Wholesale Custom Metal Challenge Coin — Aged Brass Cthulhu-Themed Commemorative Medal with High-Relief Embossing, Blank Reverse for Custom Engraving, Promotional Gift & Collector Item
What Is This Metal Challenge Coin / Commemorative Medal?
This Metal Challenge Coin / Commemorative Medal is a custom die-struck piece crafted from high-quality metal with an aged brass (antiqued brass) finish. The front face features an intricate high-relief Cthulhu / Lovecraftian tentacled sea creature motif — a coiled, tentacled entity with deep embossed detail, surrounded by an ornate decorative border. The design is inspired by mythos-inspired fantasy art, making this coin a standout collectible for fans of cosmic horror, tabletop gaming, and occult-themed merchandise.
Each coin is double-sided with high-precision embossing: the front bears the full tentacled sea creature relief with decorative framing, while the reverse side is entirely flat and smooth (blank), providing a clean canvas for laser engraving, screen printing, or pad printing of custom logos, text, serial numbers, or QR codes. The aged brass finish gives the coin a vintage, museum-quality appearance that looks and feels like an ancient artifact recovered from the deep.
Key Specifications
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|
Diameter |
Customizable (typical: 40 mm / 1.57" or 50 mm / 1.97") |
|
Thickness |
~3–5 mm |
|
Material |
Zinc alloy (Zamak) / Brass |
|
Surface Finish |
Aged brass / antique brass (patina effect) |
|
Relief Type |
High-precision double-sided embossing |
|
Obverse (Front) |
High-relief Cthulhu / tentacled sea creature motif with ornate decorative border |
|
Reverse (Back) |
Flat, smooth blank surface — ready for custom engraving / printing |
|
Weight |
~30–50 g (depending on size and thickness) |
|
Plating / Coating |
Vintage antique patina lacquer coating |
|
Edge |
Smooth, polished edge — no sharp burrs |
Design Elements
Center motif: Intricate high-relief Cthulhu / tentacled sea creature — coiled tentacles, stylized head, and organic curves create a dynamic, menacing mythological presence
Outer border: Elaborate decorative frame with geometric and organic patterns — adds depth and frames the central design like an ancient talisman
Overall composition: Symmetrical layout with the creature centered in a circular field, tentacles radiating outward in a balanced, ornamental pattern
Surface texture: Aged brass patina effect — dark recessed areas contrast with lighter raised relief surfaces, giving the coin an antique, weathered appearance
Reverse side: Completely flat, mirror-smooth surface — no design, text, or markings. Purpose-made for custom branding (laser engraving, screen print, pad print)
Edge: Smooth rounded edge, no sharp burrs — comfortable to hold, stack, and carry in a pocket or coin capsule
Ideal Applications
Collector challenge coins — Limited edition Cthulhu / mythos coins for collectors of occult, horror, and Lovecraftian memorabilia
Tabletop gaming accessories — Dice & coin sets for Cthulhu-themed RPGs (Call of Cthulhu, Arkham Horror), Dungeons & Dragons sessions
Gaming & esports merchandise — Branded challenge coins for gaming conventions, esports tournaments, and streaming giveaways
Promotional gifts & giveaways — Metal challenge coins as high-perceived-value giveaway items at trade shows, corporate events, and brand activations
Custom branded corporate coins — Company logo engraved on blank reverse for employee recognition, service awards, or team-building tokens
Event commemorative medals — Custom artwork for Halloween events, horror conventions, comic-cons, Renaissance fairs, and fantasy-themed festivals
Retail & e-commerce merchandise — High-margin collectible items for gift shops, online stores specializing in occult, gothic, and horror products
Military / first responder tribute coins — Custom reverse engraving with unit insignia, badge numbers, or mission dates on the blank reverse side
What Materials Are Used in This Challenge Coin?
This challenge coin is made from die-cast zinc alloy (Zamak) or solid brass, finished with an aged antique patina lacquer coating. The base metal provides substantial weight and a solid, premium feel, while the antique patina finish gives each coin a unique, weathered appearance — similar to brass artifacts recovered from shipwrecks or archaeological sites.
Physical Properties
|
Property |
Zinc Alloy (Zamak) |
Solid Brass |
|
Density |
~6.6 g/cm³ |
~8.4 g/cm³ |
|
Hardness (Brinell) |
~90–110 HB |
~80–100 HB |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Good (with lacquer coating) |
Excellent (with lacquer coating) |
|
Finishes Available |
Aged brass, antique bronze, antique silver, gunmetal, copper, gold |
Aged brass, antique bronze, antique copper, polished gold |
|
Patina Durability |
2–5 years with proper care |
3–6 years with proper care |
|
Drop Test |
Survives 1.5 m drop onto hard floor |
Survives 1.5 m drop onto hard floor |
|
Die Detail Retention |
Excellent (sharp edges down to 0.2 mm) |
Excellent (sharp edges down to 0.2 mm) |
|
Operating Temp |
-20°C to +80°C (no degradation) |
-20°C to +80°C (no degradation) |
|
Shelf Life |
10+ years with proper storage |
15+ years with proper storage |
Durability Highlights
Solid die-cast construction — One-piece cast from zinc alloy or brass, no hollow sections or assembled parts. Solid throughout with substantial heft.
High-relief die-struck embossing — The Cthulhu design is struck into the metal under high pressure (up to 100 tons). The detail is part of the coin itself, not painted or printed, and will never wear off.
Aged patina lacquer — The antique finish is sealed with a clear lacquer topcoat. This protects the patina from rubbing off and stabilizes the aged appearance against further atmospheric tarnishing.
Flat blank reverse — The completely flat back surface provides an excellent substrate for engraving, printing, or even epoxy dome application.
Edge protection — The smooth rounded edge protects the coin from chipping during handling, stacking, and carrying in bulk containers.
We can customize every aspect of this metal challenge coin — from diameter and thickness to finish type, artwork design, reverse engraving, and packaging. Whether you want a limited-edition Cthulhu collector coin, a branded corporate challenge coin, or a completely new fantasy creature design, our factory can produce it to your exact specification.
1. Size & Thickness Options
|
Diameter |
Thickness |
Weight (est.) |
Best For |
|
25 mm (1.0") |
2–3 mm |
~12–18 g |
Keychain charm, small collectible |
|
32 mm (1.26") |
2.5–3.5 mm |
~18–25 g |
Standard challenge coin, lapel display |
|
40 mm (1.57") |
3–4 mm |
~28–38 g |
Popular challenge coin size |
|
45 mm (1.77") |
3.5–4.5 mm |
~35–48 g |
Premium collectible, award coin |
|
50 mm (1.97") |
4–5 mm |
~40–55 g |
Showpiece, high-perceived-value gift |
|
60 mm (2.36") |
4.5–6 mm |
~60–85 g |
Extra large display / presentation coin |
2. Available Metal & Finish Options
|
Finish Type |
Appearance |
Best For |
|
Aged brass (standard) |
Warm golden-brown with dark recessed patina |
Antique / vintage / Cthulhu theme |
|
Antique bronze |
Dark reddish-brown with copper undertones |
Rustic / medieval / fantasy coins |
|
Antique silver |
Silver-gray with black recessed areas |
Mystical / ethereal / Lovecraft theme |
|
Gold plate |
Bright polished gold surface |
Commemorative awards / premium giveaways |
|
Gunmetal |
Dark charcoal-gray with subtle sheen |
Tactical / military challenge coins |
|
Copper (unlacquered) |
Warm rose copper, will naturally patina |
Industrial / steampunk / natural aging |
|
Two-tone (antique + polish) |
Dark base with bright polished high points |
Stunning contrast, premium collectible |
3. Artwork Customization
|
Customization Type |
Method |
Best For |
|
Full custom design (front) |
Die-struck from new steel die |
Unique art, brand mascot, custom creature |
|
Modified stock Cthulhu design |
Modified existing die + new elements |
Faster turnaround, lower MOQ option |
|
Custom text on front |
Embossed or engraved lettering in design |
Event name, year, motto, brand name |
|
Blank reverse (standard) |
Flat polished surface, no design |
Laser engraving / screen printing by buyer |
|
Custom reverse engraving |
Laser engraved on flat surface |
Logo, serial number, QR code, text message |
|
Full custom reverse die |
Second steel die for back face |
Detailed artwork on both sides |
|
Edge lettering |
Engraved text around coin edge |
Serial numbers, secret messages, branding |
4. Reverse Side Customization (Blank Surface)
|
Method |
Detail Quality |
MOQ |
|
Laser engraving |
Fine detail, black/dark mark on metal |
No additional MOQ (die already made) |
|
Screen printing |
Color printing on flat surface |
200+ pieces |
|
Pad printing |
Multi-color printing on flat surface |
300+ pieces |
|
Epoxy dome (gel coating) |
Clear epoxy over printed logo |
300+ pieces |
|
Direct UV printing |
Full color photo-quality print |
500+ pieces |
5. Artwork Requirements & MOQ
|
Requirement |
Detail |
Notes |
|
Accepted file formats |
AI, EPS, CDR, PDF |
Vector artwork required for die making |
|
Relief height |
0.5–1.5 mm |
Higher relief = more dramatic depth |
|
Min detail line width |
0.2 mm |
For fine tentacle details and border art |
|
Die / mold creation time |
7–10 working days |
Steel die engraving + heat treatment |
|
Sample lead time |
10–14 working days |
Die making + strike sample + antique finish |
|
MOQ (custom die + design) |
100 pieces |
New die with custom artwork |
|
MOQ (stock Cthulhu die, custom finish) |
200 pieces |
Existing design, new finish/metal |
|
MOQ (stock design, custom reverse) |
100 pieces |
Custom laser engraving on blank reverse |
6. Packaging Customization
Bulk packaging: 50–100 pcs per polybag, packed in master carton (standard, no additional charge)
Individual coin capsule: Clear plastic protective capsule for each coin — +2 working days
Individual velvet pouch: Each coin in a soft drawstring pouch — +2 working days
Presentation box: Premium leatherette or velvet-covered coin display box — +5 working days
Display stand: Acrylic or wood stand for coin display on desk or shelf — +7 working days
Certificate of Authenticity card: Branded card with coin serial number and details — +3 working days
Packaging Options
|
Packaging Type |
Description |
Lead Time |
|
Standard polybag (bulk) |
50–100 pcs per bag, master carton |
Included |
|
Individual coin capsule |
Clear plastic capsule, scratch protection |
+2 working days |
|
Individual velvet pouch |
Soft velvet drawstring pouch |
+2 working days |
|
Presentation box |
Leatherette or velvet coin box |
+5 working days |
|
Display stand |
Acrylic or wood stand |
+7 working days |
|
Certificate card |
Branded card with coin details |
+3 working days |
|
Retail blister card |
Clear blister with hang display |
+5 working days |
Shipping Options & Delivery Estimates
|
Shipping Method |
Transit Time |
Best For |
Cost Level |
|
Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS/TNT) |
3–7 working days |
Samples, urgent reorders |
Higher |
|
Air freight |
5–10 working days |
Mid-size orders 50–200 kg |
Moderate |
|
Sea freight (LCL) |
20–35 working days |
Bulk wholesale orders |
Lowest |
|
Sea freight (FCL) |
20–35 working days |
Full container 20GP/40HQ |
Most econ/unit |
Lead Time Summary
Die/mold creation: 7–10 working days (steel engraving + hardening)
Sample order (custom die + design): 10–14 working days
Sample order (stock design, custom finish): 5–7 working days
Bulk order (100–500 pcs): 12–15 working days after sample confirmation
Bulk order (500–2,000 pcs): 15–20 working days
Bulk order (2,000–5,000 pcs): 20–25 working days
Bulk order (5,000+ pcs): 25–30 working days
1. What is the minimum order quantity for a custom metal challenge coin?
For a completely new custom design requiring a new steel die, the MOQ is 100 pieces per design. If you want to use our existing Cthulhu die but change the finish or metal type, the MOQ is 200 pieces. For stock design with custom laser engraving on the blank reverse, the MOQ is 100 pieces.
2. How long does a sample take?
For a new custom die design, the steel die engraving takes 7–10 working days, followed by sample striking and antique patina finishing in 3–5 working days. International shipping via DHL/FedEx takes 3–7 working days. Total from artwork approval to sample in hand: roughly 13–22 working days.
3. Can I customize only the back while keeping the Cthulhu front design?
Yes. The blank reverse side is designed specifically for customization. You can laser engrave a logo, QR code, serial number, or text message on the flat back surface. No additional die cost — just a laser programming fee. Perfect for corporate branding with a stock fantasy design on the front.
4. What is the difference between aged brass and antique bronze?
Aged brass has a warm golden-brown appearance with a slightly yellow undertone and dark recesses. Antique bronze has a darker, reddish-brown tone with copper undertones — giving a more rustic, archaeological feel. Both are sealed with a protective lacquer. We can provide samples of both finishes for comparison.
5. Can I get the coin in a different shape (not round)?
Yes. We can produce challenge coins in custom shapes: shield, crest, skull, tentacle silhouette, irregular organic outline, or fully custom contours. Custom shapes require an additional cutting die (+2–3 working days to mold creation).
6. Is the antique patina finish durable?
Yes. The patina is chemically induced and then sealed with a clear lacquer topcoat. Under normal handling and storage, the antique finish will remain stable for 2–5 years. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, abrasive cleaning, or contact with harsh chemicals. For maximum longevity, store coins in individual capsules.
7. Can I get a completely different fantasy creature design instead of Cthulhu?
Absolutely. We can create steel dies for any fantasy creature design — dragons, kraken, phoenixes, wolves, skulls, demons, angels, or original character art. Send us your vector artwork or reference sketches. Custom dies take 7–10 working days to engrave.
8. What sizes do you recommend for different use cases?
For challenge coin trading and pocket carry: 40 mm is the standard size. For gaming accessories (dice sets, coin tokens): 32–40 mm works well. For high-perceived-value giveaways: 45–50 mm feels substantial and premium. For display / presentation: 50–60 mm makes a showpiece statement.
9. What is the quality guarantee?
We offer a 6-month quality guarantee. If the coin shows material defects (metal cracking, patina peeling, die detail loss, edge chipping) within 6 months of delivery, we replace defective units free of charge.
10. Do you offer custom challenge coin sets (multiple designs)?
Yes. We can produce series sets with multiple coin designs — different Cthulhu variants, sequential numbered editions, or themed collections. Each unique design requires its own steel die (MOQ 100 pcs per design). Sets can be packaged together in a multi-slot display case.










