How to Design a Custom Challenge Coin That Honors Your Unit
A challenge coin is more than a piece of metal. In law enforcement, the military, and first-responder culture, it represents pride, tradition, and belonging. Designing one for your unit means creating something that can be displayed with honor today and passed down for years to come. At In-service, our goal has always been to craft coins that stand the test of time.
Start With What Identifies Your Unit
Traditionally, the front of the coin is where units place their official badge, logo, or emblem. This side is instantly recognizable and connects the coin to your department or team. Even in a small format, we can reproduce fine details with hard enamel and custom molds that ensure accuracy. We have recreated department badges smaller than a quarter of an inch without losing their character.
Use the Reverse Side to Tell Your Story
The back of the coin is where creativity often shines. This is the place to highlight a specific team within your unit, a motto, or a design that captures your story. Some teams choose a symbolic illustration, while others go for a detailed 3D scene that marks a specific event. A great example is a coin we designed for LAX's TSA team that featured an air traffic tower and the iconic LAX theme building. The design turned a piece of gear into a moment in time showcasing two of their loved K9s.
Focus on Quality, Not Just Cost
There are companies that can produce coins quickly and cheaply, and the truth is, we can too. But that has never been our mission. We have invested in processes that prioritize craftsmanship. Hard enamel has proven to be the best way to produce coins that feel substantial, look sharp, and last for decades. Every edge, color, and detail is finished to museum-quality standards. For us, creating a coin is not about cutting corners, it is about honoring service and preserving tradition.
Explore Endless Design Options
One of the most exciting parts of custom coins is the variety of options available. You can choose from unique shapes, 2D or 3D designs, metallic finishes, and an endless range of enamel colors. Whether your design is realistic or more illustrative, the coin can capture it. Some detail may naturally be simplified because of size, but the final product will still carry the weight of your story.
A Lasting Legacy
When your coin is designed with intention and built with care, it becomes more than a collectible. It becomes a reminder of where you started, who you served with, and the moments that defined your career. That is why we approach every project as if it will end up in a shadow box at the end of someone’s service. Because more often than not, it does.
