They use the same materials and production techniques; the difference is how they are used. Challenge coins originated as a military tradition and are typically presented by a unit to its members as a symbol of identity, honor, and belonging. Commemorative coins serve a wider range of purposes, including corporate gifts, event keepsakes, and collectibles for sale. Either way, shape, structure, color fill, and plating can all be customized.

Besides round and square, coins can follow the outline of your artwork. Common sizes range from 38 to 50 mm, and larger or smaller coins are also possible. Common thickness is 3–4 mm, adjusted to size and design: larger coins should be thicker, and designs with more pronounced relief layers also need more thickness. Size and thickness affect weight, feel, and unit price, so let us know how the coin will be used, such as carried every day, presented at a ceremony, or displayed, and we will recommend suitable specs.

Common options include a 360° spinning center within a cut-out frame, a recessed area fitted with a printed insert, and sculpted relief. More complex structures usually take longer for mold development and sampling, so raise them early in the project so we can assess feasibility and plan your timeline.

Choose based on your artwork: soft enamel or colored epoxy for distinct color blocks and clean lines; digital printing for gradients or fine color detail; screen printing or laser engraving for single-color text and logos; glow-in-the-dark fill for designs that should glow in low light; and rhinestones for added sparkle. Several methods can be combined on one coin.

Common plating finishes include gold, bronze, antique tin, satin nickel, and satin gold. Choose based on the mood you want: antique tin and bronze feel classic and substantial, while gold suits celebratory occasions. Plating determines the coin's overall metallic sheen and improves wear and corrosion resistance; color fill is a separate step applied after plating.

Each side can have its own design, for example your main artwork on the front and your organization's logo or motto on the back, and each side can use the relief style that suits it best:

• 2D relief: Design elements are raised in flat, clearly defined layers. Ideal for crisp text and lines, and easy to color-fill.
• 3D relief: Design elements rise in continuous, sculpted contours with rich depth. Ideal for portraits, buildings, and three-dimensional animals; the design can rely on plating alone for a metallic finish, or add digital printing for more vivid detail.

Laser-engraved serial numbers can also be added, ideal for limited editions or when each coin must be matched to a recipient.

Vector artwork (AI or PDF) is ideal, along with your intended size, quantity, in-hand date, and purpose. 

A hand sketch, written description, or AI-generated concept image also works: we will first assess feasibility, and if production artwork is needed, our designers can prepare it (design fees are charged separately).

Unit price depends mainly on size, thickness, structure, coloring method, plating, packaging, and quantity. A new design requires a custom mold, and the mold fee is charged separately. We recommend 500 pieces or more to spread the mold cost; please confirm the final quantity and quote with our sales team.

For fully custom (OEM) coins, mold-making time depends on design complexity. Samples are ready about 10–15 days after the mold is completed, and mass production takes about 15–40 days after sample approval. Coins based on an existing design (ODM) need no new mold and take about 15–40 days. Our sales team confirms the exact lead time for each project based on design and quantity.

Standard packaging is an OPP bag, and paper boxes or other packaging can be provided to suit your purpose. If the coins are for corporate gifting or awards, include your packaging requirements in your quote request so we can price and schedule them together.