Challenge Coin Guides

When a police department orders a challenge coin, they're not just buying a piece of metal. They're commissioning something that will be carried through retirements, passed at promotions, and handed across a handshake at the end of a long shift. At HonestCoinsLI, we understand that — because we're part of that community. Why Police Departments Choose HonestCoinsLI We're a woman-owned, first responder and law enforcement-operated business based on Long Island, NY. Since 2015 w

The challenge coin tradition started in the military — and it's still strongest there. Whether you need unit coins for a deployment, retirement coins for a career well served, or command coins to recognize exceptional soldiers, HonestCoinsLI makes them with the respect every service member deserves. Veteran & First Responder-Owned HonestCoinsLI is a woman-owned business operated by veterans and first responders on Long Island, NY. We understand military culture, unit pride, a

Firefighters live and work by a code — loyalty, sacrifice, and brotherhood that runs deeper than most people will ever know. A custom fire department challenge coin is one of the few physical objects that captures that spirit. At HonestCoinsLI, we've been making them for firehouses across Long Island and the country since 2015. First Responder-Owned. We Get It. HonestCoinsLI is a woman-owned business operated by first responders and law enforcement on Long Island, NY. We don'

Challenge coins have a history that stretches back over a century — from the muddy trenches of World War I to the firehouses, squad cars, and deployment ceremonies of today. If you've ever held one in your hand, you know there's something different about them. They carry weight, not just physically, but in what they represent. Where It All Started The most popular origin story traces challenge coins to World War I. An American flying squadron received bronze medallions stampe

If you're looking for a challenge coin company that actually understands Long Island — the departments, the culture, the tradition — you've found it. Honest Coins LI was founded right here on Long Island in 2015 by a law enforcement officer who knew there had to be a better way to serve the local first responder community. Why Long Island Departments Choose Honest Coins LI We're not a national factory that happens to ship to New York. We're your neighbors. We've created coins

One of the most common questions we get is: "How much do custom challenge coins cost?" The honest answer is: it depends — but there should never be surprises. At Honest Coins LI, we built our entire pricing model around transparency, because that's exactly what was missing when we started this company in 2015. What Factors Drive Challenge Coin Pricing? Most coin companies quote a low base price, then add upgrade fees for size, thickness, 3D, extra colors, dual-sided detail, c

At Honest Coins LI, first responder coins aren't just a product we make — they're personal. Our company is built by law enforcement, firefighters, and veterans who carry these coins ourselves. We know what goes into a great police coin, a fire department commemorative, or an EMS unit coin because we've been on both sides of the handshake. This guide covers what to include in your design so your coins are meaningful, professional, and worth carrying for years. Police Departmen

Designing your first custom challenge coin can feel overwhelming — size, thickness, plating, enamel type, shape, and artwork all need decisions. But it doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Honest Coins LI, we've guided hundreds of police officers, firefighters, veterans, and corporate teams through the process. This guide walks you through every step. Step 1: Choose Your Size Challenge coins come in a range of sizes, typically from 1.5 inches to 3 inches in diameter. The m