How To Make Coins – Manufacturer’s Guide
Have you ever wondered about the intricate process behind coin creation? How do manufacturers turn raw materials into coins? Coin manufacturing combines precision, innovation, and a deep understanding of how metals work. If you want to know the answer then you are in the right place.
In this article guide, we’ll discuss the step-by-step process of how to make coins. If you are ready let’s begin.
What is a Coin
A coin is a small piece of round metal that serves as currency. Yet, there are other uses for coins other than exchange. Coins can be used for the commemoration of an important event or in the form of an award for sports and academics.
Different uses of coins come with different materials used for production. Let’s further discuss what is a coin made of below.
Parts of a Coin
Other than uses of exchange and commemoration, coins can also be used as a personal accessory. Before knowing how to make a coin necklace, let’s first discuss the different parts of a standard coin.
Materials Used in Making Coins
Coins are made of different metal materials such as brass, zinc, and copper. The purpose of the coin will determine the material to be used. If you are interested to know how to make a coin into a pendant, here are some of the materials to be used.
Brass
Brass is a metal material ideal for 2D coins. This material features high malleability and durability making it perfect for die striking. With brass, fine details are shaped perfectly. This material also features significant density and unique aesthetic appeal, making it valuable.
Zinc
Zinc is an element known for its robust strength and durability. This feature makes zinc perfect for creating high-relief 3D coins. Intricate designs are crafted with precision bringing a three-dimensional aspect to the coin. Zinc is flexible not only in design but also in size. Creators can go larger with zinc, allowing for endless design possibilities.
Copper
Copper features a touch of timeless aesthetic to coins. The aged patina of copper shows a vintage charm that is perfect for coin collectors and the like. If you are wondering how to make coins shiny, the answer is by polishing. Copper can also be polished to introduce a contemporary reflective finish to coins. The reflective surface of copper coins creates a modern touch.
Now that we understand what are coins made of, let us proceed with knowing the different coin types.
Different Types of Custom Coins
Soft Enamel
The most common design type for challenge coins is soft enamel. Raised metal is used to separate the enamel paint in the recessed sections. This results in a textured finish on the challenge coin.
Hard Enamel
Hard enamel coins, on the other hand, have the enamel and the recessed areas of the coin created flush with one other. This results in a lovely, smooth surface on the coin.
For a detailed comparison of soft and hard enamel, you can visit our blog post here.
Die Struck
Die-struck challenge coins are made without enamel paint and have the appearance of the metal itself. The raised and recessed areas of the coin display the design. The elevated elements of your design are usually polished, while the recessed areas are sandblasted.
Applications of Custom Coins
Military Challenge Coins
Elevate your tribute with the military forces with meticulously crafted military challenge coins. These coins are designed to exemplify excellence.
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Commemorative Coins
These coins are ideal for commemorating anniversary dates and events.
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Club Coins
Club coins are specially made for different types of associations. These club coins make great gifts, awards, recognition pieces, or keepsakes.
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Sports Coins
Sports coins are produced to the highest quality standards for all types of sports events.
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Events Coins
Custom coins can also be used for awards, invitations, and favors.
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Sizes of Custom Coins and Their Uses
Custom coins feature different sizes depending on their application. From compact pocket pieces to larger pieces these intricately designed coins, each size serves its distinct purpose.
We link a video below to show you some sample sizes of custom coins.
Custom Shaped Coins
If you are eyeing a unique kind of coin, it’s completely durable. Relia Metal can produce coins with different cuts or holes. Here’s a sample video of how to make a hole in a coin:
Variety of Coin Edges
Coin edges are not just aesthetics, they play a crucial role in defining the character of each coin. From the classic reeded edge to the intricate lettered edge, each type serves its unique function.
Plating Options
Before knowing how to make a ring out of a coin it is essential to know the plating you want to use. At Relia Metal you can find a wide variety of plating options for your custom coins. Some of them are listed below:
Antique Gold
High Polished Gold
Antique Silver
High Polished Silver
Copper
Black
Antique Nickel
Black Nickel
Dual Plating
The Complete Process of Making Custom Coins
Answering your question about how custom coins are made, we break down the step-by-step production process from the manufacturer’s point of view.
Step 1: Mold Creation
To ensure the accuracy of the coin’s design, we make use of a CAD system (Computer Aided Design). This innovative system helps transform design into a digital blueprint. The blueprint maps out tolerances and dimensions, considering the chosen materials.
Then CNC milling is used to sculpt the coin design into the material. Once the CNC completes the cutting process, the steel molds undergo inspection. Soft metal pieces are struck to reveal impressions. Imperfections are addressed through adjustments before proceeding.
Step 2: Die Striking
After molding, the crafting of coins begins with coin blanks. The process starts by sliding strips of the material through a decorated coin press. As the coin press descends, it releases the round coin blanks which await for the die striking.
For custom-shaped coins, the process is different. Instead of sliding the material through the coin press, we use the stamping method throughout the entire length of the material strip.
Step 3: Edge Cutting/Deburring
Once the die striking is complete, the next process depends on the chosen edge for the coin design. Some edges go an extra step after the die striking.
Before the final stage, it is important that each coin goes through the deburring process. This step eliminates sharp edges and spurs created during the striking process.
Step 4: Plating/Color Filling
Depending on the chosen style of the coin, the process of color filling is determined.
Soft Enamel:
The initial step involves collecting the deburred coins suspended from the copper wire. The coins are arranged to the electroplating process. The electroplating process involves the copper wire to be submerged into water-filled troughs. This process ensures a pristine coin surface finish.
During the metal plating process, each coin is infused with the chosen metal plating. Gold, silver, copper, black nickel, or even rainbow metal, the options are diverse. Once done, our team prepares for color filling. Special syringes filled with soft enamel paint fill the recessed areas of the coin. After coloring, the coin proceeds with curing until fully dried.
Hard Enamel
Unlike soft enamel, hard enamel coins are intentionally overfilled with enamel colors. The process involves individual curing of color-filled, then proceed with the polishing method. This polishing process grinds away excess enamel presenting a crisp and even surface.
Compared to soft enamel coins, hard enamel boasts a full spectrum of enamel colors before undergoing the plating process.
Step 5: Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is the last step of the coin-making process. This step introduces a personalized touch to each coin whether etching names or sequential numbers. The possibilities are endless with laser engraving.
Step 6: Quality Control
Once each process is done, we proceed with quality checking. This step is essential in making sure that each coin reaches its perfect form.
Custom Coin Manufacturer
Deciding what you want to do with your special challenge coin is a big part of how it will look. Figuring out its purpose, choosing the right type of coating, and deciding how you want it to look will all affect its appearance and what it means to you.
At Relia Metal, we understand what you need when making your custom coin. We can help you make one that matches your ideas and turns them into a fantastic coin. If you’re not sure how to come up with an idea, you can reach out to us. Together, we can create unique custom coins for your business.