Today’s Custom Shaped Challenge Coins Break the Mold with Their Unique Design

By Ryan Dailey © 2010, All Rights Reserved

The ability to think outside the box and create outside the mold is an attribute that is valued by businesses and organizations looking for unique challenge coin designs.   Breaking free from the traditional round shape that is commonly associated with this type of product gives our customers the freedom to be creative with the design process.

Challenge coins are versatile and collectible pieces of memorabilia.  A custom shape adds depth to the overall design by enhancing artwork, and drawing attention to the business or organization’s motto, founding date, and/or logo.

An example of a custom shaped challenge coin that packs a lot of information onto a small surface is the Operation Iraqi Freedom VII 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment dog tag.  In addition to having custom artwork on the front and back of the coin, recipients can wear it around their necks like a military issued dog tag because of its unique pendant shaped design.

The 1SG Ford Non-Commissioned Officers of the Army chose a custom designed challenge coin in the shape and colors of military insignia.  The front of the coin mentions the pillars of service—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity, Honor, and Personal Courage, while the back of the coin explains the essence of being a Non-Commissioned Officer and leader of soldiers.  A successful way to capture a moment, the “Backbone of the Army” appreciated having a unique military challenge coin created that they could call their own.

The 14th Transportation Battalion (MC) wanted a way to commemorate their Commanders and Command Sergeant Majors who went beyond the call of duty while stationed in the Middle East from 2007-2009.  We created a custom design that combined the battalion’s logo with the symbol of the US Army and centered it in the middle of a helm.  We added detail to the back of the coin by using each country’s flag and detailed information about the battalion.  The Coin of Excellence made an impact on those it was given to by being a fond reminder of the time that they served their country overseas.

Perhaps the most unique design for a challenge coin was the one that we did for the VMFACAWJ-242 Non-Commissioned Officer Association.  Using the shape of a bat, we were able to incorporate fighter planes into the design of the flying mammal’s wings on the front side of the coin.  The back of the coin has a saying written in Japanese and the US Army’s insignia stamped into the wings.

Creating the type of challenge coin that commands attention starts with Signature Pins.  In addition to having a team of talented designers on hand to help with artwork, we offer free shipping on orders shipped to the US which makes us a hero in the eyes of our customers.

Ryan Dailey is a Challenge Coin Specialist at Signature Pins. When you need affordable, custom shaped challenge coins created, visit https://signaturepins.com/ today. Your order will be delivered in 10 days or less, guaranteed!