Challenge Coin: Authentic or Original
Posted on September 3, 2008
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In challenge coin collecting, coins can be changed such as epoxy removed or colors redone as time goes by. By having these modifications done you are changing the original intent of the product. When a coin is made it should be viewed as an original piece that has the same characteristics as the rest of the batch. If you mint 100 pieces they should all look entirely the same to have the title Authentic and Original. I think these two words hold the most important aspect of a coin besides the last remaining one…mint (meaning condition).
These three factors are similar to the triangle of fire where you need a fuel source, ignition, and oxygen to have a fire. In order to have a great coin you need Authenticity, Originality, and Great Condition. Obviously there will be more factors then this, but without even one of those factors being present you won’t have a coin worth anything. So this should be a fine basis to start out with to understand the worth or character of a coin. So let’s break these thoughts down even further. Read more
The Challenge Coin Minting Equation
Posted on September 1, 2008
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A lot of factors play a vital role in getting a batch of custom coins minted for your unit, work center, or agency. We want to break down barriers when we choose mints. People don’t know the underlying factors and what are really behind them. People get wrapped up in thinking it’s one way when it’s really something different.
Lowest Price – Usually when people are shopping for a coin and especially in an economy like we are currently in people are looking for the best price possible. When you save a buck you could be holding quality back. In challenge coins the price never dictates quality. This is an old wise tale for the most part. It is extremely difficult to base an end result entirely on a price index. Just because you get a great deal or you pay through the nose does not mean you are going to get different results. The results come from the factory used in making coins.
Company Portfolio – A company’s reputation is hugely dependent on previous coins made. When you need examples of coins made you should look at any and all examples of coins that company has produced. The more coins that factory has made is a direct correlation in how good that company is. If they have a small portfolio then one of two things happened. The first is they are new and the second being maybe they weren’t good enough to get many orders. Read more
Challenge Coin Collector’s Unveil Themselves
Posted on August 27, 2008
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In an ever expanding hobby, challenge coins are becoming ever more enjoyable to collect. With new places to share and discuss the hobby there is no reason for anyone not to enjoy picking this up. Challenge Coin Collecting .org expanded this area even further by offering transcripts of the interviews with collectors done by Adam Mulholland, owner of U.S. Challenge Coins. Read more
Taking Challenge Coin Pictures
Posted on August 23, 2008
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Taking pictures of challenge coins, pins, or any other collectibles that are reflective or you have difficulty getting the detail out of your photographs is frustrating. Putting coins and pins into the scanner was many people’s idea of success for years. Some people just put a coin down on their table and shot away. Well I hope to help some photographers of coins out a little by talking about taking successful pictures. After three years of scanning, taking photos in my office, and even buying a professional lighting kit I had failed to make any dent on my skills of showing of my coin inventory. Read more
Challenge Coin Auctions
Posted on August 5, 2008
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Today eBay still reigns in the challenge coin market with retail websites a fast second. There has been up and down for listing numbers through 2008 though. A new challenge coin auction site has emerged though in the niche hobby. As sellers look to reach new buyers and find a place that has less fees than the king of auctions it has become a nice choice. The awareness factor is still relatively low but the word has been spreading like wildfire and the sales are coming for sellers. How is this site a good choice you might ask. Well let’s look at a couple ways it has potential. Read more
Challenge Coins Spread to Civilian Companies
Posted on April 13, 2008
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It’s been happening for a while but no one has put the effort to commend the practice of companies figuring out that challenge coins do bring morale up through the awarding of coins. Dixon Ticonderoga, the makers of those pencils we have come to know through the years of schooling made their first challenge coin ever. U.S. Challenge Coins picked up this challenge coin and ran with it. This great pencil producer has been around since the 1800’s and it took them over 200 years to get into the coin arena. They wanted traditional and thats what they got. Read more
Graduating from New Challenge Coin Collector
Posted on April 9, 2008
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Receiving your first coin is something special because it’s your entry in the blooming and vast hobby that many others are currently enjoying. You either decide to either pursue your new found collection in buying, trading, or earning more and more coins or you forget about it all and move on. If you are the one that wants more, you are in for a great ride. Every new coin will bring you new things in owning coins that represent places, jobs, people, and a whole lot more. However, one thing you will learn over time is that certain coins hold certain values. Read more