Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I request a quote?
How do I place an order?
What should I consider when designing my coin?
Who uses coins?
What is the process after I place an order?
Can I see a sample before you make my coin order?
How long does it take to get my coins?
How are orders shipped?
What is a die fee?
What is the minimum quantity I can order or reorder?
How do I reorder my coins?
What types of artwork do you accept?
Is artwork free?
Can I pay by credit card?
What if I don’t like my coins?
Who do I contact for assistance?
What is the military coin’s history?
What is the “Coin Check” challenge?
What groups can use challenge coins, spirit coins, and award coins?
How do I request a quote?
Pricing information for custom coins is provided on our pricing page, so you can determine the cost of your custom coin order. If you are requesting options or specifications not included on the pricing page or you need assistance in determining pricing, please call and a representative will be happy to provide you with your quote information. 1-800-444-5561 (M-F, 7AM-5PM PST)
How do I place an order?
Please call, fax, or complete the online order form to provide your contact information and custom coin order specifications. Please be sure to review this information carefully and ensure it contains the specifications you desire and require. To order or receive a confirmed quote, please submit your artwork, hand-drawn sketch, digital art files, etc. by fax or email (please include contact information) to service@emblems.org or fax: 1-888-442-3230.
What should I consider when designing my coin?
When designing your coin you have many options. Size and plating are two key factors in designing your custom coin. Size and plating will set a base for design by defining the size of the design area and the finish of the coin. Color(s) are also important. What colors do you want to use and how many will dramatically affect the impact of your coin. Use brighter colors and more colors for a dramatic effect, and fewer and more drab colors for a subtle effect. Another design element to consider is edging. What do you want the design on the edge of the coin to look like? Do you need to include unique numbering or lettering on each coin? For more information on options available when designing your custom coin, please see “Options”.
Who uses coins?
Groups using coins include the military, law enforcement and public safety, service organizations, youth groups, sports teams, ROTC and business organizations, just to name a few. As coins can be used to build team spirit, prove membership, symbolize unity and loyalty and as an award or reward for service excellence, any organization or group can use coins.
What is the process after I place an order?
1. Once we have received your order and artwork, your order is entered into our system. Orders are processed in the manner they are received and in most cases, work begins on a design within 1 business day of the confirmed order and artwork.
2. When the art design for the coin has been completed, you will be emailed a copy of the design for your approval. When you receive that email, just reply to the email approving or make any necessary changes desired. Please be advised that some changes can incur additional production costs. Your representative will inform you of any additional charges that may apply.
3. Once you approve the artwork, work begins on the die. If you want to see samples before production, please request samples through your representative. You will be charged die fees and sampling fees up front to pay for the die and samples that will be created.
4. If pre-production samples are requested, you will be sent one sample of your coin. Please call or email with your approval or disapproval of the sample and any necessary changes will be made. Please be advised that design changes (color changes are ok) once samples have been created will incur additional die costs. Please check with a representative for more information regarding additional costs.
5. A full order will take at least 45 days from the date the artwork was approved (NOT the date of the order submission) to be completed.
6. All domestic orders can be shipped via UPS. Orders sent to an APO or FPO address are sent via US Postal Service and can take up to three to four weeks to arrive.
Can I see a sample before you make my coin order?
Yes, you can receive a sample of your coin before your order is processed. If you would like to receive a sample, please request the sample during the ordering process. Once your sample is complete, you will be sent the sample for approval. Please call or email with your approval or disapproval of the sample and any necessary changes will be made. Please be advised that design changes (color changes are ok) once samples have been created will incur additional die costs. Please check with a representative for more information regarding additional costs.
How long does it take to get my coins?
Your coin order will take approximately 45 days from the date the artwork was approved (NOT the date of the order form submission). Please plan ahead and allow enough time to complete the job, if you would like them by a certain date. When production has completed, the order will then be shipped. Please add approximately 2 weeks if a pre-production sample is provided.
How are orders shipped?
All domestic orders will be shipped via UPS, except APOs, FPOs, and P.O. boxes.
Orders sent to APOs, FPOs, or P.O. boxes are sent via US Postal Service and can take up to three weeks to arrive.
What is a die fee?
The die fee is the cost for the development of your custom coin mold that produces your design. This is a one-time cost only, unless the original design is altered. All dies are maintained for a period of 3 years, after 3 years if reproduction has not occurred, they are destroyed. All dies remain the property of Emblem Enterprises, Inc.
What is the minimum quantity I can order or reorder?
The minimum number of custom coins that you can order on a new design is 50 coins.
The minimum number of custom coins that you can reorder (reorder is within 3 years of prior order, so production die is still available) is 25 coins.
How do I reorder my coins?
To reorder coins, please call, fax, or email with your reorder quantity and contact information. A representative will contact you with your reorder cost. The minimum number of custom coins that you can reorder (reorder is within 3 years of prior order, so production die is still available) is 25 coins. If you reorder within 3 years, you will not incur die charges on your custom coin reorder. If you reorder after 3 years, die charges will apply and minimum order quantities will increase to those of a new order. (Please see “What is the Minimum Quantity I Can Order or Reorder?”)
What types of artwork do you accept?
We make it easy! You can submit anything from a hand-drawn sketch to digital art files. Your digital coin design can be e-mailed to us in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, .Tif, .JPG or .pdf format. Artwork can be submitted by fax or email (please include contact information) to service@emblems.org or fax: 1-888-442-3230. If digital files exist, please email them or upload them with the quote/order request form. Vector files save production time!
Is artwork free?
Yes, artwork is free. You can submit your hand sketch, digital art files or logos, or your existing coin, and we will provide you with the digital artwork for your coin at no cost to you, with no obligation, if needed for production.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, you can pay by credit card. We accept Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
What if I don’t like my coins?
We do our best to provide approval check points with the artwork and a sampling process so this will not happen. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you are unhappy with your custom coin order, we will remake your coins until you are 100% satisfied, or refund your deposit.
Who do I contact for assistance?
If you need assistance, please call or email and a representative will be happy to help you. 1-800-444-5561 (M-F, 7AM-5PM PST) Email: service@emblems.org
What is the military coin’s history?
During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in midterm to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. He himself carried his medallion in a small leather sack about his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the medallions, this pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German Patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night he donned civilian clothes and escaped. However, he was without personal identification.
He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled into a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French in this sector of the front had been plagued by saboteurs. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners. His French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion and delayed long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back with his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through a challenge in the following manner, a challenger would ask to see the coin, If the challenger could not produce his coin, he was required to purchase a drink of choice for the member who had challenged him. If the challenged member produced his coin, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.
In present day, among elite units, the tradition is prevalent to carry some type of device which readily identifies unit members, past and present, and also provides the opportunity for an inspection of the unit's esprit de corps and purpose.
The military coin, minted in a number of metals, including sterling, is approximately 1 ½ to 2" in diameter. The coin carries the mottos or slogans of the particular unit manufacturing it. In addition to any official motto is usually a likeness of the unit flash or crest.
Nearly every Special Forces unit has minted its own version of the coin; however, the 10th Special Forces can be credited with fostering the tradition for a unit coin. In July 1969, Colonel Vernon E. Green, Group commander, designed and had manufactured the 10th Group coin. On the obverse, or front, is the inscription: "10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) 1st Special Forces." In the center of the coin is the Trojan Horse crest, the original SF crest worn during the 1950s, and below, the words "Trojan Horse." The reverse side is inscribed with the Special Forces motto "De Oppresso Liber" and "The Best."
Once the 10th Group coin was minted, the tradition began, calling for each Group member, past and present, to procure and carry a coin at all times. In addition to active or former Group personnel owning coins, they have been presented to friends and foreign Special Forces soldiers at the close of joint country training, as mementos.
The actual history of the challenge initiated by one unit member to another by demanding to see his coin varies greatly. According to legend, the original coin check was done only by the senior man present, who did it for the sole purpose of ensuring each man's team spirit (in which case, all would be carrying a coin). The purpose of this drill was to check morale.
What is the “Coin Check” challenge?
RULES:
The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air and verbally acknowledging that you are initiating a coin check. Another, but less vocal method is to firmly place it on an available surface. If you accidentally drop your coin and it makes an audible sound upon impact, then you have just "accidentally" initiated a coin check. (This is called paying the price for improper care of your coin).
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EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES: |
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What groups can use challenge coins, spirit coins, and award coins?
Challenge coins build unity, spirit, and morale so they are great for any group, team, organization or unit. Here are some examples of groups using challenge coins.
- Army Commands, Units, and Commanders
- Navy Commands, Units, Ships, Squadrons, Seals, and Commanders
- Marine Corps Commands, Units, Squadrons, and Commanders
- Air Force Commands, Units, Squadrons, and Commanders
- ROTC & JROTC
- Public Safety – Police, Sheriff, Fire, EMT, Federal , State, and Local groups
- Sports Teams – Professional, College, High School, Community
- Charitable Organizations/Fund Raising Events/Volunteers
- Religious Groups
- Fraternities/Sororities
- Youth Groups – Scouts, YMCA, 4-H, etc.
- Business Organizations, Departments, Teams, Board of Directors
- Associations and Clubs
- Academic Groups
- Social Groups
- Casinos