Custom 3D Challenge Coins

Are you looking to create custom 3D challenge coins? If so, here are some key things to consider:

Design & Customization 3D vs. 2D: A 3D challenge coin has raised and recessed areas, giving it depth and texture. Material: Options include zinc alloy, brass, and copper.Plating: Choices like gold, silver, antique finishes, and dual plating. Edge Styles: Standard, rope, reeded, beveled, or custom edges.

The best custom coin plating options depend on the look, durability, and budget you’re aiming for. Here are some of the most popular plating choices:

Premium Plating Options:

  1. Antique Gold / Silver / Copper – Provides a vintage look, highlighting details with a slightly aged effect.

  2. Dual-Tone Plating – Combines two metal finishes, like gold and silver, for a high-end look.

Standard Plating Options:

  1. Shiny Gold / Silver / Copper – Classic, polished finishes that give a clean and elegant look.

  2. Black Nickel – A dark, glossy finish that makes details pop.

  3. Brushed Metal (Matte Finishes) – A subtle, professional finish without too much shine.

Durable / Specialty Options:

  1. Rhodium Plating – Ultra-durable and highly resistant to tarnish.

  2. Chrome / Nickel – Long-lasting with a modern, industrial appearance.

  3. Enamel Coating – Adds colour and extra protection to prevent wear.

Unique & Artistic Finishes:

Iridescent / Rainbow Plating – A multicolored, reflective surface for a futuristic look.

Sandblasted Finish – A textured, matte appearance that enhances detail contrast.

Holographic Plating – Creates a shifting, color-changing effect when viewed from different angles

Silver Plating

  • Features: Provides a shiny, reflective surface with a sleek, modern look.

  • Uses: Often used for commemorative or collectible coins, as well as awards and gifts.

  • Finish: Silver-plated coins have a bright, metallic finish that resembles sterling silver.

  • Durability: Silver plating is also relatively thin, which can make it susceptible to tarnishing or scratching over time.

Copper Plating

  • Features: Gives a rich, reddish-brown colour to the coin, often with a vintage or rustic appearance.

  • Uses: Ideal for commemorative coins, antique-style coins, or coins intended to evoke a sense of heritage or tradition.

  • Finish: Copper plating often gives coins a warm, earthy tone. It may also develop a natural patina over time, which can be desired for certain designs.

  • Durability: Copper plating can tarnish over time, but it can also develop a unique look, which some collectors find appealing.

Nickel Plating

  • Features: A bright, shiny, and corrosion-resistant plating that gives coins a cool, silvery appearance.

  • Uses: Commonly used for promotional items, business giveaways, or as a base for other types of plating (such as gold or silver).

  • Finish: Nickel plating is often used to provide a uniform, polished surface for coins.

  • Durability: Nickel plating is more durable than some other types, offering good resistance to corrosion and wear.

Antique or Antiqued Finish

  • Features: This finish is created by applying an aging process to the metal, giving the coin a vintage, worn, or timeworn look.

  • Uses: Often used for challenge coins, commemorative coins, and military-style coins where a classic or historical appearance is desired.

  • Finish: The coin typically has darker recesses and highlighted raised areas, mimicking the look of an aged coin.

  • Durability: While the antiquing adds a distinctive appearance, the finish can wear off over time, especially with heavy handling.

Bronze Plating

  • Features: A warm, reddish-brown colour similar to copper but with more muted tones.

  • Uses: Common for commemorative coins, art coins, and decorative pieces.

  • Finish: The plating offers a rustic and historical look. It may also develop a patina over time.

  • Durability: Bronze is a durable option but may tarnish with exposure to air and moisture, adding to its vintage charm.