- Brainstorm ideas: Determine the purpose and meaning of your custom coin.
- Select artwork: Choose logos, symbols, or imagery that represents the coin’s purpose.
- Decide on text: Include mottos, slogans, dates, or other relevant text.
- Choose size and shape: Consider how the coin will be used and how it affects portability and visual impact.
- Select a base metal: Options include gold, silver, copper, nickel, bronze, zinc alloy, and brass.
- Choose a plating metal (optional): Gold, silver, bronze, copper, nickel, black nickel, or two-tone finishes can enhance the coin’s appearance and protection.
- Choose a coin edge: Select from various options such as oblique line, bevel cut, diamond cross-cut, rope, or spur edges.
- Consider adding color: Hard or soft enamel can be used to add vibrant colors and details. Hard enamel creates a smooth, polished finish, while soft enamel results in a layered, textured feel.
- Create a custom coin mold: Computer-aided design (CAD) software creates a digital blueprint, which is then used by a computer-controlled mill (CNC) to cut the inverse of the coin design into a steel block.
- Heat-treat the molds: The molds are tempered in a hot oven and then cooled in oil to harden the steel, preparing it for the die-striking process.
- Die-striking: Hundreds of tons of pressure are used to stamp the design into the chosen metal. Coin blanks (featureless medallions) can be used for round coins, or the design can be stamped directly onto a strip of metal, especially for custom shapes.
- Cutting and deburring: The coins are cut from the metal strip, and any sharp edges or burrs are removed through polishing or tumbling.
- Plating (if chosen): The coins are submerged in a solution containing the plating metal, and an electric current is applied, attracting the metal ions to the coin’s surface and forming a thin layer.
- Color-filling (if chosen): Enamel paint is applied to the recessed areas of the design (soft enamel) or overfilled and then polished smooth (hard enamel).
- Laser engraving (optional): Intricate designs, text, or sequential numbering can be added using a laser after plating.
- Quality control: Each coin is inspected for any imperfections and corrected as needed.
- Packaging and shipping: The coins are packaged and shipped to the customer, often with options for customized packaging.
- Factors affecting cost: Size, style, quantity, metal choice, plating options, edge type, and color-filling all impact the final price.
- Average cost: A 1.75-inch soft enamel coin typically costs between $3 and $6.
- Bulk discounts: Ordering larger quantities can significantly reduce the price per coin.
- Many manufacturers have a minimum order quantity, typically 25 or 100 coins.
- Some companies advertise “no minimum order,” but this usually involves higher prices, limited customization, or alternative materials.
- Many companies specialize in creating custom challenge coins, including Custom Challenge Coins, coinUSA, Osborne Coinage Co, Elite Custom Coins, and Signature Coins.
- These companies often offer free design services, revisions, and shipping.
By following these steps and considering the available options, you can create unique and meaningful custom coins to commemorate events, honor achievements, or strengthen bonds within an organization.
Can you have custom coins made?
Thanks for asking. We Make Ordering Custom-Designed Coins Easy !
We have been making custom coins for over 30 years. We specialize in die-struck coins with your logo in enamel color and bronze or silver finish. We can even add 3D. We are best known for making company coins and challenge coins in any shape or size that really stand out.
How much does making a coin cost?
Good point! Each penny costs nearly 4 cents — or $0.0369, to be exact — for the U.S. Mint to make and distribute. In total, America’s coin manufacturer said it shipped more than 3.17 billion pennies throughout its 2024 fiscal year.
What is the cost of making a coin?
The average cost of manufacturing a single one rupee coin is ₹1.11, which is more than its own value, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed in response to an RTI query. To mint a ₹2 coin, the government spends ₹1.28, it added.