police coin

Custom Challenge Coins

For decades, Monterey Company has crafted challenge coins of the highest caliber for military personnel. Carrying unique insignias and hewn with pride to commemorate impressive achievements, these are keepsakes that last a lifetime!

Challenge Coin Company

For over 30 years, The Monterey Company has been a leading challenge coin maker. We specialize in bringing your custom designs to life using our advanced equipment and materials – no job is too complex! Our skilled craftsmen provide expert services like die-making, cut-outs, engraving and metal plating with options such as antique silver/bronze finishes and varied patinas for an added touch of authenticity. For military personnel or those from law enforcement & emergency medical services looking for high-quality coins at competitive prices – let us help make your vision become reality today!

Quality Military Coin Designs

Unlock your creative vision with the help of our expert coin designers! Take the hassle out of digital proofs and let us turn your artwork or logo into a stunning 3D design. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, so get ready for flawless results - we guarantee it'll exceed all expectations. Get started by requesting a free quote today!

hand holding a scull coin
custom shaped challenge coin

Challenge Coin Maker

Are you looking to make a lasting impression with your challenge coin? With three decades of experience and an impressive portfolio, our team is the perfect partner for crafting unforgettable coins. From antique to glossy finishes; textured patterns for base metals and edges- we have it all! And if that wasn't enough, take advantage of working directly with one of our expert designers who know exactly what styles will best fit your needs in order to create top notch quality products.

Designing Military Challenge Coins

Curious about the production process for your custom coins? After you review and approve a proof, we'll get started crafting. We can send out a sample to ensure it meets all of your expectations before beginning full-scale manufacturing. This takes between two and three weeks depending on size, material choice, and color selection - so that each coin is truly one of its kind!

Personalized For The Armed Forces

The armed forces and law enforcement have been using custom challenge coins for years. In the military, A commander would award military coins for things that deserve special recognition. Many companies use them to boost morale or to mark special events. We provide a variety of different shapes to choose from. Shapes can range from traditional styles, like circular or rectangular. Or you can choose more specialized shapes, like bottle openers or dog tags.

What does it mean to get one?

Custom challenge coins are usually given as an award for an honorable act or a job well done. Once they’ve been given out, they are supposed to be carried at all times. This allows recipients to show membership or allegiance to your organization. They are quickly growing in popularity! They can be used for businesses, fraternities, clubs, and many other organizations. Custom coins can be manufactured in many shapes and sizes and enamel finishes.

police coin
custom challenge coins on a bar

How Are They Used?

  • To commemorate a mission or to celebrate a milestone.
  • To build camaraderie in a troop.
  • To create a collectible commemorative award.

Proud symbols of loyalty and perseverance, challenge coins have long been treasured tokens among the military, police officers and firefighters alike. A token for successful completion or a morale-boosting reminder to team members – these coins are more than just prized possessions; they symbolize togetherness in their journey towards victory.

Honoring Achievements For Nearly 100 years

Since the first World War, custom challenge coins have been presented to commemorate courageous service. New air squadrons were made up of individuals from all walks of life, united in their dedication and bravery. Technology has revolutionized manufacturing processes since then—we now use hard or soft enamel with diamond-cut edges along with engraving and 3D images for a personalized touch! Our ability to craft intricate double-sided designs makes us proud partners of each branch within the military.

customized silver coin with trojan warrior
Custom Coins

What does it mean to be given one?

Military challenge coins became a tradition by accident. As the story goes, a rich lieutenant had a coin created for his squadron as a memento of their service together during World War I. One of the soldiers, who had never owned anything valuable before, became so attached to the challenge coin that he began wearing it in a pouch around his neck for safekeeping. The same soldier was later captured behind enemy lines and was taken captive by the Germans. As the war neared its end and the French took over the German camp, the soldier used his coin to identify himself as an ally. This saved his life! This one small act began the tradition of carrying enamel coins for identification. And today the practice has evolved to be broader. Now, military coins are also used to represent rewards and recognition.

Coast Guard

We have been making a design for the Coast Guard for nearly 30 years. Along with our knowledgeable and friendly team, we make sure we offer only the highest quality products.

hands holding coins

The History Of This Coin Style

How have challenge coins been used in history? These coins let members of different organizations have a special medallion that shows their affiliation. This special medallion should be kept with you at all times, so you can always prove that you are a member if needed. This tradition began in World War I after an American pilot was saved because he was wearing his squadron’s metal around his neck. The American soldier was captured by German soldiers and stripped of his formal identification. He was then moved to a small French town where he escaped from his German captors. Without his formal identification, he was still able to show his affiliation with the American troops because of the prized possession hanging around his neck.

If any members of the squadron or team are unable to produce their coin, therefore failing the “challenge,” they are responsible for buying a round of drinks for everyone appropriately carrying their medallions on their person. If the challenge is met, however, and everyone within the group is able to produce their metal symbol of honor, the challenger, or the person who initially bore his medallion, must buy a round of drinks for his counterparts. This is a fun way to honor the history of wearing organizational affiliation with pride. Your membership within a group, as demonstrated by carrying their coin, is woven into the fabric of your identity.

Challenge Coins

At the Monterey Company, we can create your military challenge coin in any shape, size, or color. The best part? We can even make three-dimensional logos to really bring them to life. We will work together to custom manufacture coins for your unit, or battalion to mark any occasion. The military branches and Coast Guard have been ordering products from us for many years. We’ve also created designs for EMS, fire, and police departments from across the country and abroad. They are used to boost morale, promote excellence, and give rewards. One thing is for sure, custom military coins are always treasured by those who receive them.

customized defence coin
national guard coins with red flag and star

National Guard Coins

Our National Guard coins, crafted from decades of inspired design and expert craftsmanship, are perfect for those who want to honor the sacrifices made by our heroes in uniform. With a choice between color or epoxy finish options – each guaranteed to be high quality – you can pay tribute with pride!