Three Main Finish Types You Should Know When Design Challenge Coins

Coins
Info
avatar

Ethan Carter

June 24, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
cover

Different finishes are available to manufacture different coins and display unique effect and appearance finally. Do you know well about different types of finish we used on challenge coins?

Shiny finish, antique finish and matte finish are common finishes we choose on our challenge coins design.

If you are new to coin collecting and maybe wonder what the finish terms mean. Find it here, this article will show more details about these finish options.

Shiny Finish

challenge-coins-with-shiny-finish


Wow, so shiny a challenge coin it is! If a challenge coin gives you this feeling, then the coin is probably polished with a shiny finish.

Shiny finish options are frequently used for most challenge coins, including gold, silver, nickel, copper, and brass finishes.

 Gold-and-silver-finish-challenge-coin


Among these shiny finishes, gold finish and silver finish are the top two choices if we need our coins as shiny as a diamond. This kind of finish can attract people’s attention at first sight. They are also the classical option and common choice for us to pick.

 Coin-with-nickel-finish


All custom coins with a shiny finish look more shiny and impressive; they are a better choice to give as an honor or gift to the recipients

Antique Finish

Christian-challenge-coins-for-sale 

 

Antique coins are valuable items for professional collectors and the public. These coins often feature a historic event or special meaning, and old charm with the passing of time. The old antique charm is precious for any coins, even including collectibles–challenge coins.

 coin-with-antique-silver-finish


Note: challenge coin with an antique silver finish to commemorate those fallen miners in that accident

If you prefer antique charm and need a commemorative style for your occasion and event, you had better choose antique finishes.

Antique gold, antique silver, antique brass, and antique copper are great coin charms for any coin design.

Matte Finish

What is a matte coin? Do you know the matte finish? It sounds like a foggy appearance.

 matte-finish


The effect of a matte finish, like the surface of ground glass, is so neutral-looking, not so bright and old. Matte finish has no glare, is not dazzling, and conveys to people a stable, simple, but elegant feeling.

There are mainly matte gold, matte silver, matte nickel, and matte copper finishes for custom coins. And you can still customize other matte finish you like if possible.

 Lamborghini-Aventador-LP700-4-Matte-Silver-Car


The above picture is a view of Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Matte Silver BEAST. It features a noticeable matte finish that mimicked a stealth bomber’s paint process.

The matte finish is not so shiny but still has an elegant style; this may be the reason why some people want to design custom challenge coins with a matte finish.

 

Finally, I have to say, choosing which kind of finish obviously depends on personal preference. All the above finish options have many advantages for your precious challenge coins.

Each finish is like a coating for the coin; it can help us decorate custom coins more outstanding and unique. Besides, the finishing process on coins could protect them from any rust and oxidation.

Great finish process will keep challenge coins as well as the original looking with years to come. Hope you can choose the favorite and proper finish when designing your own challenge coins.

Related Blogs
What are the Complete Types of Military Challenge Coins?
Coins
Guide

What are the Complete Types of Military Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins are a source of pride and honor to all military personnel. These small tokens are more than just pieces of metal; but rather represent camaraderie, recognition, identity, and morale. The use of challenge coins goes back to the early days of the military, when coins were used to acknowledge achievements, bring relationships to a unit, in addition to acknowledge remarkable service. 

If you are collecting or designing, it is important to appreciate the different types of challenge coins! Each type of coin has its own special symbol and purpose. A coin can signify honor for a mission, a branch of military service, or honors for valor. The goal is that by learning about each type of coin, we can uncover a worthy heritage behind each challenge coin and honor that heritage through design.

avatar
Lea Alber
February 12, 2026
How to Create Custom Coins Online?
Coins
Guide

How to Create Custom Coins Online?

Custom coins, also known as custom challenge coins or custom two-sided coins, have long been considered a symbol of honor. Originating in the military, they are now used in a wide range of settings, from military forces and competitions to corporate and event settings. The process of customizing challenge coins is becoming more and more convenient and only requires a mobile phone and a computer.

The following guide will walk you through the custom challenge coin customization. Through our customization guide, you can turn any idea into a satisfying physical challenge coin.

avatar
Lea Alber
February 6, 2026