Customising the edge of your challenge coin is a great way to make it stand out!
Are you wondering how to make your challenge coin truly stand out?
The right edge design can make all the difference.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which coin edge is the best fit for your challenge coin. That's where we come in.
At Badges And Medals, we understand how important it is to get every detail just right. We've spent over five decades mastering the art of challenge coin making and know which edges are constantly in demand.
In this article, we will share the most popular challenge coin edge types with you and explain why they remain top choices. By looking at what's worked for others, you can fast-forward to a solution that works for you. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of which edge design to pick!
Best Challenge Coin Edges Of All Time:
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The plain edge
A plain edge is the simplest edge type for a challenge coin. It gives the coin a clean and minimalist look. Its simplicity can be appealing, especially if you want people's focus to be on the coin's face. It's also great if you're on a budget or thinking of ordering a lot of challenge coins because it requires less work than other edge types.
However, choosing a plain edge might rob your coin of its full potential because it doesn't add memorability. If you're looking to create a coin that stands out not just for its design, picking a more ornate edge might be a better idea.
Best for:
- Those wanting a minimalist look
- Those wanting people to focus on the coin's main design.
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The oblique edge
'Oblique' is just a fancy way of saying 'slanted'. So, to put it simply, an oblique edge adds slanted cuts to the challenge coin's perimeter. It's one of the most popular edge types, along with plain and cross-cut edges.
There are several reasons for this. On one hand, the slanted lines trick the brain into thinking the edge is moving, creating a sense of energy and direction that makes the challenge coin more stimulating. On the other hand, the edge is not so eye-catching that it distracts from the main design.
Best for:
- Those wanting an interesting edge that's not too distracting.
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The cross-cut edge
A cross-cut edge features intersecting lines that create a diamond pattern around the coin. This edge helps your coin stand out by reflecting light in interesting ways, catching the eye, and adding a touch of sophistication.
The raised diamonds also add a tactile element that makes the coin more engaging because people can interact with it using their eyes and hands.
But there are a few things to consider before you choose this edge.
Firstly, some folks might find a cross-cut edge too rough for their fingers. Secondly, the diamonds might wear down over time if the challenge coin is touched regularly. We don't just mean your fingers; keeping your challenge coin in your wallet could have the same effect, for example. As a result, the design might look less impressive after several years.
Best for:
- Those wanting a more tactile edge.
- Those looking for something bright and flashy.
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The rope edge
This edge looks like a twisted rope. It is one of the few edges that varies in look depending on the supplier you choose, from slim and delicate to thick and pronounced. This flexibility allows you to match the edge to the design or purpose of your coin. For example, a thicker rope edge might help you convey strength and durability, like in the picture below. This edge adds a distinct outdoorsy flair to your coin, making it perfect for nature and nautical themes, like scout groups or navy units.
Best for:
- Those with a nature or nautical theme.
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The flat wave edge (aka the bezel edge)
A flat wave edge looks like the name suggests: short, flat waves. It's sometimes called a bezel edge because it surrounds the face of the coin, much like the bezel on a wristwatch. It's so subtle that you might not notice the edge when you look at the coin straight on. But once you do, you'll notice it provides a soft shimmer that catches the eye without overwhelming the main design. If you're aiming for a timeless and elegant appearance, a flat wave edge is a great choice. Its understated elegance makes it suitable for a variety of designs.
Best for:
- Those wanting a timeless, understated look.
- Those wanting an interesting edge that's not too distracting.
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The curve wave edge (aka the petal edge or the scalloped edge)
The curve wave edge - also called the 'scalloped edge' or 'petal edge' - adds a unique touch to your challenge coin. Unlike the flat wave edge, whose cuts are at a 90-degree angle to the coin, the curve wave edge has cuts made at a 45-degree angle. This creates a smooth pattern.
People think this pattern looks several different things, hence why this edge type goes by so many different names. Some people call it the 'scalloped edge' because it looks like a scallop shell. We at Badges And Medals call it the 'curve wave' because we think it looks like ocean waves, while others call it the 'petal edge' as it looks like flower petals.
But no matter what you call it, the wavy pattern will reflect light from various angles, making your coin shimmer and stand out.
Best for:
- Those wanting an interesting edge that's not too distracting.
Want more unique challenge coin edges?
At Badges And Medals, we know choosing the right edge design can make all the difference for your challenge coin. With over five decades of experience, we've seen first-hand how the perfect edge can transform a coin's look and feel. Now that you know about the most popular edge types, you can better decide which one is best for your coin.
But why stop here? If you're craving even more unique and less common edge designs, we have something exciting for you. Dive into our article, 'Most Unique Challenge Coin Edges, Revealed,' and discover one-of-a-kind edges. Your perfect coin is just an edge away!