The US military has used challenge coins for decades – as forms of informal recognition from a commander (given in recognition of a job well done) or to signify membership in an organization, group, squadron, company, etc. History of the challenge coin custom challenge coin_IL ANG special features used to create the coin (edging, numbering, epoxy coating, kinetic features, etc.).type of paint used for the challenge coin (soft enamel, hard enamel, cloisonne).the base metal that is used for the coin.The quality and look of your custom challenge coin will depend on the following: It is important to understand what options you have when designing a custom challenge coin – the end result will be a coin that you will be proud to carry and give. This article will help you in planning and designing a custom challenge coin for your organization. The evolution of minting has basically followed the evolution of industry, as larger presses have become available.A custom challenge coin is a medallion or, as the military sometimes calls it, a “RMO” (round metal object) that bears the insignia or emblem of the organization it represents. Our blanks are typically tumbled after cutting but before striking to soften the sharp edges.Įarly coins were struck by hand using hammers, such coins are necessarily small and with low relief. It's much like cutting cookies out of a piece of dough except needing quite a bit more tonnage. We use a blanking press to cut the coin shapes out of each sheet, trying to get as many shapes as possible out of each sheet. We roll it flatter if we need a thinner coin. To create our own blanks, we start with sheets of metal (such as copper, brass, bronze, iron, niobium, or mokume-gane). Some blanks can be bought in pre-made weights and sizes, but most blanks are created in-shop.
In the case of the viking coin shown earlier, the engraver used the same chisel-engraving technique that was used to make ancient coins.Ī post shared by Shire Post Mint on at 9:44am PDTĪ metal "blank" is the piece of metal that takes the engraved impressions from the dies. When the outline is done, Woody, our resident engraver, will use carving tools to continue the design. The engraving with this machine is very basic and rough so all the finishing will be done by hand. A spinning bit cuts the same movements into the steel. The engraver controls the engraving point of the pantograph by "tracing" the 2D design with a stylus. This allows us to take a large design and reduce and engrave it directly into the steel. Here at Shire Post Mint we often use a pantograph machine, also known as a pantograph mill or reduction lathe, to begin the process. Tom's very first experiment with making custom coins came out backwards because he forgot this step! Many techniques can be used to engrave into tool steel including acid etching or the use of electric engraving tools. The first step in engraving is to reverse the design as the coin will come out as a mirror image. The subtleties within the design (such as texture and depth) are up to the engraver in the next step. Our coin designs are 2D, often sketched by hand and aided by simple graphic design programs. Our “Historical Fiction” Leif Ericsson Silver Penny circa 2004 Engraver Greg Franck-Weiby used the same chisel-engraving technique for our Leif Ericsson Vinland coin as the Vikings used when making coins in the 9th and 10th centuries.Ī Viking silver penny of Sihtric Silkbeard, circa 990-1000 AD Once we have a basic concept, we move towards the design and more questions arise: What metals would they use? How big would these coins be? What would the text say? We often look back to Medieval and ancient world coinage to research art and engraving styles as well as the information often included on a coin. When designing, we look at the world as a whole and try to answer some basic questions: Who or what would be depicted on the coin: a ruler, an idol, a god, a symbol, or simply text? What would the coins be used for: a monetary system, exchange of information, advertising for a new ruler? The coins we aim to make here at Shire Post Mint are in-world, meaning that they could come out of the pockets of a commoner or king. A fantasy coin is made in a few basic stages: design, engrave, blank, stamp, and finish. Two dies are then pressed or "struck" with the metal blank between.
The basic process is that a "die" is created with a negative impression of the design. Coins are simply bits of metal that have been impressed with a design and are used as a medium of exchange.
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