Custom Coins: Types, Finishes & Design Guide

Custom medallion coins have become increasingly popular among government agencies, military units, schools, corporations and organisations looking to commemorate achievements, milestones and special events.

Whether you are creating a coin for employee recognition, a commemorative event or a membership programme, understanding the different coin types and finishes can help you achieve the best result.

What Is a Custom Medallion Coin?

A custom medallion coin is a specially designed coin manufactured to represent an organisation, event, achievement or milestone. These coins are often presented as meaningful keepsakes to recognise contributions, commemorate important events and celebrate achievements.

Custom medallion coins can be produced in various sizes, shapes, colours and finishes to suit different requirements.

2D Coin Mould (Without Colour Fill)

2D coin moulds feature raised and recessed metal details without any colour enamel filling. The design is stamped directly into the metal and finished with your selected plating option.

This style offers a classic and professional appearance, making it popular for military units, government agencies and commemorative projects.

Best For:

• Military Challenge Coins
• Government Agencies
• Corporate Recognition
• Anniversary Commemorations

2D Coin Mould (With Colour Fill)

2D coin moulds with colour fill combine raised metal outlines with enamel colours. The colours are applied within the recessed areas of the coin to create a vibrant and eye-catching design.

This is one of the most popular options for schools, sports events, corporate programmes and membership organisations.

Best For:

• School Programmes
• Sports Events
• Corporate Giveaways
• Membership Coins

3D Coin Mould (Without Colour Fill)

3D coin moulds create depth and dimension through sculpted metal surfaces. The design is formed using multiple levels of relief, resulting in a highly detailed and realistic appearance without the use of enamel colours.

This style is commonly used for commemorative and collector coins where fine details and craftsmanship are important.

Best For:

• Commemorative Coins
• Collector's Coins
• Military Challenge Coins
• Premium Recognition Projects

3D Coin Mould (With Colour Fill)

3D coin moulds with colour fill combine sculpted metal details with enamel colours to create a striking visual effect. This option allows key design elements to stand out while maintaining the depth and texture of a 3D coin.

Best For:

• Anniversary Celebrations
• Special Events
• Corporate Recognition
• Premium Commemorative Projects

UV Printed Coins

UV printing allows full-colour artwork, gradients, photographs and complex designs to be printed directly onto the coin surface. This method is ideal for artwork that cannot be easily reproduced using traditional enamel colours.

UV printed coins can be produced on both flat and moulded coin surfaces depending on the design requirements.

Best For:

• Photographic Designs
• Complex Logos
• Gradient Colours
• Multi-colour Artwork

Choosing the Right Metal Plating

The plating selected can significantly influence the final appearance of the coin.

Popular options include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Bronze
• Antique Gold
• Antique Silver
• Antique Bronze
• Antique Nickel
• Matte Gold
• Matte Silver
• Black Nickel
• Black Metal

Each finish creates a different visual effect, ranging from modern and luxurious to vintage and traditional.

Customising Coin Edges

Coin edges are often overlooked but can greatly enhance the overall design.

• Rope Line Pattern
• Petal Pattern
• Oblique Line Pattern
• Flat Pattern
• Diamond Line
• Curve Wave Pattern
• Flat Wave Pattern
• Diagonal Pattern

These details provide an additional level of craftsmanship and uniqueness to each coin.

Packaging Options for Custom Coins

The right packaging can enhance the presentation of your custom challenge coins while providing protection during storage and distribution.

Whether the coins are intended for corporate gifts, commemorative events, military units or collector's items, selecting the appropriate packaging can create a more professional and memorable presentation.

Popular packaging options include:

• Ziplock Bag
  A simple and economical option suitable for bulk distribution and event giveaways.
• Velvet Pouch
  A soft protective pouch that provides a more premium presentation while protecting the coin from scratches.
• Velvet Box
  A premium display box ideal for executive gifts, recognition awards and commemorative presentations.
• Acrylic Box
  A clear display case that allows the coin to be showcased while providing protection from dust and handling.
• Coin Capsule
  A transparent protective capsule commonly used for collector's coins and long-term preservation.

Choosing the right packaging can significantly enhance the perceived value of your custom coin while ensuring it remains protected and presentable.

Which Coin Type Should You Choose?

If you prefer a classic metallic appearance with engraved details, a 2D Coin Mould (Without Colour Fill) is an excellent choice.

For designs that require vibrant colours and clear logos, a 2D Coin Mould (With Colour Fill) offers a professional and eye-catching finish.

If you would like greater depth and dimension, a 3D Coin Mould can create a more realistic and premium appearance. Colour fill can also be added to selected areas to further enhance the design.

For artwork that includes photographs, gradients, intricate logos or full-colour graphics, UV Printed Coins provide the highest level of design flexibility.

The choice of coin style, plating finish, edge detailing and packaging can significantly influence the final appearance and presentation of your custom medallion coin.

At Emitrophies, we specialise in fully customised medallion coins for government agencies, military units, schools, corporations and organisations. Our team can assist you in selecting the most suitable coin style, metal finish and packaging option to bring your design to life.