In the U.S. Navy, personnel are typically awarded a challenge coin as a form of recognition for: Outstanding performance or achievement, completion of a mission or deployment, visits from high-ranking officers, special events or ceremonies, and belonging to a specific unit or command. Unlike medals or ribbons, challenge coins are informal and not part of the uniform, but they’re highly valued as symbols of trust, camaraderie, and honor.
U.S. Navy personnel typically treat challenge coins as symbols of honor, pride, and accomplishment, and they often do the following with them: Display, collect, use them in “Coin Checks”, gift or trade them, and pass them on. These coins are usually presented personally and informally, making the moment feel more meaningful. The handshake-and-coin tradition—where the coin is passed discreetly during a handshake—is especially common.
We had the opportunity to craft one of the most charming and elegant challenge coins we’ve done. This challenge coin was meant to be awarded to a U.S. Navy Officer, and they requested a classic design with a different touch. The coin was also not meant to be painted, so a perfect final finish must be taken into account to make sure that the coin is aesthetically pleasing.
The design is done in 2D vector format by our team of designers before we put it into our computerized machinery and have the base material shaped, etched, and engraved into this piece of art. From the rope pattern on the rims, the relief of the Naval insignias, to the circular opening on the fields of the coin, all of them were machined and polished beautifully.
If you want to have a piece of art of your own as a gift or memento? Reach out to us at Embleholics, and we’ll help you turn your ideas into reality.
Finished Coin (Front)
With its bold compass and powerful quote, this side pays tribute to naval tradition and forward resolve.
Finished Coin (Back)
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