Table of Contents
Designing a custom challenge coin should be exciting. Choosing the right manufacturer is usually the harder part.
A lot of companies make the same promises, but the quality, pricing, and customer service can vary quite a bit. Some use cheaper materials than expected, while others are difficult to reach when an order goes wrong.
To make the search easier, we compared 10 manufacturers based on pricing, turnaround time, shipping, design support, and customer feedback. Here are the companies worth looking at before you place an order.
None of the 10 companies featured in this article sponsored or paid for their inclusion. Our comments are based on our own experience and customer feedback.
How We Compared These Companies
We used the same basic order and checked the details that usually matter most before buying custom challenge coins.
Standard Test Order
We compared prices using 100 pieces, 1.75-inch size, double-sided soft enamel.
Pricing and Extra Fees
We checked the coin price, mold fee, shipping, rush charges, packaging, and common upgrades.
Artwork and Production
We compared proof times, revision policies, production schedules, and available rush service.
Shipping Options
We reviewed domestic delivery, international shipping, and support for APO, FPO, and DPO addresses.
Customer Feedback
We looked for repeated comments about communication, artwork quality, finished coins, and delivery times.
Information Checks
Details came from company websites, online pricing tools, written quotes, and sales representatives.
Information was reviewed in August 2026. Prices, production times, and shipping policies may change.
1. GS-JJ
GS-JJ is a well-known custom products company based in Walnut, California. They have been in the business for more than 20 years, serving companies, military and public safety departments, schools, clubs, and individual buyers.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: No minimum order. You can order one piece or buy in bulk.
Artwork: Digital proofs are free. The website also has an online builder and an AI design tool for customers who do not have a finished file.
Turnaround: The first proof is usually ready within 24 hours. Production is listed at 7–30 business days, but the fastest option mainly applies to simple UV-printed coins made from existing templates. Fully custom soft enamel normally takes longer.
Shipping: Air delivery usually adds another 3–5 business days. Free shipping is available to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and selected European countries. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are accepted, although military mail may take longer or cost extra.
Our Take
If you want to create a rough design before contacting sales, GS-JJ is a good place to start. Its online templates and AI tools can help you quickly build a basic concept without finished artwork.
The main drawback is the higher pricing. Detailed designs may also require more back-and-forth with the sales team. Pantone matching costs an extra $15 unless you provide the exact color codes.
2. VeperPins
VeperPins is our own brand, so it is only fair to say that upfront. Our factory has been operating since 2006, while the brand officially launched in January 2026.
We handle mold making, coloring, plating, quality control, and packaging through our own production team rather than passing the order through another supplier.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: None. You can order one sample or a larger production run.
Artwork: We usually send the first proof within 12 hours, or within 8 hours for rush orders.
Turnaround: Standard production takes about 20 days, while rush orders take around 15 days. Rush service is not available for dual-plated coins or designs with especially complex details.
Shipping: Express delivery usually takes 3–5 days. A lower-cost option takes around 10 days. We do not currently ship directly to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, so military customers need a residential or business address.
Our Take
Since VeperPins is our own brand, we want to be transparent about both its strengths and limitations.
Pros
We operate our own factory, which gives us direct control over materials, production methods, quality, and lead times. Our pricing may not always be the lowest, but each order is produced according to the approved artwork and confirmed specifications.
The production process is also relatively transparent. Upon request, we can provide photos or videos of key stages, including mold making, color filling, inspection, packing, and shipping.
We keep molds on file for three years, so repeat orders using the same design usually do not require a new mold fee during that period. Our customer service team typically responds within four hours, and larger orders may qualify for discounts of up to 20%.
Cons
VeperPins is not always the lowest-priced option. Compared with some smaller Chinese factories or suppliers that compete mainly on price, our quotes may be slightly higher.
We are also a relatively new international brand, so our name recognition and number of public customer reviews are still growing. At this time, we cannot ship directly to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, so customers using military mail addresses will need to provide an alternative delivery address or arrange forwarding.
3. Custom Challenge Coins
Custom Challenge Coins is owned by MetalPromo LLC and is based in Austin, Texas. The company has been operating since 2003, and some members of its U.S. team are veterans or military spouses.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: Their stated minimum order is 25 pieces, although the price chart also lists options for 5 and 10. Check with the sales team before placing an order below 25 pieces.
Artwork: The first proof usually arrives within 24–48 hours, and revisions are included.
Turnaround: Production and delivery generally take about 3–3.5 weeks. Paid rush service is available, but the website does not publish a fixed rush timeline.
Shipping: Insured U.S. shipping is included. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are supported, but rush delivery is not available for military or international addresses.
Mold policy: The mold fee is waived on orders of 300 pieces or more.
Our Take
For units that need their coins shipped directly to a military address, this is one of the more practical options. Their team is familiar with military purchasing requirements, and the standard quote includes artwork, unlimited revisions, custom shapes, individual poly bags, and insured shipping within the United States.
If you have a fixed event date, ask them to confirm the rush production and delivery schedule in writing before making payment.
4. ChallengeCoins4Less
ChallengeCoins4Less is part of TJM Promos and is based in Ocala, Florida. Its U.S. team handles sales, customer service, and artwork, while most standard orders are produced through overseas partner factories. U.S.-made products are available by request.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: 25 pieces.
Artwork: Proofs and unlimited revisions are included. Production begins only after final approval.
Turnaround: Most standard orders arrive about 14–17 days after artwork approval and payment. Rush service is available, but the timing depends on the project.
Shipping: Continental U.S. shipping is included. APO and FPO delivery is also free, although military mail may take longer. DPO and international policies are less clear.
Mold policy: The mold fee is waived at 300 pieces, and molds are kept for two years.
Our Take
ChallengeCoins4Less publishes prices for many common add-ons, including special edges, packaging, and other upgrades. This makes it easier to estimate the total cost before requesting a quote.
It is a practical choice for buyers who already know which options they want and prefer fewer surprises in the final price. Its main advantage is straightforward pricing rather than unusual finishes or production methods.
5. Signature Coins
Signature Coins has been in business since 2000 and works with military units, government agencies, companies, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Its main point of difference is a production facility in Winter Park, Florida. Customers can compare standard overseas production with U.S.-made options, although the available methods are not identical.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: Traditional fully custom coins start at 50 pieces.
Small orders: The No Minimum line allows a one-piece order, but it uses a standard coin blank and full-color printing rather than a traditional molded soft enamel process.
Artwork: The first proof is usually ready within 24 hours, and payment is not required before design approval.
Turnaround: Some website pages say most standard orders arrive in about 14 business days. More complex designs may take longer.
Shipping: UPS Priority Air is included for standard U.S. street addresses. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are accepted for an extra charge. International shipping is quoted separately.
Our Take
Signature Coins stands out because it offers both U.S.-made products and printed coins with no minimum order. It can work well for organizations with domestic sourcing requirements or buyers who only need one or two pieces.
These options are made differently, though. No-minimum coins usually use stock blanks with printed artwork, while U.S.-made imitation enamel may not look or feel the same as traditional soft enamel. Before ordering, confirm where the coins are made and which process will be used.
6. Vivipins
Vivipins was founded in 2017 and is based in Laguna Beach, California. It also sells custom pins, patches, hats, socks, and other promotional products, and the company says its team has more than 40 employees.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: None. One coin can be produced.
Artwork: Digital proofs are usually ready within 24 hours, with revisions available before production.
Turnaround: Current estimates are around four weeks for standard orders and three weeks for rush orders.
Shipping: Worldwide delivery is available. APO and FPO addresses are supported, although the company recommends using a residential or business address when possible because military mail is slower and has limited tracking.
Our Take
With Vivipins, the first thing you will probably notice is how easy the pricing is to understand. You can choose the size, quantity, colors, and other options online and watch the price change as you go. The website price is usually close to the final quote, which makes it useful for checking the cost of a reorder, a bulk run, or a small personal project.
The trade-off is that challenge coins are only one part of a much larger product range. Since the company also sells apparel, pins, and other custom items, the coin selection and available finishes are not as extensive as what you may find on a site focused almost entirely on challenge coins.
7. U.S. DOD Coins
U.S. DOD Coins is based in Orlando, Florida, and focuses on military, government, law enforcement, fire department, and veteran projects. Despite the name, it is a private company and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: The public pricing table starts at 50 coins, while the current quote form lists 100. Orders between 50 and 99 should be confirmed first.
Artwork: Quotes and digital proofs usually take 2–4 business days after you submit an insignia, sketch, photo, or written idea.
Turnaround: Overseas production usually takes 18 to 21 business days, although some orders may take close to four weeks. Certain U.S.-made options can be completed within two weeks.
Shipping: APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are supported for an extra charge. Military orders are first sent to the Florida office, repacked, and then forwarded through USPS military mail.
Purchasing support: W-9 and Section 889 documents are available directly on the website.
Our Take
U.S. DOD Coins is geared toward military and government orders. Its service information, branch-specific examples, and military address guidance can save purchasing teams from having to explain standard requirements from scratch.
The trade-off is speed. Standard approvals may take longer, and delivery to military addresses can add extra steps. Its express coins are faster, but they usually use stock metal blanks, printed artwork, and a clear resin coating rather than a fully custom die.
8. PinMart
Based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, PinMart traces its roots back to 1964 and began operating under its current brand in 1999.
Rather than focusing only on challenge coins, the company offers a wide range of custom products. Its coin selection includes traditional soft enamel, hard enamel, U.S.-made rush options, UV-printed designs, and wooden coins.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: Traditional soft enamel coins start at 25 pieces.
Artwork: Proofs and revisions are included before production.
Turnaround: Traditional soft enamel takes about 15–20 business days. A 5-day U.S.-made option uses layered raised printing, while the 3-day option uses full-color UV printing.
Shipping: Qualifying custom U.S. orders may receive free shipping. APO, FPO, and DPO addresses can be served through USPS Priority Mail. International buyers are responsible for duties and local taxes.
Our Take
PinMart is worth considering when delivery time matters more than traditional coin construction. Its three-day and five-day options are useful for awards, conferences, and events with fixed dates.
Those rush products are generally printed on stock blanks rather than die-struck soft enamel coins. You get a more predictable turnaround, but fewer customization options. Orders can start at 25 pieces, although the unit price is less competitive at that quantity.
9. Lone Star Challenge Coins
Lone Star Challenge Coins is based in Spring Branch, Texas, and is managed in part by veterans. Customer service and design are handled in Texas, while most standard orders are produced in China. A U.S.-made option is available, but it generally costs more and may take longer.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: 50 pieces. Smaller projects may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Artwork: Quotes and initial proofs are usually sent within 24 hours, or up to 48 hours during busy periods. Revisions are unlimited.
Turnaround: Production usually takes 10–14 business days, followed by about 2–4 days in transit.
Shipping: Shipping to APO and FPO addresses costs extra. It is not clear whether they ship to DPO addresses, so check with the sales team before placing your order.
Mold policy: Standard mold fees are waived at 300 pieces for coins up to 2.5 inches.
Our Take
Lone Star feels more like a small team familiar with military culture than a general promotional products company. That can make conversations about unit insignia, training milestones, deployments, and military traditions more direct.
However, the company name and Texas-based staff may lead some buyers to assume the coins are made in Texas. Anyone who requires U.S. production should ask for the factory location in writing before ordering.
10. LPM Pins Coins
Like VeperPins, LPM Pins Coins is a China-based factory. The company says it has been operating since 1997 and began serving international customers in 2014. Its main products are custom pins, challenge coins, and medals.
Quick Facts
Minimum order: There is no strict minimum, although mold fees and international shipping make very small orders less practical.
Artwork: Revisions are included, but a 20% deposit is required before the official design work begins. The first proof normally takes 1–3 business days after payment.
Turnaround: Standard production takes around 10–20 days. Rush availability and fees depend on the order.
Shipping: Orders are sent from China by DHL, FedEx, or UPS, with delivery usually taking 3–7 business days. APO, FPO, and DPO delivery is not available.
Mold policy: The standard mold fee is usually waived at 300 pieces.
Our Take
Based on customer reviews and media coverage, they appear to offer fast production and quick customer service. The main drawback is that you need to pay a deposit before receiving a digital proof. However, they do offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
1. GS-JJ
2. VeperPins
3. Custom Challenge Coins
4. ChallengeCoins4Less
5. Signature Coins
6. Vivipins
7. U.S. DOD Coins
8. PinMart
9. Lone Star Challenge Coins
10. LPM Pins & Coins
What to Check Before Choosing a Coin Manufacturer
Do not compare suppliers by price per coin alone. Mold fees, shipping, and production upgrades are often what push a small order over budget. Before placing an order, ask for a complete quote and make sure it includes the mold, packaging, shipping, and any rush fees. You should also confirm how many artwork revisions are included, whether the coins will be made with a custom mold or printed on stock blanks, when the order is expected to arrive, and how defective pieces will be handled.
If your design has a lot of detail, ask to see photos of similar finished coins. Pay close attention to the raised details, small text, color filling, and plating. You can also use our 10 questions to help narrow down which supplier is the best fit for your project.
Still Not Sure Which Company Is Right for Your Project?
If you already have a logo, sketch, or photo of an existing coin, send it to us. We’ll provide a complete quote based on the quantity, size, finish, and deadline, then confirm the artwork and production details before moving forward.
Start creating your custom challenge coins today!
