and sponsor branding visible long after race weekend.

Encourage runners to keep and share it: A well-designed medal or memorable piece of race swag is more likely to be photographed, posted, and saved.

Build an annual collecting tradition: Keeping a consistent style while changing the year, color, or event theme can give returning runners something new to collect each season.

Plan to order race merchandise at least six weeks before the event whenever possible. That leaves more room for artwork approval, production, shipping, and any last-minute changes.

Choose the Right Race Merchandise Partner

Once you know what you want to offer, the next step is finding a supplier that can turn the idea into something production-ready.

VeperPins creates custom race medals, keychains, enamel pins, and patches for running events of all sizes.

Send us your event logo, race date, estimated quantity, and any design ideas you already have. We can help turn them into a finished product that fits your event.

Contact VeperPins today and save 20% on your custom order.

Air Force challenge coins aren’t some outdated military relic—they’re still alive and well across bases, missions, and daily recognition today.

For the Airman on the receiving end, the metal itself isn’t what matters. It’s all about the story behind it: Who handed it to you? What went down? Maybe you crushed a tough mission, went way above and beyond, or a leader just wanted to look you in the eye and say, “Great job.”

It’s those real, tangible moments that keep the tradition alive today.

One Small Coin: “Your Effort Was Seen”

Never underestimate a piece of metal passed hand-to-hand. In the U.S. Air Force, it simply means: “I saw what you did.”

While official USAF policy defines challenge coins as commander-awarded recognition for excellence, the real value is personal. When Chief Master Sgt. Adam Jensen handed out coins at Moody Air Force Base, or when a Reserve Airman recently earned a commander’s coin for single-handedly bringing a critical comms system back online, the impact wasn’t about the ceremony—it was about the moment.

For most Airmen, the metal itself isn’t worth much. What counts is what it represents: crushing a key mission, stepping up as a leader, or quietly going above and beyond. It turns a fleeting win into something tangible you can actually hold onto.

From Trainee to Airman: Where It All Begins

For many Airmen, the meaning of a challenge coin doesn’t begin years into a career or during a deployment. It starts the moment they earn the title.

The Airman’s Coin marks the transition at the end of Basic Military Training. Until then, a trainee is still proving they can meet the standards expected of an Airman. Receiving that coin makes the moment real: You made it. You belong.

Years later, they may not remember the coin’s exact finish, weight, or details. What stays with them are the early mornings, the hard days, the people beside them, and the moment they earned the right to be called an Airman.

That’s part of why these coins endure. At VeperPins, we believe their meaning goes far beyond plating or design. A coin gives a lasting physical form to a chapter of service that can never be repeated.

Uniforms get packed away, assignments change, and eventually service ends. But that coin can remain on a desk or in a display case for decades—a quiet reminder of where it all began.

Why Airmen Keep These Coins for Years

The U.S. Air Force once shared the story of Capt. Leanne Babcock, who kept several meaningful coins close to her. One came from completing Logistics Readiness Officer technical training. For her, those coins were more than keepsakes—they marked different points in her career and reminded her how far she had come.

That helps explain why some Airmen keep coins on their desks, in display cases, or even carry them for years. They become personal milestones, not just collectibles.

Long after uniforms are packed away, an important coin can still have a place where it can be seen.

Creating a Coin That Actually Means Something

Air Force challenge coins show up in all kinds of moments, but what makes one memorable isn’t how much detail is packed into the design. It’s whether people immediately understand what it represents.

That might be a squadron, a demanding mission, or recognition for an Airman who stepped up. A unit patch, motto, airframe, or even an inside reference only the team understands can give it real meaning.

At VeperPins, we help turn those ideas into something your crew will be proud to carry.

Hit us up today for a quick quote!

Designing a custom challenge coin should be exciting. Choosing the right manufacturer is usually the harder part.

A lot of companies make the same promises, but the quality, pricing, and customer service can vary quite a bit. Some use cheaper materials than expected, while others are difficult to reach when an order goes wrong.

To make the search easier, we compared 10 manufacturers based on pricing, turnaround time, shipping, design support, and customer feedback. Here are the companies worth looking at before you place an order.

None of the 10 companies featured in this article sponsored or paid for their inclusion. Our comments are based on our own experience and customer feedback.

How We Compared These Companies

We used the same basic order and checked the details that usually matter most before buying custom challenge coins.

01

Standard Test Order

We compared prices using 100 pieces, 1.75-inch size, double-sided soft enamel.

02

Pricing and Extra Fees

We checked the coin price, mold fee, shipping, rush charges, packaging, and common upgrades.

03

Artwork and Production

We compared proof times, revision policies, production schedules, and available rush service.

04

Shipping Options

We reviewed domestic delivery, international shipping, and support for APO, FPO, and DPO addresses.

05

Customer Feedback

We looked for repeated comments about communication, artwork quality, finished coins, and delivery times.

06

Information Checks

Details came from company websites, online pricing tools, written quotes, and sales representatives.

Information was reviewed in August 2026. Prices, production times, and shipping policies may change.

1. GS-JJ

GS-JJ is a well-known custom products company based in Walnut, California. They have been in the business for more than 20 years, serving companies, military and public safety departments, schools, clubs, and individual buyers.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: No minimum order. You can order one piece or buy in bulk.

Artwork: Digital proofs are free. The website also has an online builder and an AI design tool for customers who do not have a finished file.

Turnaround: The first proof is usually ready within 24 hours. Production is listed at 7–30 business days, but the fastest option mainly applies to simple UV-printed coins made from existing templates. Fully custom soft enamel normally takes longer.

Shipping: Air delivery usually adds another 3–5 business days. Free shipping is available to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and selected European countries. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are accepted, although military mail may take longer or cost extra.

Our Take

If you want to create a rough design before contacting sales, GS-JJ is a good place to start. Its online templates and AI tools can help you quickly build a basic concept without finished artwork.

The main drawback is the higher pricing. Detailed designs may also require more back-and-forth with the sales team. Pantone matching costs an extra $15 unless you provide the exact color codes.

2. VeperPins

VeperPins is our own brand, so it is only fair to say that upfront. Our factory has been operating since 2006, while the brand officially launched in January 2026.

We handle mold making, coloring, plating, quality control, and packaging through our own production team rather than passing the order through another supplier.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: None. You can order one sample or a larger production run.

Artwork: We usually send the first proof within 12 hours, or within 8 hours for rush orders.

Turnaround: Standard production takes about 20 days, while rush orders take around 15 days. Rush service is not available for dual-plated coins or designs with especially complex details.

Shipping: Express delivery usually takes 3–5 days. A lower-cost option takes around 10 days. We do not currently ship directly to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, so military customers need a residential or business address.

Our Take

Since VeperPins is our own brand, we want to be transparent about both its strengths and limitations.

Pros

We operate our own factory, which gives us direct control over materials, production methods, quality, and lead times. Our pricing may not always be the lowest, but each order is produced according to the approved artwork and confirmed specifications.

The production process is also relatively transparent. Upon request, we can provide photos or videos of key stages, including mold making, color filling, inspection, packing, and shipping.

We keep molds on file for three years, so repeat orders using the same design usually do not require a new mold fee during that period. Our customer service team typically responds within four hours, and larger orders may qualify for discounts of up to 20%.

Cons

VeperPins is not always the lowest-priced option. Compared with some smaller Chinese factories or suppliers that compete mainly on price, our quotes may be slightly higher.

We are also a relatively new international brand, so our name recognition and number of public customer reviews are still growing. At this time, we cannot ship directly to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, so customers using military mail addresses will need to provide an alternative delivery address or arrange forwarding.

3. Custom Challenge Coins

Custom Challenge Coins is owned by MetalPromo LLC and is based in Austin, Texas. The company has been operating since 2003, and some members of its U.S. team are veterans or military spouses.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: Their stated minimum order is 25 pieces, although the price chart also lists options for 5 and 10. Check with the sales team before placing an order below 25 pieces.

Artwork: The first proof usually arrives within 24–48 hours, and revisions are included.

Turnaround: Production and delivery generally take about 3–3.5 weeks. Paid rush service is available, but the website does not publish a fixed rush timeline.

Shipping: Insured U.S. shipping is included. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are supported, but rush delivery is not available for military or international addresses.

Mold policy: The mold fee is waived on orders of 300 pieces or more.

Our Take

For units that need their coins shipped directly to a military address, this is one of the more practical options. Their team is familiar with military purchasing requirements, and the standard quote includes artwork, unlimited revisions, custom shapes, individual poly bags, and insured shipping within the United States.

If you have a fixed event date, ask them to confirm the rush production and delivery schedule in writing before making payment.

4. ChallengeCoins4Less

ChallengeCoins4Less is part of TJM Promos and is based in Ocala, Florida. Its U.S. team handles sales, customer service, and artwork, while most standard orders are produced through overseas partner factories. U.S.-made products are available by request.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: 25 pieces.

Artwork: Proofs and unlimited revisions are included. Production begins only after final approval.

Turnaround: Most standard orders arrive about 14–17 days after artwork approval and payment. Rush service is available, but the timing depends on the project.

Shipping: Continental U.S. shipping is included. APO and FPO delivery is also free, although military mail may take longer. DPO and international policies are less clear.

Mold policy: The mold fee is waived at 300 pieces, and molds are kept for two years.

Our Take

ChallengeCoins4Less publishes prices for many common add-ons, including special edges, packaging, and other upgrades. This makes it easier to estimate the total cost before requesting a quote.

It is a practical choice for buyers who already know which options they want and prefer fewer surprises in the final price. Its main advantage is straightforward pricing rather than unusual finishes or production methods.

5. Signature Coins

Signature Coins has been in business since 2000 and works with military units, government agencies, companies, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

Its main point of difference is a production facility in Winter Park, Florida. Customers can compare standard overseas production with U.S.-made options, although the available methods are not identical.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: Traditional fully custom coins start at 50 pieces.

Small orders: The No Minimum line allows a one-piece order, but it uses a standard coin blank and full-color printing rather than a traditional molded soft enamel process.

Artwork: The first proof is usually ready within 24 hours, and payment is not required before design approval.

Turnaround: Some website pages say most standard orders arrive in about 14 business days. More complex designs may take longer.

Shipping: UPS Priority Air is included for standard U.S. street addresses. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are accepted for an extra charge. International shipping is quoted separately.

Our Take

Signature Coins stands out because it offers both U.S.-made products and printed coins with no minimum order. It can work well for organizations with domestic sourcing requirements or buyers who only need one or two pieces.

These options are made differently, though. No-minimum coins usually use stock blanks with printed artwork, while U.S.-made imitation enamel may not look or feel the same as traditional soft enamel. Before ordering, confirm where the coins are made and which process will be used.

6. Vivipins

Vivipins was founded in 2017 and is based in Laguna Beach, California. It also sells custom pins, patches, hats, socks, and other promotional products, and the company says its team has more than 40 employees.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: None. One coin can be produced.

Artwork: Digital proofs are usually ready within 24 hours, with revisions available before production.

Turnaround: Current estimates are around four weeks for standard orders and three weeks for rush orders.

Shipping: Worldwide delivery is available. APO and FPO addresses are supported, although the company recommends using a residential or business address when possible because military mail is slower and has limited tracking.

Our Take

With Vivipins, the first thing you will probably notice is how easy the pricing is to understand. You can choose the size, quantity, colors, and other options online and watch the price change as you go. The website price is usually close to the final quote, which makes it useful for checking the cost of a reorder, a bulk run, or a small personal project.

The trade-off is that challenge coins are only one part of a much larger product range. Since the company also sells apparel, pins, and other custom items, the coin selection and available finishes are not as extensive as what you may find on a site focused almost entirely on challenge coins.

7. U.S. DOD Coins

U.S. DOD Coins is based in Orlando, Florida, and focuses on military, government, law enforcement, fire department, and veteran projects. Despite the name, it is a private company and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: The public pricing table starts at 50 coins, while the current quote form lists 100. Orders between 50 and 99 should be confirmed first.

Artwork: Quotes and digital proofs usually take 2–4 business days after you submit an insignia, sketch, photo, or written idea.

Turnaround: Overseas production usually takes 18 to 21 business days, although some orders may take close to four weeks. Certain U.S.-made options can be completed within two weeks.

Shipping: APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are supported for an extra charge. Military orders are first sent to the Florida office, repacked, and then forwarded through USPS military mail.

Purchasing support: W-9 and Section 889 documents are available directly on the website.

Our Take

U.S. DOD Coins is geared toward military and government orders. Its service information, branch-specific examples, and military address guidance can save purchasing teams from having to explain standard requirements from scratch.

The trade-off is speed. Standard approvals may take longer, and delivery to military addresses can add extra steps. Its express coins are faster, but they usually use stock metal blanks, printed artwork, and a clear resin coating rather than a fully custom die.

8. PinMart

Based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, PinMart traces its roots back to 1964 and began operating under its current brand in 1999.

Rather than focusing only on challenge coins, the company offers a wide range of custom products. Its coin selection includes traditional soft enamel, hard enamel, U.S.-made rush options, UV-printed designs, and wooden coins.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: Traditional soft enamel coins start at 25 pieces.

Artwork: Proofs and revisions are included before production.

Turnaround: Traditional soft enamel takes about 15–20 business days. A 5-day U.S.-made option uses layered raised printing, while the 3-day option uses full-color UV printing.

Shipping: Qualifying custom U.S. orders may receive free shipping. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses can be served through USPS Priority Mail. International buyers are responsible for duties and local taxes.

Our Take

PinMart is worth considering when delivery time matters more than traditional coin construction. Its three-day and five-day options are useful for awards, conferences, and events with fixed dates.

Those rush products are generally printed on stock blanks rather than die-struck soft enamel coins. You get a more predictable turnaround, but fewer customization options. Orders can start at 25 pieces, although the unit price is less competitive at that quantity.

9. Lone Star Challenge Coins

Lone Star Challenge Coins is based in Spring Branch, Texas, and is managed in part by veterans. Customer service and design are handled in Texas, while most standard orders are produced in China. A U.S.-made option is available, but it generally costs more and may take longer.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: 50 pieces. Smaller projects may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Artwork: Quotes and initial proofs are usually sent within 24 hours, or up to 48 hours during busy periods. Revisions are unlimited.

Turnaround: Production usually takes 10–14 business days, followed by about 2–4 days in transit.

Shipping: Shipping to APO and FPO addresses costs extra. It is not clear whether they ship to DPO addresses, so check with the sales team before placing your order.

Mold policy: Standard mold fees are waived at 300 pieces for coins up to 2.5 inches.

Our Take

Lone Star feels more like a small team familiar with military culture than a general promotional products company. That can make conversations about unit insignia, training milestones, deployments, and military traditions more direct.

However, the company name and Texas-based staff may lead some buyers to assume the coins are made in Texas. Anyone who requires U.S. production should ask for the factory location in writing before ordering.

10. LPM Pins Coins

Like VeperPins, LPM Pins Coins is a China-based factory. The company says it has been operating since 1997 and began serving international customers in 2014. Its main products are custom pins, challenge coins, and medals.

Quick Facts

Minimum order: There is no strict minimum, although mold fees and international shipping make very small orders less practical.

Artwork: Revisions are included, but a 20% deposit is required before the official design work begins. The first proof normally takes 1–3 business days after payment.

Turnaround: Standard production takes around 10–20 days. Rush availability and fees depend on the order.

Shipping: Orders are sent from China by DHL, FedEx, or UPS, with delivery usually taking 3–7 business days. APO, FPO, and DPO delivery is not available.

Mold policy: The standard mold fee is usually waived at 300 pieces.

Our Take

Based on customer reviews and media coverage, they appear to offer fast production and quick customer service. The main drawback is that you need to pay a deposit before receiving a digital proof. However, they do offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

What to Check Before Choosing a Coin Manufacturer

Do not compare suppliers by price per coin alone. Mold fees, shipping, and production upgrades are often what push a small order over budget. Before placing an order, ask for a complete quote and make sure it includes the mold, packaging, shipping, and any rush fees. You should also confirm how many artwork revisions are included, whether the coins will be made with a custom mold or printed on stock blanks, when the order is expected to arrive, and how defective pieces will be handled.

If your design has a lot of detail, ask to see photos of similar finished coins. Pay close attention to the raised details, small text, color filling, and plating. You can also use our 10 questions to help narrow down which supplier is the best fit for your project.

Still Not Sure Which Company Is Right for Your Project?

If you already have a logo, sketch, or photo of an existing coin, send it to us. We’ll provide a complete quote based on the quantity, size, finish, and deadline, then confirm the artwork and production details before moving forward.

Start creating your custom challenge coins today!

Military challenge coins have a long tradition, but the customs surrounding them can vary from one unit to another. People often ask whether they can buy one, whether they need to carry it, and what happens during a Coin Check.

This guide explains the most common rules and etiquette, while separating widely recognized traditions from practices followed only by certain units.

Are Military Coin Rules Official?

There is no official rulebook for challenge coins issued by the U.S. Department of Defense or individual military branches. How a coin is presented, whether it is carried, and how the tradition is practiced usually depend on the customs of each unit.

Some of these practices are widely recognized, but they remain informal traditions rather than military regulations. The basic Coin Check game is explained later in this article.

How Are They Presented and Received?

Military challenge coins are often given by commanders, senior leaders, or unit representatives to recognize someone’s contribution or mark a special mission. The handoff usually happens in one of the following ways.

Handshake Handoff

This is the most traditional approach. During a handshake, the giver keeps the coin in their palm and quietly passes it to the recipient.

The exchange is quick and understated, reflecting the unspoken understanding shared among service members. It is sometimes referred to as a “secret handshake.”

Formal Ceremony

Coins may also be awarded publicly at graduations, award ceremonies, retirements, or mission debriefs.

A commanding officer or senior leader may briefly recognize the recipient’s contribution before handing over the coin.

The Airman’s Coin Ceremony during U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training is a well-known example. When receiving one, a handshake and a sincere thank-you are usually enough. There is no complicated acceptance ritual.

Delivery by Mail

If the two people cannot meet in person, or the coin was not available at the time, it may be mailed afterward.

Mailing is not part of the traditional ceremony. It is simply a practical way to deliver the coin later or from a distance. The meaning behind it remains the same, even without a face-to-face handoff.

Do You Have to Carry a Challenge Coin?

There is no rule requiring recipients to keep one with them at all times. Many people treat these coins as symbols of honor and display them in a rack, shadow box, or collection case instead.

Some units also make oversized versions that are not practical to carry in a pocket every day. However, if your unit still takes part in Coin Checks, you may choose to keep one on hand.

Please take good care of your coin if you carry it with you. When you’re not using it, keep it in a PVC pouch or display case and store it somewhere dry. Otherwise, it may get scratched or damaged over time.

Coin Check Rules

A Coin Check is one of the best-known challenge coin traditions. The basic game can be explained in three steps.

Step 1: Start the Challenge

One person places a challenge coin on the table, taps it against a surface, or calls out, “Coin Check.”

Whether accidentally dropping it also counts depends on the unit and the people involved.

Step 2: Show Your Coin

Everyone taking part must produce the one they are carrying. Borrowing from someone else after the game has started is generally not allowed.

Whether one attached to a keychain or necklace—or one that has been drilled or modified—still counts depends on the group’s rules.

Step 3: Decide Who Buys the Drinks

Anyone who cannot produce one usually buys a round for the group. If everyone has theirs, the person who started the game pays instead.

Not every unit still takes part, and some service members consider the tradition a little old-fashioned. Participation usually comes down to unit culture and personal preference. It is more of a social custom that brings people together than a rule anyone is expected to follow.

Military Coin Etiquette

Although there is no official etiquette guide, a few widely accepted customs have developed over time.

Respect what it represents.
A challenge coin may stand for a unit, mission, or meaningful experience, so treat it with more care than an ordinary souvenir.

Be honest about where it came from.
If you bought or traded for it, do not claim that it was awarded to you for military service, a mission, or an achievement.

Show appreciation when receiving one.
When a commander, veteran, or unit member gives you a coin, a handshake and sincere thank-you are usually enough.

Do not pressure anyone into a Coin Check.
It is a social tradition, not an official requirement. It may not be appropriate in every setting, and participation should always be voluntary.

Share the story behind it.
If you trade or give away a coin with a special history, pass that background along to the next owner.

Ask when you are unsure.
Customs can vary from one unit to another, so do not assume that rules found online apply everywhere.

Why Do People Collect Them?

Active-duty service members, veterans, military families, and civilian enthusiasts all collect military challenge coins.

For many of them, the value has little to do with money. What matters is the experience behind each piece. It may represent a unit they served with, a mission they took part in, recognition they received, or the people they worked alongside.

Others are simply drawn to the bold artwork and unique designs. Even without a military background, anyone can build a collection by buying or trading with other enthusiasts.

The important thing is to be honest about where each one came from. Something purchased or traded should never be presented as an award earned through military service.

Turn an Important Experience Into a Coin Worth Keeping

At VeperPins, we believe a challenge coin should be more than a piece of metal. It should preserve meaningful details, tell a story, and become something members will value for years.

Whether it features a unit insignia, motto, number, or a detail only the group understands, we take care to reproduce it accurately. From artwork revisions to the finished piece, we focus on clear text, strong visual depth, and a polished result.

Already have a design or just a rough idea? Send us your requirements for free design assistance and a custom quote.

Creating custom challenge coins for a military unit is a meaningful project, but finding a reliable manufacturer is not always easy. These coins often feature unit insignia, names, and other details with special significance, so every element needs to be reproduced accurately.

That is why the lowest quote does not always lead to the lowest final cost. Price matters, but so do design support, product quality, turnaround time, and after-sales service.

In this VeperPins guide, we’ll walk you through 10 practical questions that can help you find the right partner for your project.

1. Have They Actually Made Military Coins Before?

Think about it this way: would you trust an important unit project to a company that has never worked on a military coin?

We would not.

Military designs can be difficult to reproduce. They often include small lettering, detailed crests, multiple metal finishes, edge text, and artwork on both sides. A company may know how to make a basic promotional coin and still struggle with these details.

Before moving forward, look for:

• Real photos of military coins they have produced
• Unit coins, commander coins, deployment coins, recognition coins, or commemorative coins
• Finished products rather than digital mockups alone
• Information about the size, finish, and production method used

An experienced coin maker should also be able to review your design and point out possible problems before production.

For example, a color gradient may need to be printed instead of filled with enamel. Very small lettering may need to be enlarged. A two-tone design may require dual plating.

That kind of feedback is a good sign. It means the company is thinking about how the finished coin will look, not just how quickly it can close the sale.

2. Do They Help With the Artwork?

Most online coin companies say they provide design help. The real question is what that help includes.

Before sending payment, find out:

• Can they work from a patch, sketch, photograph, or old coin?
• Is the first proof free?
• How many revisions are included?
• Will the proof show the front, back, size, colors, plating, and edge details?
• Will they wait for your approval before starting production?

This matters with military artwork because a unit crest may contain small symbols, text, or other details that should not be casually simplified.

A designer who is unfamiliar with this type of work may remove an element because it is difficult to reproduce, without understanding why it matters.

The proof should show what the factory actually plans to make, not just a rough idea of the design. Check every word, date, color, and symbol before approving it.

Nothing should enter production until you are comfortable with the final artwork.

3. Is the Quote Really the Final Price?

You have probably seen ads offering 2-inch custom coins for as little as $1.99 each.

That price may be available for a very large order with a simple design. It is unlikely to be the normal final price for 50 or 100 coins, especially when the design includes custom colors, special edges, or premium finishes.

A complete quote should show:

• Mold or setup fees
• Artwork fees
• Cost per coin
• Charges for extra colors or special processes
• Packaging
• Shipping
• Charges for additional artwork changes, if any

Do not compare suppliers by looking only at the price per coin. Compare the total cost for the same quantity, size, finish, packaging, and delivery method.

A quote should not become more expensive every time you ask a basic question. The company should be able to explain what is included before you place the order.

4. What Is the Minimum Order?

Some coin companies require at least 50 pieces. Others will accept smaller orders, but the price per coin may be higher.

When you are still deciding how many coins to order, request pricing at several quantities, such as:

• 50 pieces
• 100 pieces
• 300 pieces
• 500 pieces

It is also worth asking what happens when you need more coins later.

Will you have to pay for the mold again? Is there an extra charge to change a name, date, or number? Can the original artwork and mold be reused?

A clear price breakdown makes it easier to see whether ordering more now will save money. It also helps you avoid surprises when your unit needs another batch six months or a year later.

5. Can You See Real Coins Up Close?

A digital proof can look perfect on a screen. It does not tell you whether the actual coins will have clean enamel, readable text, or smooth plating.

Ask for close-up photos of finished work and pay attention to:

• Both sides of the coin
• The thickness and edge
• Small lettering
• Enamel borders
• Plated surfaces
• Edge text or patterns
• The final packaging

One of the most useful things a supplier can show you is the approved proof next to the finished coin from the same project.

That comparison tells you how accurately the factory turns artwork into a physical product.

Do the colors look right? Is the small text still readable? Are important details missing? Does the plating look smooth and even?

A few polished product photos are easy to prepare. Close-up images and proof-to-product comparisons tell you much more about the company’s actual work.

6. What Happens to Your Unit Artwork?

Unit crests, military insignia, and internal artwork should not be treated like stock images.

Before sharing your files, find out how the company handles them.

Important questions include:

• Do they check that the customer has permission to use the submitted insignia?
• Can they publish the design without approval?
• Is customer artwork ever reused or sold?
• Who has access to the files?
• How long are the artwork and production mold stored?
• Can you request that the files or mold be deleted or destroyed?

Your design should not suddenly appear in an online gallery, social media post, or another customer’s order without your permission.

A responsible supplier should be able to explain who handles your files, where they are stored, and what happens to them after the order is complete.

7. Can They Give You a Real Timeline?

Military coins are often needed for a specific event: a retirement ceremony, deployment, promotion, graduation, anniversary, or award presentation.

“About three weeks” is not a complete production schedule.

You need to know how long each part normally takes:

• The first artwork proof
• Revisions
• Final approval
• Production
• Inspection and packaging
• Shipping

Also ask when the production timeline begins.

Does it start when you make payment, or only after you approve the final proof?

That difference matters. A project can easily lose several days while names, dates, or design details are being corrected.

Give the supplier your actual event date, not just the date you hope the coins will ship. A responsible company should tell you whether the deadline is realistic and leave some room for unexpected delays.

8. How Are the Coins Inspected?

Inspecting 100 coins is manageable. Inspecting several thousand requires a proper quality-control system.

Do not settle for a general statement like “We guarantee quality.” Find out what the company actually checks before shipping.

The inspection should cover:

• Names, mottos, dates, and spelling
• The direction of the front and back artwork
• Colors compared with the approved proof
• Plating and surface finish
• Missing enamel or enamel outside the borders
• Scratches, dents, stains, or sharp edges
• Edge lettering and patterns
• Final quantity
• Packaging

For a large order, ask whether the coins are checked by hand, with equipment, or through a combination of both.

The important thing is that the supplier can describe a real process. They should also know what happens to any defective pieces found before the order leaves the factory.

“Quality guaranteed” sounds good, but a clear inspection procedure tells you much more.

9. What Will They Do If Something Goes Wrong?

Mistakes can happen with any custom product. What matters is how the company deals with them.

Before ordering, ask:

• What counts as a manufacturing defect?
• Will defective coins be remade?
• How soon must a problem be reported?
• Do you need to provide photos or video?
• Who pays the shipping cost for replacements?
• What happens if the finished coin does not match the approved proof?
• Is there a written refund or replacement policy?

Responsibility for artwork mistakes should also be clear.

If the factory produces something different from the proof you approved, that is usually the manufacturer’s responsibility. If a spelling error was already visible on the approved proof, the situation may be different.

These conversations are much easier to have before an order than after several hundred incorrect coins arrive.

A reliable company should be willing to explain what it will do when there is a problem, not just repeat that problems never happen.

10. Are Duties and Customs Fees Included?

International shipping can come with more charges than expected.

A quote may include the courier fee but leave out import duty, VAT, customs clearance, brokerage fees, or remote-area surcharges.

Before confirming the order, find out:

• Is the shipment sent DDP?
• Are import duties and taxes included?
• Could the courier charge anything when the package arrives?
• Who handles customs clearance?
• Is there a remote-area surcharge?
• Who follows up if the shipment is delayed by customs?

For many customers, DDP shipping is the easiest option. Taxes and customs clearance are handled in advance, so the package is less likely to arrive with an unexpected bill attached.

Do not assume that “shipping included” means “duties included.” They are not the same thing.

Get the shipping terms in writing, especially when the order is being delivered internationally.

Choose the Company That Makes the Project Easier

After asking these 10 questions, you should have a much better idea of which companies are prepared to handle your order properly.

The right supplier is not simply the one with the lowest price. It is the one that notices potential problems early, explains the process clearly, keeps you informed, and takes responsibility for the finished product.

You can use the same questions to evaluate VeperPins.

We have more than 20 years of production experience and a process that covers artwork, manufacturing, inspection, packaging, and delivery.

Here is what we offer:

• Experience producing military and unit coins
• Free artwork
• Revisions before production
• Clear quotes with no hidden charges
• No minimum order quantity
• Confidential handling of unit insignia and customer files
• Clear production and delivery schedules
• Machine-assisted inspection for large orders
• 30 days of after-sales support
• DDP shipping to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and other available destinations

Ready to Make Your Coins?

For any military branch or event, our team confirms every important detail before production begins.

That means fewer misunderstandings, fewer unexpected charges, and a better chance of receiving the coins on time.

Contact the VeperPins team to start your custom coin project.

A good retirement challenge coin should reflect the service member’s career and contributions. You do not need to fit their entire service record on one coin. Choose one or two details that matter most, such as a branch or unit emblem, final rank, years of service, military specialty, award, or deployment.

Here’s how to turn those details into a personal design worth keeping.

Who Is Ordering the Coins?

Before starting the design, consider who is placing the order and who will receive the coins. This helps determine whether the artwork should focus more on the retiree or the unit presenting them.

Ordered by the Retiree or Family

These designs usually center on the individual. Include the retiree’s name, final rank, branch, and service dates, then choose one important unit, assignment, or mission as the main image.

For example, an Air Force colonel’s coin might feature the Air Force emblem on the front, with key assignments and career-related imagery on the back.

Presented by the Unit

When a unit orders military coins to honor a retiring service member, one side can feature the unit’s insignia, designation, or motto.The other side can recognize the retiree with their name, rank, service dates, and a few career highlights.

This keeps the unit visible without taking attention away from the person being honored.

Several Retirees at One Ceremony

For a joint retirement ceremony, use the same unit or event artwork on one side, then personalize the other side with each retiree’s name, rank, and retirement date.

Unless the coin is meant to recognize the ceremony as a whole, avoid putting every retiree’s name on one design.

Before approving the artwork, verify all names, ranks, units, service dates, specialties, and awards against official records.

What Should Go on the Front?

The front should make it clear who the coin is honoring.

Common elements include:

• Name or last name
• Final rank
• Branch of service
• A unit, ship, or squadron that represents their career
• Rank insignia, unit emblem, or career field symbol
• Years of service or service dates
• A short motto or call sign

For example, a U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major retiring after 24 years could place the rank insignia in the center, with the name and “United States Army” around the outer edge. The bottom could read “2002–2026” or “24 Years of Service.”

What Should Go on the Back?

The back can highlight the assignments, experiences, and people that shaped the retiree’s career.

Common elements include:

• Service dates or official retirement date
• Final unit and important assignments
• Major duty stations, ships, squadrons, or deployments
• Military specialty, qualification badges, or key honors
• A unit motto, thank-you message, or retirement phrase
• Symbols or wording meaningful to family or fellow service members
• Individual numbering, such as “001/100”

For the Army Command Sergeant Major above, the back could feature the final unit’s emblem, surrounded by key duty stations or deployment locations. A short message such as “Thank You for 24 Years of Leadership and Service” or “Mission Complete” could appear at the bottom.

What to Write on a Military Retirement Challenge Coin

A retirement coin does not need to read like a full award citation. Space is limited, so a short message written for the person usually works best.

Messages From Fellow Service Members

• We Served Together. We Remember Together.
• One Team. One Mission. One Lasting Bond.

Messages for a Retiring Commander or Senior Leader

• You Led the Mission and Built the Team.
• Your Standard Lives On.

Messages From Family

• Your Service Was Our Journey Too.
• Welcome Home. We Are Proud of You.

Add something only the retiree and the people close to them would recognize, such as a call sign, unit name, shared mission, or family nickname. That will usually mean more than a generic phrase like “Honor, Courage, Service.”

Build the Design Around Their Service

A senior Air Force NCO who spent most of their career maintaining F-16s could use an F-16 silhouette as the main image, along with a maintenance career field symbol, call sign, and years of service.

Specific units, missions, aircraft, ships, or shared experiences usually feel more personal than a general branch emblem alone.

Before using a military branch logo, unit crest, or other official insignia, confirm that you have permission to use it. VeperPins can help turn your ideas into a finished design, but the customer is responsible for confirming permission to use official logos or insignia.

Final Checklist Before Ordering

Before sending your retirement coin design into production, check the following:

• Are the name, rank, and dates correct?
• Is the unit name spelled correctly?
• Is the correct emblem being used?
• Does the front clearly identify the retiree?
• Is the wording on the back easy to read?
• Do you have permission to use protected logos or official insignia?
• Has someone familiar with the retiree’s service reviewed the design?
• Does the quantity cover family members, fellow service members, and a few extras?
• Is the delivery date well before the retirement ceremony?

We recommend getting started at least four weeks before the ceremony. One customer contacted us just 10 days before her husband’s retirement, which usually isn’t enough time to approve the artwork, produce the coins, and ship the order.

Before placing your order, use these 10 questions to compare military challenge coin makers.

Turn a Military Career Into a Keepsake Worth Holding On To

Veterans challenge coins are keepsakes that retirees can hold on to and share with family, friends, and the people they served with. The more personal and true to their service the design feels, the more the coin will mean.

VeperPins can help with artwork, revisions, production, and delivery. We can also recommend the right size, finish, and production options for your design, budget, and deadline.

Many customers ask us, “How much would it cost to turn my design into a custom coin?”

As a general rule, an order of 100 coins starts at around $300 in total. However, the actual price will depend on the coin size, order quantity, design complexity, and production options you choose.

Below, we’ll break down the costs in more detail.

How Much Do Custom Challenge Coins Cost on Average?

There is no single average price that applies to every order. As a practical reference, an order of 100 custom 1.75-inch challenge coins costs about $3.63 per coin based on VeperPins’ current pricing.

You may find prices online ranging from $1 to $15 per coin. That does not necessarily mean one supplier is cheap and another is expensive. Those prices are often based on completely different quantities, sizes, and design requirements.

01

A Simple Company Logo

A standard-size coin with a flat logo, common plating, and a few enamel colors is usually more affordable, especially at higher quantities.

02

A High-Relief Unit Design

A unit coin with deep 3D relief, multiple levels, special finishes, custom edges, or premium packaging takes more work and will cost more.

Price Per Coin and Total Project Cost Are Not the Same

The price per coin usually refers to the cost of producing each piece. Your total project cost may also include the mold fee, 3D work, special edges, upgraded packaging, or other optional features.

That is why two orders with the same quantity can still have very different final totals.

For exact pricing by size and quantity, view our current custom challenge coin pricing .

What Factors Affect the Cost?

Order Quantity

Order quantity is one of the biggest factors behind the final price. Smaller runs cost more per piece because every project includes fixed setup costs, especially the mold.

For example, the mold fee for a 1.75-inch design is $125. That cost applies whether you order one piece or one hundred because the same tooling is required before production can begin.

As the quantity increases, that fixed cost is spread across more pieces. At VeperPins, the mold fee is waived on orders of 300 pieces or more, bringing the effective cost per piece down even further.

Pricing example Standard 1.75-inch, two-sided soft enamel coin with color on both sides.

100 pieces $5.16 effective cost per piece

Base price

$3.91 × 100

Product subtotal

$391

Mold fee

$125

Total project cost

$516

Lower unit cost

500 pieces $3.46 effective cost per piece

Base price

$3.46 × 500

Product subtotal

$1,730

Mold fee

Waived

Total project cost

$1,730

$1.70 less per piece The 500-piece order has a lower effective unit cost than the 100-piece order.

Coin Size and Thickness

Size affects both the appearance of a coin and the amount of metal needed to produce it.

1.5″ Lower-cost option

Uses less metal and is usually more affordable, especially for larger orders or simpler designs.

1.75″ Traditional standard size

A common choice that balances price, design detail and overall presentation.

2″ More room for detail

Provides a stronger visual presence and more space for text, logos and detailed elements.

2.25″+ Best for display pieces

Often chosen for commemorative pieces, presentations and more complex artwork.

In general, larger and thicker coins require more metal. They may also increase mold, production, packaging and shipping costs.

See our challenge coin size guide →

2D vs. 3D Design

A 2D design is usually more affordable than a high-relief 3D design. Standard 2D artwork uses clearly separated flat levels, while 3D artwork uses rounded curves, gradual height changes and sculpted details.

2D Simple, Flat Levels

Works well for logos, text, borders and artwork with clearly defined raised and recessed areas. The mold is simpler to produce, so the cost is usually lower.

3D Sculpted, High-Relief Details

Creates rounded faces, figures, vehicles, buildings and other realistic shapes. The additional 3D charge starts at $125, depending on coin size and artwork complexity.

01 More Mold-Carving Time

Smooth curves and gradual height changes take longer to engrave than simple flat levels.

02 More Metal May Be Needed

High-relief artwork may require additional thickness to keep raised and recessed details clear.

03 More Finishing and Inspection

Sculpted surfaces can require more production time, hand finishing and quality inspection.

Finishes, Color, and Plating

Die Struck

No added color, with a traditional and formal appearance. It is usually the most affordable option.

Soft Enamel

Adds bright color and a textured surface. It costs more than an uncolored design but works well for most units and events.

Hard Enamel

Grinding and polishing create a smooth surface. The additional production work usually makes it the most expensive of the three.

Compare soft enamel, hard enamel and die-struck coins →

One-Sided vs. Two-Sided Color

Adding color to both sides usually costs about $0.23 more per coin because the second side requires another round of enamel filling, drying and inspection.

About +$0.23 each

Plating Options

Polished gold and polished silver are standard options included at no extra charge. Antique finishes generally add about $0.65 per coin. Dual plating costs around $0.70 per coin because two metal finishes must be applied to separate areas.

Standard: Included Antique: +$0.65 Dual plating: +$0.70

Edges and Packaging

Edge details and packaging choices can also affect the final project price.

Usually included Standard Edges

Flat edges, raised rope borders and custom-shaped outlines are normally available at no extra charge.

Additional charge Decorative Edges

Rope-cut, diamond-cut, spur and reeded edges require additional tooling or machining.

Free standard option PVC Pouch

Most orders include an individual clear PVC pouch at no additional cost.

Around $1 each Upgraded Packaging

Plastic coin cases and velour pouches are available for an additional charge depending on their size and style.

Real Custom Challenge Coin Cost Examples

Below are three real customer orders. Each coin is 1.75 inches and uses comparable production options, but the order quantities are different. You can see how quantity affects the price per coin and the total project cost.

Example 1

50 Coins

• 1.75-inch size
• Soft enamel
• Color on one side
• Standard plating
• Standard edge

50 coins × $6.00 $300

1.75-inch mold fee $125

Estimated total $425

Example 2

100 Coins

• 1.75-inch size
• Soft enamel
• Color on both sides
• Standard plating
• Standard edge

100 coins × $3.91 $391

1.75-inch mold fee $125

Estimated total $516

Example 3

300 Coins

• 1.75-inch size
• Hard enamel
• Color on both sides
• Standard plating
• Mold fee waived

300 coins × $3.63 $1,089

Mold fee $0

Estimated total $1,089

How to Reduce Challenge Coin Costs

Keeping costs under control does not mean stripping away everything that makes the coin look good. The goal is to spend more on the details that matter and avoid paying for features that add little to the finished design.

1. 01

   Compare 50 Pieces with 100

   When the budget allows, increasing the order from 50 to 100 pieces can lower the effective cost per coin because the mold and other setup costs are spread across more pieces.

2. 02

   Choose a Standard Size

   A 1.75- or 2-inch coin usually provides a good balance of price, visibility, and room for artwork.

3. 03

   Use 3D Where It Matters Most

   Save high-relief 3D work for a face, emblem, vehicle, or other main feature. Less important areas can remain in standard 2D.

4. 04

   Keep the Reverse Simple

   If the back does not need detailed artwork, raised or recessed metal text can look clean and professional without adding full color to both sides.

5. 05

   Stick with a Standard Edge

   Decorative edge cuts can look great, but they are not necessary for every project. Use paid upgrades only when they noticeably improve the overall design.

6. 06

   Take Advantage of Free Mold Pricing

   At VeperPins, the mold fee is waived on orders of 300 pieces or more, making larger runs more cost-effective.

7. 07

   Confirm the Full Quantity Up Front

   Ordering the amount you are likely to need from the start is usually cheaper than placing several small follow-up orders. Reorders of the same design can also reuse the existing mold.

8. 08

   Share Your Budget Early

   Tell your sales representative what you want to spend before the artwork is finalized. They can suggest a practical combination of size, finish, color, and production options.

9. 09

   Do Not Cram Too Much into a Small Coin

   Choosing a smaller size may save a little money, but squeezing in too much text and detail can make the final piece difficult to read.

10. 10

    Order Early

    Leave enough time for artwork, production, and shipping so you do not have to pay rush fees to meet a tight deadline.

Get an Exact Price for Your Custom Challenge Coins

Online pricing guides can give you a general idea of your budget, but the final cost will depend on your artwork, coin size, order quantity, and finish. Send us your completed design—or even just a rough idea—and we’ll recommend the most cost-effective way to bring it to life.

Start creating your custom challenge coins today!