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Custom Army Challenge Coins
Rugged quality for boots on the ground. A family business serving Soldiers and Units for over 20 years.
Standard of Excellence in Metal
In the Army, a challenge coin is the ultimate ‘impact award.’ It validates the hard work of a Soldier, whether handed over by a Battalion Commander for a job well done or commissioned by a squad to commemorate a deployment.
KidderCorp understands the significance of the Unit Crest and the Regimental Motto. We don’t deal in lightweight ‘tokens.’ We mint heavy, durable coins designed to last as long as the history they represent. We handle the entire process – from rough sketch to delivery at the base or downrange.
Why Choose KidderCorp for Army Coins
We Know the Regs
From the specific colors of your Division to the exact shape of your Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), we get the heraldry right so your coin looks official.
Field-Grade Durability
Army coins take a beating. We specialize in 1.75″ and 2″ solid brass coins with hard-wearing enamel or epoxy coatings that survive the field.
Mission Focused
We treat your deadline like a mission. If you need coins for a Change of Command or a Unit Reunion, we give you honest timelines and track your order until it arrives.
Years of Experience
Orders Completed
Coins Produced
Different Military Units
Design Options for Army Challenge Coins
Custom Designs Built Around Your Unit’s Mission
Full Range of Premium Custom Features
Customization Options
Metal Finishes
Antique
(Gold/Silver/Bronze/Copper) Rugged, low-sheen, high-contrast. Best for showing off 3D details.
High Polish
(Gold/Silver/Bronze/Copper) High shine, polished. Excellent for painted coins and for accurate color matches.
Black Nickel
A matte, tactical finish perfect for “Stealth” or modern designs.
Dual Plating
We can combine two finishes (e.g., High Polish Gold + Silver) on a single coin for a high-end, two-tone look.
Enamel & Color
Soft Enamel
Metal lines are raised; paint is recessed. You can feel the texture of the design.
Hard Enamel
Paint is flush with the metal and polished flat for a smooth, premium feel.
Epoxy Dome
A clear protective coating, that can be applied thinly or with a domed effect.
Edges
Classic
Standard Flat, Rope Cut, or Reeded Edge (Currency style).
Diamond Cut
Faceted edges that catch the light like a jewel. Choose from Cross Cut, Spur, Oblique, Diamond, Wave, or Petal Cut.
Explore Popular Army Coin Styles
From the Garrison to the front lines, the Unit Crest is the heart of Army tradition. Explore the specific coin styles we mint for Soldiers and Commands below.
Unit & Battalion Coins
The staple of the Army. Designed for Companies, Battalions, and Brigades. These typically feature the Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) on the front and the unit motto or mascot on the back.
Commander's Coins of Excellence
Personalized coins for Commanders and Sergeants Major. These are used for on-the-spot recognition of excellence. We can include rank insignia and specific leadership philosophies.
Deployment & Operation Coins
Commemorating tours in Europe (Atlantic Resolve), the Pacific, or the Middle East. Often shaped like the country of deployment or featuring campaign ribbons and unit rosters.
Special Schools & Tabs
Celebrating the hard-earned tabs: Ranger, Sapper, Airborne, and Pathfinder. We can cut coins into the actual shape of the tab or the school patch for a distinct look.
Dog Tags & Custom Shapes
Move beyond the round coin. We mint coins in the shape of dog tags, combat boots, tanks, or helicopters (Apache/Blackhawk silhouettes) to make your unit stand out.
Retirement, Graduation, and Milestone Coins
Some coins belong to a unit. Others mark one Soldier’s moment, and the day it was recognized.
Retirement and ETS
Basic Training and Graduation
Commander's Coins, Promotions, and Farewells
Ranger, Special Forces, and Airborne Coins
Ranger Coins
Special Forces and Green Beret Coins
Airborne and Air Assault Coins
The Origin of the Tradition
While every branch claims it, most historians agree the challenge coin tradition started with Army Air Corps pilots in WWI. A wealthy lieutenant had bronze medallions struck for his squadron, and one of those coins later saved a pilot’s life by proving his identity behind enemy lines.
The rules are simple
Today, the ‘Coin Check‘ keeps that history alive. Whether you are at the VFW or the unit bar, having your coin means you are part of the team. If you don’t have it, you’re buying the next round. We ensure your coin is heavy enough to win that check every time.
Army Coins We’ve Created
Below are examples of custom challenge coins crafted for battalions, brigades, training units, and support commands. Each design reflects the unique heritage, traditions, and mission of the soldiers it represents.
Simple Ordering Process
Share Your Vision
Review & Approve Your Design
Production & Delivery
What Determines the Price of a Custom Army Coin?
Size and Weight
The standard coin size is typically 1.75″ – perfect for fitting in a wallet or OCP pocket. However, many units are shifting toward 2″ coins for Command and special presentation awards. That extra space allows for significantly more weight and detail.
Complexity (2D vs. 3D)
Standard 2D coins have flat, raised surfaces. 3D coins allow for rounded, sculpted details – perfect for the relief of a Unit Crest, a tank, or a mascot. 3D molds require more intricate tooling but offer a superior “museum quality” look.
Plating and Paint
The finish dictates the final character of the coin. We offer a full spectrum of options:
Antique: Gives a rugged, weathered look that adds depth to 3D details (available in Gold, Silver, Copper, and Bronze).
Shiny/Polished: For a brilliant, dress-uniform gleam.
Matte/Satin: A subdued, modern finish that reduces glare.
Adding standard soft enamel color is typical, but many customers upgrade to an Epoxy Dome for a smooth, glass-like finish that protects the paint from scratching.
Custom Shapes & Cutouts
While the traditional challenge coin is round, we can mint coins in almost any shape – dog tags, arrowheads, equipment silhouettes, or insignia.
Standard Round: Most cost-effective as it fits standard minting tooling.
Custom Shapes: Require a specialized mold and cutting process. While this slightly increases the initial die fee, it creates a truly unique piece.
What Customers Say About Their Army Challenge Coins
I have used Kidder coins now for a few coins and for various units. As a Sergeant Major I had some Brigade coins made, now I am a Warrant Officer and had an idea I wanted out into a special coin. I took a few pictures from the internet, my vision, and submitted to Kidder. I could not be more happier with the final product. The customer service is phenomenal and dialogue from start to finish is terrific. What a great company, owned by a Veteran as well! Great job, again!
Josh Winchester
- Verified Customer
Amazing working with Marty and the rest of his team. Very fast response, great designing and artwork experience while ordering a coin for my department – I will definitely use them for the rest of my career!
Dennis Guy
- Verified Customer
Have had the best experience working with Alex, Marty, and Jim at KidderCorp on my custom Commander Coin! Artwork was detailed and seemed to throw off lower-skilled manufacturers, but from the first contact the KidderCorp team has been on it, accommodating the design requests, timeframe (which is tight), and the budget!
We are so excited to see the finished product. I will share a pic as soon as we get it in.
Thank you for your service to and for our country, and for your exceptional service on my project!
- Verified Customer
Patty Sanders
- Verified Customer
Jan Loomis
- Verified Customer
Ready to Create Your Army Challenge Coin?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do custom challenge coins cost?
What is the minimum order quantity for challenge coins?
How long does production take for Army coins?
Do you ship to Army bases and APO/FPO addresses?
Do you ship internationally?
Can you help design an Army coin if I don’t have artwork?
Yes. Our artists can create your coin using your unit crest, patch, MOS badge, or any elements you’d like included.
What customization options are available?
Your coin can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. We offer a full range of options including 3D elements, custom shapes, cutouts, textures, specialty finishes, edge treatments, and more – limited only by your imagination and budget.