I’ve collected Challenge Coins for a few years, and I’ve always stuck primarily to army and other military coins. Recently I was discussing the topic on a coin collecting forum when the subject of collecting custom challenge coins came up. “How are custom challenge coins different from the coins I’ve been collecting?” I asked. The answer to my question came from a veteran military officer, and long-time challenge coin collector. He said that in fact, the coins I’ve been collecting are custom. He went on to describe that most coins civilians collect were designed and manufactured specifically for battalions and military posts.

Custom Challenge Coins – A Unique Approach to Coin Collecting

Custom challenge coins are available in the largest range of colors, shapes and sizes imaginable. Why? Because they’re made to order for military officials and civilians alike. Custom challenge coins are the result of an individual’s or an organizations collaboration to design and create a challenge coin specifically for their needs. A custom coin is going to have the flair and individual attention to detail many generic coins won’t. Things like slogans, or sayings that military divisions want to express. Many custom challenge coins are born out of an experience on the battle field, or for troops to carry while employed. Collecting them has become a new hobby, and I’m very excited about some of the coins I’ve been finding.

Generic Challenge Coins Weren’t Cutting It

So after collecting generic challenge coins for a few years, I discovered the new world of custom challenge coins and haven’t looked back. My collection now crests the 200 coin mark, and I’m still buying and trading new challenge coins every day just about. I’ve been through eBay, google, coin trading forums, you name it! I’ve built quite a collection that’s worthy of trading with others to the point that I can even make demands for specific coins I need that will come 2-3 per every 1 of my coins. (I have some really unique and one-off custom challenge coins in my collection).

What to Look for in a Custom Challenge Coin

When you’re collecting custom challenge coins, you want to be sure the uniqueness meter reads high with the coins you’re picking up, otherwise people aren’t going to want to trade them, or buy them for that matter. Things to look for would be larger sized coins (2″ coins are the rage), coins with multiple platings (gold on silver, copper on gold, etc) these pick up some cash and trade 2-3 to 1. Special edging (think of a quarter’s edge) and diamond cut edging also make a custom challenge coin worth more in the marketplace. A few other aspects include division slogans, logos and hand-drawn scenes of battle experiences. Nothing can replace the unique appearance of the perception of an army officers expressing his experience on the battle field.

Most of All, Have Fun

Collecting custom challenge coins is all about having fun and being interested in the hobby. Try to be a good sport and fair trader. Nobody likes a collector who is rude or over-demanding. Check out the coin collecting forums, blogs and other websites all over the internet, there is a wealth of challenge coin information out there just waiting for a read. Have fun!