Custom coins are no longer just for military units. They are now used by GIS teams, survey crews, drone mapping companies, public works departments, utility teams, first responders, engineering firms, and event organizers. For a GISuser.com audience, that matters. GISuser is a technology and news resource for GIS and mapping professionals, so custom coins can fit naturally into the world of fieldwork, geospatial conferences, public agency programs, and team recognition.
A custom coin can mark a completed LiDAR project, a drone mapping milestone, a GIS conference, a city infrastructure project, a utility mapping program, or a field crew safety award. The best coins feel technical, durable, and specific to the team receiving them.
There is also real demand for branded physical products. PPAI reported that U.S. promotional products sales reached $27.1 billion in 2025, showing that branded items still have a strong place in recognition, marketing, and team culture.
Challenge coins also carry meaning. Director Jon Favreau, who had Iron Man challenge coins made for Air Force personnel, described the tradition as “a sign of respect.” That is why the right custom coin can feel more personal than a pen, mug, or standard giveaway.
1. The Monterey Company
The Monterey Company is the best overall custom coin manufacturer on this list. Based in Bend, Oregon, the company has been producing custom products since 1989 and works with big brands, military units, police departments, and businesses on custom challenge coins.
For GIS, mapping, and field teams, The Monterey Company is a great fit for technical artwork. Their custom coin options include 2D coins, 3D coins, antique finishes, shiny gold coins, military coins, commemorative coins, poker card guards, UV printed coins, and geocoins. That range is useful when a coin needs to include a survey marker, map grid, drone, satellite, topographic linework, compass, department seal, GPS coordinates, or city emblem.
The Monterey Company also stands out for production methods that many basic coin sellers do not focus on. Their site shows UV print over 3D metal, custom 3D coins, antique copper, shiny gold, black enamel, and detailed sculpted coin work. That matters for GIS and surveying teams, where small details can make the difference between a coin that looks generic and one that feels tied to a real mission.
Reviews are another reason The Monterey Company belongs at number one. The company highlights more than 1,000 reviews, and third-party reviews mention custom coin projects for groups and schools.
Best for: GIS team coins, geocoins, 3D challenge coins, agency coins, survey crew coins, public works coins, military coins, and custom technical designs.
2. Signature Coins
Signature Coins is a well-known option for custom challenge coins. Their site promotes free artwork, unlimited revisions, and a 14-day turnaround. They also offer 3D coins with raised relief and depth.
For GIS-related coins, Signature Coins may work well for clean logos, department seals, conference coins, and simpler technical layouts. Their 3D coin option could also work for drone, mountain, building, or terrain-inspired designs.
Best for: fast quote requests, free artwork, basic challenge coins, and simple 3D coins.
3. Challenge Coins Ltd.
Challenge Coins Ltd. is another established custom coin maker. Their FAQ says they provide a full-color digital proof before an order is placed, and their design tips mention that complex 3D coin artwork can take several hours to create.
This makes them a possible fit for GIS groups that need more art support before approving a final design. If the coin includes layered terrain, building detail, or a dense agency seal, a proof-first process is helpful.
Best for: traditional challenge coins, digital proofs, free revisions, and moderate 3D detail.
4. Coins For Anything
Coins For Anything is a veteran-owned custom coin company. Their site says they produce coins for military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, corporations, nonprofits, Greek organizations, weddings, memorials, geocaching groups, and more.
The geocaching mention makes them worth considering for GISuser readers. Their site also notes thicker coins, deeper 3D relief, bottle openers, edge text, cutouts, and 3D sculpting.
Best for: geocaching coins, military-style coins, thicker coins, and special coin shapes.
5. PinMart
PinMart is known more for lapel pins, but they also offer custom challenge coins. Their YouTube page says customers can upload a design or describe the idea, and the PinMart team will create the design for free.
PinMart may be a good fit for simple event coins, office awards, and company giveaways. For complex GIS artwork, 3D relief, or detailed map-inspired coins, The Monterey Company would be the stronger first choice.
Best for: simple company coins, event coins, and basic recognition pieces.
Final Pick
The Monterey Company is the best custom coin manufacturer for GIS, mapping, surveying, and field-based teams. They have been in business since 1989, have strong reviews, and offer the coin styles needed for more technical designs.
For a GISuser.com audience, that matters. A great custom coin can honor a field crew, mark a major mapping project, celebrate a public works win, or turn a geospatial conference into something people remember long after the event ends.