Artistry and Mold-Making Key to Beautiful Challenge Coins

Custom challenge coins are becoming ever more popular to commemorate special events and special accomplishments outside the military, where challenge coins originated. Those who want to have custom challenge coins made have many decisions about design, including the use of colors, finishes, types of edging, and presentation boxes or containers. While any coin manufacturer allows specification of many details, it is the skill of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists, as well as the skills of the person making the mold from which the coins will be struck that are perhaps most important in determining how high the final quality of the challenge coin will be.

Challenge coins can be made in an infinite number of designs. They may be made to commemorate a special gathering, a convention, or a significant anniversary as well as to reward exceptional achievements. Because the blank coin is a blank canvas in a sense, choosing the details of the design is the first step in creating a memorable and attractive final piece. Some people, for example, prefer antique metal finishes rather than lacquer finishes, because they tend to show up three-dimensional detail better. Some people prefer certain kinds of edging to others. But rest assured artists and manufacturers exist who can create any coin design a person can think of.

With coins that are flat, the talent and skills of the two-dimensional artist who creates the prototype determines how good the final product is. Coins with one or both sides done in three-dimensional relief, having an artist who is skilled in translating a two-dimensional work of art into three dimensions is one of the keys to getting a final coin that is aesthetically pleasing. Another key is the skill of the mold-maker. Molds are generally hand-carved by a single artist, and his or her skill is paramount. Any flaws in the mold will be transferred onto every coin minted. Therefore if you want three-dimensional coins, only choose manufacturers who demonstrate great care in who they choose to make their three-dimensional molds as well as the person responsible for translating the 2D design into 3D relief.

Another aspect of challenge coins that some people don\’t give much thought to is how the coins will be presented. Coins, of course, don\’t have to be in a container to be presented, but many organizations like placing those that are to be presented into special commemorative boxes, leather coin holders, or other appropriate presentation materials. This shouldn\’t be left as a last-second decision.

Challenge coins today may be given out on more light-hearted occasions than traditional military coins, which are traditionally given out for meritorious service in difficult situations. But even military organizations have fun with some of their challenge coins, such as those given out to gatherings of people who formerly served together. But whatever the occasion, these coins are designed to have meaning to those who receive them. Therefore, the artistry with which they are designed and created is extremely important to ensure that the final coins have exceptionally fine quality.

Author Bio: Jason Bacot – Are you looking for other like-minded people when it comes to your Challenge Coins? Are you looking into buying and selling Challenge Coins online? Then I suggest you check us out at \”ChallengeCoinForum.com immediately.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: challenge coins, military coins, police coins, challenge coin, military coin, air force coins

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