Custom Challenge Coins — Built for Departments and Units
$3.50–$4.20 per coin at 100–299 pieces, plus a one-time $80–$300 mold. MOQ 50 · 18–25 days door to door.
Custom Challenge Coins at a Glance: MOQ, Pricing and Lead Times
| Minimum order | 50 pieces per design |
|---|---|
| Unit price | $3.50 – $4.20 at 100–299 pieces · Request quote for other quantities |
| Mold fee | $80 – $150 (2D) · $150 – $300 (3D), one time |
| Reorders | No mold fee within 24 months |
| Standard sizes | 1.5" (38mm) · 1.75" (45mm) · 2" (50mm) · 2.5" (60mm) |
| Thickness | 2.5mm standard · 3–4mm for 3D or hinged pieces |
| Edges | Reeded · rope · cross-cut · smooth · lettered rim |
| Presentation | Acrylic capsule · velvet pouch · display box (add-on) |
| Lead time | 18–25 days standard · Rush — quoted per project |
Challenge Coin Finishes: Antique, Dual Plating, 3D and Spinner Options
Plating is the single biggest visual decision on a coin. It is also the easiest place for a supplier to
substitute quietly — we send a plated sample photo before the run.
| Finish | Look | Cost effect | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antique bronze | Warm, darkened recesses, reads as "issued" | +5% | Police and fire department coins |
| Antique gold | Soft gold with dark relief | +5% | Command staff, retirement pieces |
| Antique silver | Cool gray, high contrast on lettering | +5% | Unit coins, academy graduation |
| Black nickel | Modern, matte-black with bright cut edges | +8–12% | SWAT, tactical, motorcycle clubs |
| Dual plating | Two colors on one face (gold body + silver relief) | Quoted per order | Anniversary and corporate coins |
Edge options
Reeded
Fine vertical ridges like a quarter. The default, and the most forgiving edge for handling wear.
Rope
A twisted rope pattern running the full circumference. Reads well in photos, adds about a day of
tooling.
Cross-cut / lettered rim
Cross-hatch texture or text around the rim. Lettering needs to stay above 1.5mm to remain legible
after plating.
How Much Custom Challenge Coins Cost by Quantity (2026 Price Table)
2" (50mm), 2.5mm thick, 2D relief with antique plating. USD per piece, mold fee excluded.
| Quantity | Unit price | Mold (one-time) | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 – 99 | Request quote | $80 – $300 | Single academy class, small club |
| 100 – 299 | $3.50 – $4.20 | $80 – $300 | Department annual coin |
| 300 – 999 | Request quote | $80 – $300 | Multi-station or regional issue |
| 1000+ | Request quote | $80 – $300 | Association, union, event giveaway |
3D relief sits at the top of each band. Add $0.60–$1.20 per piece for an acrylic
capsule; $0.35–$0.80 for a velvet pouch. Full price matrix →
Challenge Coin FAQs: Thickness, Rim Lettering and Edge Options
How thick should a challenge coin be?
2.5mm for a standard 2D coin with a reeded edge. Go to 3mm when you want the
coin to feel substantial in the hand, and 3–4mm for 3D relief or a hinged build. Thickness is quoted
separately from diameter because it changes the metal weight.
Can you put a motto on the rim?
Yes. Rim lettering works above roughly 1.5mm character height after plating.
Send the exact text and we will send back a proof with the letters laid out around the circumference
before the die is cut.
Do you make two-sided coins with different artwork?
Yes — that is the standard. The mold fee covers both faces. Two different platings on two faces (dual plating) are quoted per order.
Can you match a coin we already issue?
If you send the physical coin, we can match the diameter, thickness, plating
and edge, and quote a new die. We do not copy another department's design without written permission
from the organization that owns it.
What is the smallest run for a numbered, limited-edition coin?
50 pieces. Sequential numbering is laser-engraved on the edge or the back and is
quoted on digit count. Add 2–3 days to the schedule for individual handling.