Consider the rich tradition behind challenge coins when designing one to honor someone. The coin’s ultimate mission is fostering a sense of loyalty while paying tribute to your person of choice. To create a suitable coin, you’ll first need to reflect on the achievements and values reflected in the coin subject’s life.
As you sketch, think of symbolic ways to express their most notable personal values, history, and other relevant life events to depict their life’s story. This train of thought will help make the coin’s final design more meaningful.
Once you’ve determined the symbols to use along with the person’s portrait, you can move on to having the coin produced and ready for distribution.
Identify the Values of the One Being Honored
The life you seek to honor with a challenge coin demonstrates one or more prevailing values. Think about which core values define the person of interest. Use an eagle, for example, to represent characteristics such as courage. Is the person best remembered for a high level of perseverance? Add an oak tree to your design.
Research common symbols to spark your creativity after you have come up with one or more values. Identifying these values may be the most challenging aspect of creating a challenge coin, so take your time. Your goal is to capture the person’s essence on the challenge coin.
Represent a Shared History With Shapes
Does this person share a unique experience with future coin-holders? Some examples of how to include a symbolic representation of shared history include featuring a mountain range to represent a shared climb or a bridge the person built.
Geographic Design Elements Are Useful
Consider the location that best embodies their life. For example, when honoring a city founder, feature the city in a coin’s background. Any relevant geography-related graphic can enhance a coin’s design.
Portrait Style Matters
You have two options for the placement of the person’s portrait. You’ll want to choose the option that best represents the person. Is the individual best represented close-up, in a chair, behind a desk, or as a full-body portrait?
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Select a Motto
The motto you choose for a challenge coin must be brief enough to fit. If you are unaware of the individual’s motto, consider interviewing their closest friends and family to learn more.
Name and Date Layout
Where you place names, dates, and mottos can make or break a coin design. Take a look at existing coins for inspiration. Your options include placing text across the coin or encircling the coin’s edge.
Your project will be successful when the coin’s final design inspires and motivates coin holders. You’ll know you’ve finished when the design tells a complete story about the person you are honoring with the coin.
The process of designing such a cherished reminder need not be a rushed process. Share your sketches with others for feedback before committing to any final design solution. There’s nothing wrong with ending up with several versions to choose from. That’s a sign you’ve done a great job.