Custom Coins Guide
Custom Coins Guide
Create collectible custom coins that feel premium, meaningful and made to last.
Custom coins are perfect for challenge coins, artist merch, commemorative gifts, event tokens, collector products, company milestones and branded merchandise.
Use this guide to explore custom coin styles, plating finishes, sizes, edges, artwork setup and production options before starting your custom coin quote.
Why Choose Custom Coins?
Custom coins feel collectible, premium and memorable. They are often used to celebrate milestones, reward communities, create limited edition merch and build stronger emotional connections with customers or fans.
Popular Types of Custom Coins
1. Soft Enamel Coins
A textured finish with raised metal and recessed enamel colour fill.
- Best for colourful and bold designs
- Great for artist merch and event coins
- Most popular challenge coin style
2. Hard Enamel Coins
Smooth polished surface where the enamel and metal sit level together.
- Elegant and premium appearance
- Perfect for cleaner designs and logos
- Feels smooth and refined
3. Die-Struck Coins
Metal-only coins without enamel colour fill for a classic collectible look.
- Traditional military-style challenge coin look
- Works well with antique plating
- Highlights sculpted metal details beautifully
4. 3D Sculpted Coins
Multiple layers of depth with raised sculpted details and curved surfaces.
- Best for detailed artwork and characters
- Creates a luxury collectible appearance
- Perfect for premium releases and special editions
Custom Coin Order Options
Use these common options to brief your quote. You can also use the free coin design template to plan your artwork, size, plating, edge style and production notes before ordering.
1. Coin Sizes
- 1.5 inches ❤️ — most popular standard size
- 1.75 inches — larger collectible feel
- 2 inches+ — premium display-style challenge coins
- Custom sizes available depending on project requirements
2. Thickness Options
- 3mm ❤️ — standard balance of weight and cost
- 4mm — thicker premium collectible feel
- Heavier coins often feel more luxurious and display-worthy
3. Plating Finishes
- Gold ❤️ — elegant and premium
- Silver Nickel ❤️ — clean and timeless
- Black Nickel — bold and modern
- Antique Copper — vintage challenge coin look
- Rainbow Plating — colourful collectible finish
4. Edge Styles
- Flat edge
- Rope edge ❤️
- Scalloped edge
- Crosscut edge
- Beveled edge
5. Surface Treatments
- Smooth polish
- Sandblasted texture
- Brushed metal finish
- Mesh texture
- Mixed surface effects for premium designs
Popular Uses for Custom Coins
Artwork & File Setup
Good artwork setup helps your custom coins look sharp, detailed and production-ready. If you are not sure where to start, download the free custom coin design template before sending your artwork.
Need help preparing files? Learn more about vector artwork setup, Pantone colour matching and Adobe Illustrator.
Packaging Ideas for Custom Coins
How to Order Custom Coins
Related Custom Products
Why Ethical Manufacturing Matters
When you work with Pinlord, your custom coins are supported by an ethical manufacturing process designed for artists, brands, events and creative communities.
Learn more about ethical business standards through B Lab’s B Corp resources and the Fair Labor Association.
FAQs
What are custom coins used for?
Custom coins are commonly used for challenge coins, artist merch, commemorative gifts, convention merch, employee recognition and collector products.
Can I get a free coin design template?
Yes. You can use Pinlord’s free coin design template to plan your artwork, size, plating, edge style and production details.
What is the most popular custom coin size?
1.5 inch and 1.75 inch coins are the most popular because they balance detail, collectibility and cost.
Can custom coins have colour?
Yes. Soft enamel and hard enamel coins can include vibrant colour fills alongside metal finishes.
What file type should I send?
Vector files like .AI, .EPS and editable PDFs are preferred, but PNG, JPEG and PDF files can also work if they are high resolution.
Can I create limited edition coins?
Yes. Many creators add numbered editions, premium packaging and collectible finishes for limited releases.
Do you ship custom coins worldwide?
Yes. Pinlord supports worldwide shipping for custom coin projects.
Ready to Make Custom Coins?
Create custom coins for your brand, convention, collector release, company milestone, event or artist merch project with Pinlord’s ethical manufacturing support.
Send your artwork, logo, sketch or concept and our team can help recommend the right finish, size, plating and production setup.