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NoDak Creations · Challenge Coins

A story people can hold.

A thank-you someone can hold onto. A place worth remembering. A milestone worth marking. Tell us the story behind your coin, and we’ll help turn it into a commemorative piece with meaning.

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North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame commemorative coin displayed upright

A small coin. A meaningful connection.

The story behind the challenge coin.

A coin can say, “You were part of this.” That sense of belonging is what makes the tradition worth carrying forward.

The aviation legend

One familiar story traces the tradition to a World War I flying unit. A pilot reportedly escaped captivity and used a squadron medallion to help establish his identity with French soldiers. The story became associated with carrying a unit coin—but it is a legend, not a verified account of the first challenge coin.

History isn’t quite that tidy

Although Air Force publications tell the aviation story, the origin remains disputed. A 2017 DOD News review found no written records establishing the beginning and described other accounts involving Army units. We wouldn’t credit any one service with a proven invention.

Recognition you can hold onto

Military coins represent units, recognize service, and commemorate events. The “challenge” also connects to coin checks, when members are asked to show their coin. Beyond that tradition, a commemorative piece can mark a community milestone or offer a personal thank-you.

For your own coin, start with the people and the story. Who is it for, and what would you like them to remember?

History sources: DOD News: The Challenge Coin Tradition · Holloman Air Force Base: A History Built on a Legend

Find your starting point

What would you like to make?

Organizations and public service

Recognition and commemorative projects for businesses, clubs, fire departments, public safety and veteran organizations.

Ask about this

Events and milestones

Coins created around anniversaries, awards, gatherings, memorials and moments worth remembering.

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Groups and collectors

Distinctive pieces for teams, member groups, special projects and collectible series.

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Medora commemorative coin shown in a small display stand
Medora artwork from the Cowboy Hall of Fame coin project.

A North Dakota story

A sense of place, made tangible.

Our North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame project used full-color imagery to bring familiar subjects into commemorative pieces. Explore the collection to see the direction, then tell us what your own coin should represent.

Read the project story

See the details

A little closer to the finished piece.

Select a photo to see a larger view in a new tab.

Full-color American bison commemorative coin on a stand View larger

The American bison

One of the designs in the Cowboy Hall of Fame project.

Cowboy Hall of Fame building pictured on a commemorative coin View larger

A familiar North Dakota landmark

Architecture and lettering brought together in a commemorative piece.

Made for the way you’ll use it

Start with the story on each side.

A coin has a small canvas and a clear purpose: recognize someone, represent a group, or remember a place and moment. We help organize the artwork around what matters most.

Recognize a person or a milestone

Start with who is receiving the coin and why. A name, date, emblem, and short message usually need a clear priority so the important details remain readable at the finished size.

Commemorate a place or event

Landmarks, group identities, and meaningful images can become collectible keepsakes. Bring the story and the artwork you have permission to use; we’ll discuss how it can be arranged on the available format.

Plan both sides together

The front can introduce the subject while the back carries a message or supporting details. Confirm exact wording, orientation, and the intended finish. Our full-color printed examples should not be mistaken for die-struck or enamel construction.

From “what if” to “let’s do it”

A meaningful coin starts with a few good details.

These are things we can work through together—not a checklist you have to finish before contacting us.

  1. The purpose

    Who is it for? What are you recognizing or commemorating? A few sentences about the occasion help shape the design.

  2. The must-haves

    Names, dates, emblems, wording, and front/back ideas give us a starting point. We’ll discuss what can read clearly at the proposed size.

  3. The production plan

    Quantity, timing, and the desired look help us confirm available options. We’ll agree on artwork and specifications before production.

Start with what you know

A few useful answers

Before we
get started.

Something else on your mind?
Let’s talk ↗

Where do we start?

Tell us what you have in mind, the approximate quantity, and your desired date. A sketch or reference can help us understand the result.

Will I see the details before production?

We’ll confirm the proposed materials, artwork, pricing, and timing with you before work goes into production.

Are these traditional die-struck coins?

The examples shown here include full-color printed commemorative coins. Do not assume a traditional die-struck or enamel construction from the word “coin.” Tell us the finish you want and we’ll confirm what we can offer.

Can the two sides have different designs?

Bring your ideas for both sides. We’ll review the available coin format, artwork area, and production options before confirming the design.

Can you help if I only have a rough concept?

Yes. Start with the occasion and the wording or imagery that matters. We’ll discuss design preparation and any associated cost before proceeding.

What information helps you quote a coin?

Approximate quantity, needed date, front and back ideas, and the finish you have in mind are useful. We’ll confirm available sizes, construction, artwork preparation, and any display or packaging options separately.

Is a display stand included?

Do not assume display accessories shown in a photograph are included. Tell us how the coins will be presented or given out, and we’ll identify exactly what is included in your quote.

Hometown roots. Personal help.

Tell us what you’re working on.
Let’s find a solution together.

You don’t need all the answers before saying hello. Bring the idea, the question, or the thing that isn’t quite working. We’ll talk through what’s possible and what makes sense for you.

Let’s talk about it