Be honest, does this sound familiar? You land yourself a stunning challenge coin, marvel at its design… and then stash it away in a shoe box because you don’t know what to do with it.
If you're proud of your challenge coin but don't know how to display it, you’re not alone.
Many people struggle with this issue, causing their coins to be tucked away and forgotten.
It's time to change that!
At Badges And Medals, we’ve crafted tens of thousands of custom challenge coins. We know how much your coin means to you and how a display can help showcase its significance.
In this article, you will learn the best ways to exhibit your challenge coins, whether it's one coin or a whole collection. But first, let's look at what you need to consider when choosing a display.
Important factors to consider
A few important factors can significantly impact which display option you choose:
- The size of your collection:
- Where you want to display your coins:
- Whether you need security or safety:
- Whether you want easy access:
- Whether you plan to transport the coins:
- Your budget:
Finally, think about your budget. Display options range from affordable stands to more elaborate custom cases. Choose one that fits your budget while still meeting your needs for protection and presentation.
Best challenge coin holders for single coins
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Challenge coin capsule
Coin capsules are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to display a challenge coin. They're designed to be just a bit bigger than your coin which means they fit comfortably in most wallets. This makes them a great choice if you want to keep your challenge coin on you wherever you go.
What’s great about coin capsules is the protection they offer. They completely cover your coin, shielding it from scratches, dents, and other damage that can happen when you carry it around.
Some capsules even come with a foam cushion to prevent your coin from shifting, but it can make it hard to see one of the sides. It's also important to keep in mind that most capsules are round and are built for 50mm or 70mm challenge coins because they're the most popular sizes. So, if your coin is a custom size or shape, these capsules might not be for you.
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Custom challenge coin box
If you're looking for a luxurious way to show off your coin, then custom boxes are the way to go.
The most popular box types are wood, velvet or vegan leather, lined with satin or velvet.
Each one can be tailored to your taste, which is why they're considered "custom". For example, at Badges And Medals, you can change the colour of your box, include your logo on its lid, or add an engraved plaque underneath the coin. We can also customise the coin slot to match the exact shape and size of your coin. It's no wonder custom boxes are one of the most luxurious displays!
There is a small downside, though. Because the coin lies flat in the box, it can be hard to see unless it’s below your eye level, so you might need to place the box on a lower shelf.
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Challenge coin stand
Next up are challenge coin stands.
Coin stands look great anywhere, whether on your office desk or a shelf at home. They're usually made of plastic, but can also come in wood or metal if you're after something sturdier.
There are two main reasons to buy a stand.
The first is if you like to handle your coin often. Since the coin isn’t enclosed, you can easily pick it up and appreciate it whenever you want. The second is if your challenge coin is a custom size or shape. Because of how most coin stands are built, they fit most coin sizes and shapes.
However, the downside is that most coin stands only show off one side of the coin. On top of that, they're not very secure, so you need to be careful not to knock them over. But, despite these minor drawbacks, coin stands are still a popular and stylish way to display your challenge coin.
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Floating challenge coin display
Don't be surprised if you've never heard of floating coin displays! They're a bit of a hidden gem. They're essentially a plastic container that holds your coin upright, making it look like it’s “floating” in mid-air. This lets you see both sides of the coin without opening the display.
This is perfect for anyone wanting to keep their coin in mint condition while still being able to admire all of its details. It’s also great if you prefer a more understated display - most floating coin displays are quite minimalist. This means the spotlight stays on your challenge coin, not the display.
Best challenge coin holders for multiple coins
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Floating challenge coin display
So, you've already learned that floating coin displays are fantastic for showing off a single challenge coin. But did you know they can also be used for multiple coins? Yes, that's right.
However, they max out at about five challenge coins, so consider them your go-to for highlighting a select few, rather than your whole collection. For example, if you have a series of coins with a similar theme, such as firefighter challenge coins, then this is the display for you.
If you've got a larger collection, you might want to explore other options.
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Challenge coin wall display
Imagine a spice rack, but instead of shelves of oregano and basil, it’s showcasing your custom challenge coins. Pretty neat, right? That's the beauty of a custom challenge coin wall rack.
Most are made of wood, but that's where their similarities end. Challenge coin wall racks come in several shapes and sizes, making them one of the most diverse display options. For example, some businesses make wall racks shaped like the American flag, with each stripe doubling as a shelf. Other racks come with built-in lighting to highlight the details of your coins.
In short, wall racks have something for everyone.
Keep in mind that once you run out of space on your wall rack, you'll need to get another one. This can sometimes mess with the aesthetic you're going for, like if you end up with two similar racks side by side. To avoid this, consider buying a larger rack or one you can expand.
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Challenge coin display case
When it comes to displaying your challenge coins, enclosed display cases tick all the boxes. They're large, secure, and sophisticated-looking, making them an all-in-one solution for serious collectors.
These cases can get pretty big, with some holding 88 coins.
Most come with hangers on the back, so you can easily mount them on a wall. Plus, almost all cases come with adjustable shelves, allowing you to customise the display so it looks just right.
Several display cases come with extra features that make them even more practical. The most popular of these is lockable doors. This protects your coins from dust, damage, and even children who might mistake your coins for candy. Some models also have UV protection glass – a game-changer if your display will get a lot of sunlight, as this prevents your coins from fading.
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Challenge coin display stand
Last but not least are display stands.
A display stand is essentially a block of wood with grooves in it. The wood is designed to slant or go up in layers, like steps, so that you see multiple coins at once. One of the best things about display stands is that they leave your challenge coins open for people to pick up. It’s a hands-on approach that will impress your guests and lets you share the stories behind each coin.
However, there's a trade-off. It can sometimes be tricky to see each challenge coin because the stand’s slanted or layered design means your coins will overlap.
Despite this, when it comes to size, display stands are the most flexible display option. You’ll find racks that hold anywhere from 12 coins to 288. (Most stands fit coins of all shapes and sizes.)
Another great thing about display stands is that they look amazing next to each other. So, if you fill up one rack, no worries! Just get another and keep your collection going without missing a beat.
If you're handy with the tools, you'll be happy to know that this is an easy DIY project.
Did you find what you were looking for?
Here at Badges And Medals, we get it. We know how proud you are of your challenge coins, and that’s why we’ve shared various ways to display them. We hope this guide has given you the direction to pick a display that truly captures their significance.
Do you have questions or concerns about displaying your challenge coins? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to us today for more advice!