Tailoring the Perfect Challenge Coin for Your Occasion
Challenge coins are a timeless means of celebrating significant milestones and showcasing affiliation to a group or community. The desire to make these coins unique and personal is natural, given their symbolic significance.
The material used plays a pivotal role in setting your coin apart. Ever thought about which material best encapsulates your sentiment? At Patches N’ Things, our array of materials and combinations ensures that your coin stands out.
Key Metals for Crafting Custom Challenge Coins
Brass:
- This popular choice, an alloy of copper and zinc, can be tweaked to achieve different hues and attributes, with copper often being the dominant element. Its pliability and versatility make it a top choice for coin creation.
- Can mimic the look of more precious metals.
- Highly malleable, yet not particularly valuable.
- Potential allergenic reactions for those sensitive to nickel and aluminum.
Iron:
- Boasting the title of Earth’s most abundant metal, iron also forms a significant portion of our planet’s crust and core.
- Robust and moldable.
- Its vulnerability to oxidation might compromise its longevity.
Zinc Alloy:
- This natural element, particularly in alloy form, is an excellent base for challenge coins, usually alloyed with aluminum or copper.
- Durable and offers design flexibility, allowing intricate patterns.
- Tends to be heavier and can be somewhat brittle.
Pewter:
- This unique alloy blends tin, antimony, copper, and bismuth. Some manufacturers even infuse silver into the mix.
- Renowned for being hypoallergenic.
- Softer in comparison to other metals.
- Vulnerable to degradation when exposed to salt or chlorine-infused water.
Diverse Finishes Offered by Patches N’ Things
Now that you’re familiar with the primary metals, let’s delve into finishes. At Patches N’ Things, we empower you with creative freedom, primarily using zinc alloy and steel for crafting. For coins up to two inches, with conventional shapes and devoid of 3D intricacies, steel is preferred. Detailed designs beckon the use of zinc alloy.
Gold (Shiny, Antique & Satin):
- Experience the regalness of gold in its gleaming, vintage, or matte versions.
- The armed forces often lean towards gold.
Rose Gold:
- An elegant twist on the timeless gold with a polished shimmer ensuring your coin garners attention.
Silver (Shiny, Antique & Satin):
- Silver coins offer the same finishes as gold—sparkly, aged, or matte.
- This sophisticated choice finds favor with law enforcement agencies.
Nickel (Shiny, Antique & Satin):
- The versatile nickel coin ranges from the lively shiny finish, light-reflective antique, to the subdued satin.
- Nickel is a staple in aviation circles.
Gunmetal:
- A contemporary choice that lends an edgy look to your coin. This dark and sleek finish is often seen on dog tags.
Brass (Shiny, Antique, Satin & Brush):
- With finishes from lustrous to matte, brass is a timeless classic, great for vintage-styled promotional coins.
Copper (Shiny, Antique & Satin):
- More than just pennies, copper offers brilliance or an aged patina.
- Ideal for denoting team loyalty or group membership.
Black Paint:
- For a bold, avant-garde look, the matte black paint finish exudes confidence.