Coin Factory Visit: How Promotional Coins Are Made

Why Businesses Invest in Promotional Coins?

Promotional coins aren’t just trinkets. They’re powerful branding tools with long-term impact. Unlike many giveaways that get tossed aside, coins carry weight, value, and meaning. Here’s why companies continue to invest in them.

The metallic finish, detailed engraving, and heft of a coin create an instant impression of quality. Recipients treat them less like a freebie and more like a collectible.

A promotional coin won’t wear out after a few uses. It can last decades on a desk, in a collection, or as part of an award set, keeping your brand visible year after year.

Coins often mark milestones, achievements, or memberships. When people receive one, it feels personal and symbolic, building loyalty toward your brand.

From employee recognition awards and trade show souvenirs to membership tokens and fundraising collectibles, coins adapt to multiple marketing strategies.

Because they last and are often displayed proudly, promotional coins generate repeated brand impressions, making them more cost-effective in the long run compared to many short-lived items.

When produced in a professional coin factory, these tokens become more than giveaways—they turn into lasting reminders of your company’s story and values.

Take a look at these custom commemorative coins we featured before:

Commemorative coins are created to mark major events and celebrate key milestones. They are long-lasting and bring significant value to any business or organisation. A strong example is the logo commemorative coins produced for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

This Australian Lunar Coin Series commemorative coin, sold in Macau, bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and the Year of the Rooster design on the other. These special, gilded, and silver commemorative coins are Australian legal tender, meaning they have value in Australia.

Below we see commemorative coins minted to celebrate the Shanghai World Expo & the opening of the new Shanghai-Beijing train service. Incredible promotional coins!

What’s Going on Inside a Coin Factory

Every promotional and/or commemorative coin undergoes a carefully structured journey within the coin factory. What begins as a simple sketch ends up as a finished product with weight, shine, and brand value. Understanding each stage helps you plan better, manage costs, and set realistic expectations.

Step 1: Initial Design & Artwork

The first stage is all about turning your idea into something that can be manufactured.

• Sketching & 3D Rendering – Designers create detailed artwork, ensuring logos and fonts translate clearly into metal.

• Size & Shape – Round is the most common, but a coin factory can produce almost any shape.

• Material Selection – Options include zinc alloy, brass, iron, or even precious metals.

• Plating Choices – Gold, antique bronze, silver, and black nickel are among the most requested finishes.

Step 2: Die Creation

This is where the coin begins to take physical form.

• Die Striking – A blank metal disk is pressed with a die under high pressure. This produces sharp, detailed impressions.

• Die Casting – Molten metal is poured into a mold shaped by the design. This allows more flexibility in custom shapes and cut-outs.

Both methods are standard in the coin factory, and the choice depends on budget, complexity, and required finish.

Step 3: Shaping & Edging

Once the base coin is formed, it’s trimmed and shaped precisely.

• Cutting – CNC machines or hand tools remove excess metal.

• Edge Options – Smooth, reeded (like currency), or custom engraved patterns.

A good coin factory ensures every edge is uniform, as even slight flaws can affect the final look.

Step 4: Polishing & Surface Prep

Before plating, coins go through multiple rounds of polishing. This removes burrs and imperfections, leaving a smooth surface ready for finishing.

At this stage, the factory also decides which areas of the coin will remain raised, recessed, or textured to add contrast.

Step 5: Plating

Plating defines the coin’s overall appearance.

• Standard Plating – Single-metal finishes like gold, silver, or copper.

• Antique Effects – Creates shadows that highlight small details.

• Dual Plating – Combines two finishes (e.g., gold with black nickel) for a premium look.

High-quality plating also protects the coin from tarnish and corrosion.

Step 6: Painting, Enameling & Drying

This is where color comes in. After plating, many promotional coins go through a detailed coloring stage inside the coin factory.

• Soft Enamel – Color fills recessed areas, leaving raised metal borders. This creates a textured finish.

• Hard Enamel (Cloisonné) – Colors are applied and polished to a smooth finish, adhering seamlessly to the coin surface, making it both durable and glossy.

• Screen or UV Printing – Used for intricate designs or gradients.

• Painting & Drying – For designs that require hand-painted detail, technicians apply enamel paint carefully, then cure the coins in a drying oven to harden the colors and prevent chipping.

This stage transforms plain metal into branded artwork that truly represents your company.

Step 7: Protective Coating

After coloring, coins are left to dry and may receive a protective epoxy coating. This transparent layer seals the design, adds shine, and protects against scratches.

A reliable coin factory ensures this step is done under controlled conditions to prevent dust or imperfections.

Step 8: Quality Control

Every batch undergoes strict inspection before leaving the factory:

• Weight & Size Checks – Ensuring consistency across units.

• Plating Quality – Checking for scratches or uneven finishes.

• Color Matching – Verifying brand Pantone shades are accurate.

• Durability Tests – Ensuring paint, enamel, and plating won’t peel or chip easily.

This is one of the biggest differences between a professional coin factory and a low-cost supplier.

Step 9: Packaging & Presentation 

The last step is presentation. Promotional coins often come in:

• Poly Bags – Cost-effective bulk packaging.

• Acrylic Cases – Transparent and protective.

• Velvet Boxes – Premium feel for corporate or commemorative coins.

• Custom-Printed Packaging – Extends branding beyond the coin itself.

Good packaging can enhance perceived value and make your coins more memorable.

Factors That Affect Coin Manufacturing Costs

When working with a coin factory, one of the first questions most businesses ask is: How much will it cost? The truth is, coin manufacturing prices can vary widely. Several factors play into the final cost per unit, and understanding them will help you plan your budget more effectively.

Here’s what drives the price of custom promotional coins:

1. Material Selection

The base metal has one of the biggest impacts on price.

• Zinc Alloy – Affordable, lightweight, and versatile. Ideal for most bulk promotional coins.

• Brass – Stronger and heavier than zinc, giving coins a more premium feel.

• Iron – Low-cost but prone to rust if not properly plated.

• Copper & Bronze – Traditional metals with rich color, often used for antique-style coins.

• Precious Metals (Silver, Gold) – Significantly raise costs but deliver unmatched prestige and perceived value.

Cost-saving tip: Choose zinc alloy or brass for marketing campaigns where volume is more important than luxury. Save precious metals for high-profile awards or VIP gifts.

2. Coin Size & Thickness

More metal means more cost.

• Standard Sizes (1.5–2 inches) – Most cost-effective for general use.

• Large Coins (2.5+ inches) – Heavier, more impactful, but pricier due to higher material and shipping costs.

• Thickness – Standard coins are about 3 mm thick; increasing thickness adds weight and cost but also enhances perceived quality.

Tip for marketers: Sometimes a slightly smaller coin with premium plating can look more valuable than a larger one made with budget finishes.

3. Plating & Finishes

Plating adds both visual appeal and durability.

• Single Plating – Gold, silver, copper, or black nickel.

• Antique Effects – Enhance details by adding depth and shadows.

• Dual Plating – Combines two finishes (e.g., gold + silver), but increases production complexity and cost.

Tip: Antique finishes can make even budget metals look premium without the added expense of dual plating.

4. Coloring & Enameling

Adding color is another cost factor.

• Soft Enamel – Budget-friendly, leaves textured surfaces.

• Hard Enamel (Cloisonné) – More durable and polished, but higher cost.

• Hand Painting or UV Printing – Used for complex or multi-color logos that require more labor and setup.

Tip: Limit the number of colors if you’re working with a tight budget. Using one or two bold colors with antique plating can still deliver a strong brand impact.

5. Order Quantity

As with most promotional products, volume reduces cost per unit.

• Low Volumes (100–300 coins) – Higher cost per piece due to setup, die creation, and limited economies of scale.

• Mid Volumes (500–1,000 coins) – More cost-efficient and common for marketing campaigns.

• High Volumes (5,000+ coins) – Best value per unit, though it requires a higher upfront investment.

Tip: If you expect to need coins for multiple events or campaigns, consider ordering in bulk to save on per-unit costs.

6. Packaging Choices

The way your coins are presented matters not only for branding but also for cost.

• Basic Options – Poly bags or simple pouches (low cost).

• Mid-Range – Acrylic cases or blister packs that showcase the coin while keeping it affordable.

• Premium – Velvet or wooden boxes that elevate presentation but add several dollars per coin.

Tip: Match packaging to purpose. Bulk giveaways don’t need luxury boxes, but awards or VIP tokens benefit from premium presentation.

7. Custom Add-Ons

Special features can increase costs but also elevate the coin’s uniqueness:

• Glow-in-the-dark enamel

• Cut-outs or 3D reliefs

• Sequential numbering (for limited editions)

• Laser engraving for personalization

Tip: Use custom add-ons strategically. Limited editions or numbered coins can justify higher unit costs by creating exclusivity.

How to Choose the Right Coin Factory

Not all factories are created equal. The right partner can elevate your promotional coins into premium brand assets, while the wrong one risks delays, poor quality, or wasted budget. Selecting a reliable coin factory is about more than just price—it’s about trust, consistency, and alignment with your brand standards.

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a supplier:

1. Industry Experience and Track Record

Look for a coin factory with years of proven expertise. Experienced manufacturers understand the technical challenges of die striking, plating, and enameling, and they’re more likely to anticipate issues before they become costly mistakes.

2. Range of Customization Options

A professional factory should offer flexibility in:

• Materials (zinc, brass, copper, precious metals)

• Sizes and thicknesses

• Plating options (gold, silver, antique, dual finishes)

• Color applications (soft enamel, hard enamel, UV printing)

• Packaging (from pouches to luxury boxes)

3. In-House Quality Control

Strict QC separates trustworthy coin factories from cheap, high-risk suppliers. Quality checks should cover:

• Weight and dimension consistency

• Plating and color accuracy

• Scratch resistance and durability tests

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask how QC is handled. A reputable factory will be transparent and willing to share its inspection process.

4. Communication and Support

Responsive communication is essential when managing production timelines. A factory that provides clear updates, proofs, and proactive problem-solving helps you avoid delays.

5. Compliance and Certifications

If you’re importing coins into regions with strict regulations, compliance matters. A reliable factory should meet international safety and material standards.

6. Scalability and Reorder Flexibility

Think long term. If you plan to reorder coins for annual events or expanding campaigns, choose a factory that stores dies and molds for future use. This saves both cost and lead time.

Tip: Ask if the factory offers discounted reorders since the die is already created.

7. Transparency in Pricing and Timelines

Hidden fees, unexpected charges, or vague lead times can derail projects. A trustworthy coin factory provides clear quotes upfront, including tooling, plating, packaging, and shipping.

Tip: Always request a detailed cost breakdown. This helps you compare suppliers fairly and plan your budget with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Promotional coins are far more than decorative giveaways—they are lasting symbols of recognition, loyalty, and brand identity. When produced in a professional coin factory, every detail—from design and plating to painting and packaging—contributes to a product that people want to keep, display, and treasure. That’s what makes them such powerful tools for marketers and business owners looking to create a long-term impression.

At ODM Group, we work closely with clients at every stage of coin production, from brainstorming and design to factory sourcing, quality control, and logistics. With years of experience in promotional products and direct relationships with trusted factories, we act as your dedicated buying office in Asia. That means you get transparency, reliable lead times, and custom coins tailored to your campaign goals.

If you’re ready to create promotional coins that carry prestige and leave a lasting mark, ODM can help turn your ideas into reality. Contact us today to get a detailed quote.

More of Our Promotional Product Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering custom promotional coins for your next campaign, you likely have some questions about the process, cost, and timelines. Here are the most common FAQs we hear from marketers and business owners when working with a coin factory:

What finishes and plating options are available?

Coin factories offer gold, silver, copper, black nickel, antique effects, and dual-plating. The choice of finish greatly influences the coin’s appearance and perceived value.

Do I need to provide my own artwork?

Supplying vector artwork (AI, EPS, or PDF) is ideal, but many factories can help refine logos or create production-ready designs for you. At ODM, we work with clients to make sure brand elements translate perfectly into coin form.

Can coins be made in custom shapes?

Yes. Die casting allows factories to produce almost any shape, from shields and stars to product silhouettes. Custom shapes do add tooling time and cost, but they can make your coins truly unique.

What finishes and plating options are available?

Coin factories offer gold, silver, copper, black nickel, antique effects, and dual-plating. The choice of finish greatly influences the coin’s appearance and perceived value.