Custom Challenge Coins
Custom challenge coins are the normal challenge coins crafted with the holder’s particular preference. There are many different kinds of challenge coins being manufactured today but two types stand out as being the major types. The first type of challenge coins is referred to as the hard enamel challenge coin. The name is derived from the process that is used to make it. The process is adopted from a very old Chinese process used to craft lapel pins. The process utilizes enamel material that is baked to make it hardened and it ultimately comes up with a smooth and rounded finished.
The more popular type is the soft enamel challenge coin. This term is derived from the process used to manufacture it. The soft process leaves every produced coin with an attractive and catchy textured surface. In this coin, the metal areas that are raised through the stamping of the insignia or emblem on the metal appear smooth above the metal around the raised area. The major difference that is evidence between the two types of challenge coins is seen in the overall finish of the products. The polishing process which sees the different finishing on the different types produces products whereby one can spell out the difference even if the products are custom challenge coins.
The hard enamel challenge coins are usually polished finely to a smoothened finished look while on the other hand the soft enamel challenge coins are usually left looking unfinished because the polishing process is not done finely. There are different uses that citizens put the challenge coins to. Apart from the normal military use of being a challenge provider, they can also be used by both military and non-military organization as awards or earned rewards for exemplary service or excellent performance of one’s duties. Because of this, they are taken as important symbols that build on personnel morale and togetherness.
However, there are those people or organizations who craft their challenge coins using their own designs. These coins are referred to as custom challenge coins and may come in different sizes and shapes according to the preference of the issuing organization. The original meaning of the coins has been altered much to suite the living and working situations of the modern citizens. The coins are widely given out in different companies and in as many countries. The initial practice, though highly respected and practiced in the military circles, has changed much.