May at Embleholics: Coins That Carry the Story Forward

From naval tradition and military logistics to modern law enforcement and fleet identity, this month’s projects and articles reflect what challenge coins are meant to do: preserve service, recognize commitment, and give people something tangible to carry from one chapter to the next. Here’s what we’ve been building in May.

Featured Craftsmanship

Vendor to Bill of Lading Indicator Challenge Coin

In military logistics, details matter. VBI, or Vendor to Bill of Lading Indicator, refers to shipments where the vendor manages transportation to a designated military destination. Once the shipment record is officially submitted into the ISGFM system through a “Record Drop,” it becomes visible within the military tracking network and receives its Transportation Control Number.

For this project, the design direction was intentionally restrained and professional. What elevated the coin was the execution. We applied a monochromatic copper finish across the entire piece, creating a warm, refined appearance that gave depth without relying on excessive color or visual clutter.

The coin also demonstrates how texture and finish can completely change the feel of a design. Using precision tooling and advanced engraving techniques, we layered multiple surface finishes throughout the coin to create contrast, depth, and visual separation within the artwork.

If your team is considering a monochromatic challenge coin, medal, or commemorative piece, our designers and fabricators can help translate that idea into something lasting and meaningful.

Notre Dame Naval ROTC Coin

The University of Notre Dame Naval ROTC program stands among the most historic officer commissioning programs in the United States. Established in 1941, the program helped transform the university into a major naval training institution during World War II and continues to develop future Navy and Marine Corps leaders today.

This custom challenge coin was created for an Assistant Professor of Naval Science responsible for teaching and mentoring Midshipmen within the program. The coin needed to reflect both academic tradition and military professionalism, so the design emphasized clean structure, timeless materials, and precise detail work.

We used a matte gold metal finish as the foundation, combined with carefully applied enamel fills for the Notre Dame insignia and supporting elements. Instead of heavily patterned borders, the rims were intentionally kept clean to create a more disciplined and understated appearance.

One of the most impressive aspects of this piece is the small insignia work on the reverse side. Fine lettering and miniature design details require precise tooling and production control, especially on coins intended to maintain clarity and sharpness at a smaller scale. Projects like this are exactly where craftsmanship matters most.

Featured Articles

9 Things Police Challenge Coins Reveal About U.S. Law Enforcement

Police challenge coins tell a larger story than most civilians realize. They reveal how law enforcement in the United States is decentralized, specialized, and deeply tied to local identity, unit culture, and public service traditions.

This article explores the distinctions between police departments and sheriff’s offices, the role of specialized units like K9 teams and bomb squads, and the importance of jurisdiction, training, leadership, and memorial recognition within modern policing. Along the way, it highlights real challenge coin projects created for departments, tactical units, training institutions, and fallen officer memorials.

From city police agencies to military police units, these coins preserve the identity, mission, and traditions behind the badge while giving officers something tangible to carry throughout their careers.

Read the full article to explore what police challenge coins reveal about American law enforcement culture and service.

The World’s Strongest Navies in 2026

Naval power has always represented more than military capability alone. Fleets carry national identity, maritime tradition, technological advancement, and generations of service history across every ocean in the world.

The World’s Strongest Navies in 2026 uses rankings from the World Directory of Modern Military Warships (WDMMA). Rather than focusing strictly on fleet size, the rankings evaluate operational balance, modernization, aircraft carriers, submarines, amphibious capability, destroyers, and strategic flexibility.

From the United States Navy and Royal Navy to the growing fleets of Indonesia, South Korea, and India, the article highlights how geography, doctrine, and naval culture continue shaping modern maritime power.

It also explores why naval traditions still matter today through ship crests, hull markings, squadron insignia, commissioning ceremonies, and Navy challenge coins that preserve the identity of those who serve at sea.

Featured Customer Review

“I can not say enough about how pleased we are with the coins we ordered. Emblemholics did amazing graphic work based on our concept and the final product was even better than we had expected. Great price, great communication, and great final product. Highly recommend… and this is from a 36 year Army veteran. I’ve seen my share of coins!”

— Robert Ford

Build Something Worth Carrying

Every challenge coin starts with a story, a unit, a milestone, or a mission that deserves to be remembered correctly.

Whether you’re designing a retirement coin, a Naval ROTC commemorative piece, a department recognition award, or a custom corporate milestone project, the details matter. Material choices, finishes, textures, edge work, enamel placement, and production quality all shape how that piece will be carried and remembered years from now.

At Embleholics, we help organizations turn ideas into finished pieces that feel intentional, lasting, and worthy of the people receiving them.

If you’re ready to begin designing your next custom challenge coin, our team is ready to help.