Challenge coin collecting has gotten complicated with all the knockoffs and cheap display options flying around. As someone who’s spent years collecting military coins and helping fellow veterans display their collections properly, I learned everything there is to know about finding cases that actually do your coins justice. Today, I will share it all with you.
Challenge coins represent more than metal – they’re tangible connections to units, missions, and relationships forged in service. Displaying them properly honors that significance.
What Makes a Quality Display Case
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. A good display case does three things: protects your coins from damage and dust, presents them attractively, and makes individual coins accessible when you want to handle them or show them off. Cheap cases fail at least one of these requirements – usually all three.
Material quality matters. Solid wood cases with glass or acrylic fronts outlast particle board construction by decades. The felt or velvet lining should be thick enough to cushion coins and prevent scratching. Hardware should be sturdy – hinges that wobble or clasps that won’t stay closed defeat the purpose of protection.
Wall-Mounted vs. Tabletop Options
Wall-mounted cases save space and create impressive displays, but require commitment to a location. Tabletop cases offer flexibility – you can move them, take them to reunions, or adjust your display area as your collection grows. Many serious collectors have both: wall-mounted cases for their primary display and tabletop cases for overflow or themed sub-collections.
Capacity Considerations
That’s what makes planning ahead so important. Your collection will grow. A case that perfectly fits your current 30 coins becomes inadequate when you add another dozen. Buy more capacity than you currently need – you’ll fill it. Cases designed for 50-100 coins give you room to grow while maintaining visual appeal.
Customization Options
Some collectors want cases with engraved nameplates, branch emblems, or specific row configurations. Custom options cost more but create displays uniquely suited to your collection and service history. If you’re displaying coins from a specific unit or period, customization can add meaningful context.
The right display case transforms a drawer full of coins into a conversation piece that honors your service and the people who presented those coins to you. Take time choosing one that matches both your collection and your display space.
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