How to Order Custom Challenge Coins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ordering a custom challenge coin for the first time can feel like a big unknown. What do you need to provide? Do you need a professional designer? How long will the whole process take? These are fair questions — and they're exactly why we put this guide together.

At Honest Coins LI, we've guided hundreds of first-time buyers through the process — from a vague idea to a finished coin they're proud to hand out. This guide walks through every step, so there are no surprises.

Before we get into the steps — there's no obligation when you request a quote. Submitting the form doesn't lock you into anything. You get a free design proof, a firm price, and as many revisions as you want before you ever commit to an order. You decide when — and if — you're ready to move forward.

Step 1: Fill Out the Free Quote Form

Everything starts with our free quote form. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and you don't need anything fancy to get started. Here's what to include:

• The purpose of the coin (retirement, unit coin, graduation, memorial, etc.)

• Your approximate quantity (this affects per-coin pricing)

• A size preference, if you have one (we work in any size from 1.75" to 2.25")

• Any reference images, logos, or badge photos you already have

• A description of what you want on the front and back

You do not need a finished design or vector files. If you can describe it — in words, with a rough sketch, or with a phone photo of your badge — our artists can build from that.

Step 2: Our Team Reviews Your Request

Once your quote comes in, a real person reviews it — not a bot, not an automated system. Because Honest Coins LI is veteran and first responder owned, every quote gets read by someone who understands the significance behind what you're ordering.

If we have questions or need a bit more detail to build your design accurately, we'll reach out directly. Most quotes receive a response within one business day.

Step 3: Artwork Creation

This is where things start to take shape. Our artists build your coin design from scratch — both sides — at no charge. There are no artwork fees and no mold fees. Everything is included in your per-coin price.

We incorporate whatever you've shared — your department logo, unit emblem, badge design, motto, years of service, names, dates, colors, and your chosen plating finish. The goal is to get the design right before anything goes into production — and we take that seriously.

A phone photo of a badge, a scan of a patch, or even a handwritten description is enough to get started. You don't need to send us print-ready files.

Step 4: You Review the Digital Proof

Before a single coin is made, we send you a full-color digital proof showing the complete design — front, back, edge style, plating, and color fills. You'll see exactly what your coin will look like.

Revisions are free and unlimited. If something isn't right — a color, the layout, a piece of text — just tell us and we'll fix it. No questions asked, no extra charges. We go back and forth until the proof is exactly what you want.

Step 5: You Approve the Proof

When you're satisfied with the design, you give final approval. That confirmation locks in the design and moves the order into production.

Before you approve, take a close look at the details: spelling, badge numbers, years, rank, motto. Once a design is approved and production begins, changes aren't possible. A careful final review at this stage ensures your coins come out exactly right.

Step 6: Production

Once you've approved the proof, your coins go into production. The manufacturing process typically takes a few weeks from approval to completion. If you have a specific date in mind — a retirement ceremony, a graduation, an event — let us know upfront so we can plan accordingly.

Curious about what actually happens during manufacturing? Our how coins are made page walks through the full production process — from die-striking to plating to color fill.

Step 7: Shipping

Shipping within the United States is free on every order — no minimum, no exceptions. Your coins arrive packaged and ready to hand out or display. Depending on your preference, coins can be delivered in individual poly bags, velvet pouches, or display cases.

When that package arrives, the coins inside reflect every conversation we had with you along the way. That's the standard we hold ourselves to on every single order.

Tips for a Smooth Order

A few simple things can make the process even easier:

• Know your quantity before you start. Pricing is tiered — 50 coins run $10 each, 100 coins drop to $7.75 each. Knowing your number upfront keeps everything moving.

• Have a reference image if you can. Even a phone photo of a badge or a patch on a jacket is enough for our artists to work from.

• Tell us the occasion. Whether it's a retirement, a promotion ceremony, a unit anniversary, or a memorial — knowing the context helps our team design something that fits the moment.

• Don't overthink it. We've produced coins for all kinds of organizations and occasions. If you can describe what you want, we can build it — and we'll guide you through every decision along the way.

Want to see what's possible before you commit? Browse our past projects to see the range of designs we've produced for departments, units, and organizations across the country.

Ready to Get Started?

Ordering custom challenge coins doesn't have to be complicated. With free artwork, free revisions, free US shipping, and a team that's done this countless times, the process is designed to be as straightforward as possible from the first step to the last.

When you're ready, request your free quote and tell us what you have in mind. There's no obligation and no cost to get started. We'll take it from there.

Wondering what it will cost? See our full challenge coin pricing breakdown — 50 coins start at $10 each, 100 coins at $7.75 each, everything included.