Gyro coins -- the next generation of challenge coin

The military challenge coin has evolved over the years.  The original coins were small, 1" - 1.25".  They rarely had paint -- most were simply brass coins without embellishment that tarnished and were worn from years in one's pockets.  Over time these cherished military mementos have become larger, added paint, textures and special edging.  Some have epoxy domes and 4 color process inserts.  A few years ago I saw my first spinning coin -- what a giant leap in coin design!  The center of the coin actually rotated around an iron pin in the coin.  I didn't think challenge coins could advance any more after that.  After all -- how much can you do with a thin round sphere?  You can see many of our coin designs on our website at https://www.celebrateexcellence.com/testimonials/


In 2012, we created a video that details all of the features, finishes, textures and metals we can use to create your special coin -- "Coin Design 101" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ICq-21400U&list=TLMGMjNDEx0i4 .  With over 700 views in the first 6 months alone, we soon realized that there was a new design option on the horizon.

Well -- get ready for the latest evolution of the challenge coin -- the gyro coin.  Gyro coins take the spinner coin concept to the next level.  To be honest, I was astounded the first time I held a gyro coin.  This is a coin so advanced, so unique -- my mind was racing at the ways we could use it!

A gyro coin consists of a coin that has one standard side.  The other side is a separate piece of die struck metal that sits on top of the coin, but has a rod running perpendicular to it and attaching it to the other coin piece below.  In this way, the top metal piece can spin, or rotate, like the face of a clock - 360 degrees.

Click here to view the short video:

Gyro coin video

The standard side of the coin can also have a small raised center area, called a nib, that allows you to use the coin like a spinning top.  In this way, you can spin the coin in one direction, and spin the top piece in the opposite direction.  That's where the name "GYRO" comes in.

Here are some designs we've made:

This coin was made for the National Security Administration for their Armed Forces week celebration in 2013.

This coin, made for Edwards AFB was designed with a top spinning piece, the QUALITY ASSURANCE shield, and a bottom piece that has their 412 Quality Assurance mascot.  http://www.edwards.af.mil/units/  The mascot (vulture's) tummy has a raised nib that serves as the piece where the coin can be spinned like a top.

"I received the coins on Saturday, the coins look awesome!" reports TSgt Nicholas Lage, 412 MXG, Edwards AFB, CA.  "This was a project for the QA Division at Edwards AFB that was several months in the making. I distributed the coins to the section and the response was unreal, the entire section is very pleased. Thank you to Tammany and her team for bringing this to life."

To see our complete line of challenge coins, please visit the website at www.celebrateexcellence.com

Tammany Williams, Owner

Fiesta medals

https://www.mo2vate.com/Fiesta_medals.htm

Fiesta medals are arriving for Fiesta 2013.  We are honored again this year to make the official San Antonio Spurs Fiesta medals!  Celebrating the Spurs' 40th Anniversary -- this year's medal is a large sneaker with the Spurs logo in gorgeous glitter!  Get yours today -- these will sell out! 

We also have some great medals we know you'll love!  Just in today:

Group O:

Rita Garcia's annual Fiesta medal:

and this year's medal for Mt Sacred Heart Academy:

New customer, Las Chiladas, has a marvelous medal!  I hear they have amazing breakfast tacos!

Come and see all of our Fiesta medals for 2013 and previous years' -- our showroom is at the corner of Jackson-Keller and Loop 410 at 2130 Jackson-Keller Rd.  Or call us at 210-979-6706.  Visit us on line at https://www.mo2vate.com

"I am a First Sergeant" statue now available

www.mo2vate.com

Welcome to our new blogger site: Challenge coin design

Welcome to our "Challenge coin design" blogger site!  This blog is created solely for the use of military personnel.   It is a resource for those creating a challenge coin.  The more you know about challenge coin manufacture and design, the more pleased you will be with the final product -- a coin that commemorates a significant event, proudly symbolizes your organization or celebrates excellence!

Many of our customers are first time coin purchasers.  They know little about the design or manufacture of coins.  While some have a good idea of how they want the finished product to look, many want to know all of their options.  That's what this blog is all about.  Informing the "novice" coin customers.

Now I'm a simple person.  I always say, "If I ask you what time it is, don't tell me how to build a watch"!  I am driven by the end result.  And you might be that kind of person, too.  You'll still learn some things from this blog -- even if you are about to have a coin made and you know exactly what you want the finished product to look like.  But, a good portion of our customers contact us and have only a vague idea of what they want.  They might know they want their squadron emblem on the coin or they might want the Dining Out date, etc. -- but they don't know much more than that.

So I'm here to answer your FAQ:

                         - what is the difference in a brass or zinc alloy coin?
                         - what finishes can I use on the coin?
                         - will epoxy doming protect it?
                         - what are my edging options?
                         - how do a 2-D and 3-D coin differ?
                         - can you use a sketch of what we want?
                         - what is vector artwork?
                         - can you make a coin that is shaped like a wrench?

I am going to post photos of unique coins.  Photos of cool coins.  Photos of simple and intricate coins.  Hopefully, you'll get some ideas on how to make your coin one the recipients will put on the front row of their coin holders!

I love challenge coins!  They are pieces of history.  If you are designing a coin -- remember, the recipients will look back on these over their lifetime and they will remember a moment in time.  And their families will cherish them as well.  My father was in the Navy in WWII.  I cherish every item he has given me from his time serving our nation -- photos, letters, items he carried with him while he was on the USS Bennington.  My father never had his own challenge coin -- but if he had, it would mean more to me than $20 gold coin he gave me.  It wouldn't be as valuable -- but it would be priceless. 

Remember -- you are designing something that will be priceless to someone some day.