Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about our custom designed, cast and
CNC-machined metal medallions.
What are your medallions made of? Every Minting Moments medallion is cast from real metal, not stamped from a die or printed onto a blank. We offer three metal options: Copper, Nordic Gold, and Silver .999 Fine.
What is "Nordic Gold"? Nordic Gold is the name of a copper-based alloy we cast with, not real gold. It's prized for its warm, gold-like color and durability. We always call it by its full name so there's never any confusion with actual gold.
What does "Silver .999 Fine" mean? ".999 Fine" is a purity designation meaning the silver is 99.9% pure, the same standard used for fine silver bullion. It's a real, verifiable purity claim, not just a color or finish name.
How is a Minting Moments medallion made? Each medallion starts as a hand-poured cast metal billet. We then CNC-mill the design into that billet through multiple precision passes, carving the full sculptural relief. Nothing is stamped, pressed, laser-etched onto a blank, or mass-produced. It's a hands-on hybrid of casting and machining.
How is that different from a "custom coin" I could order elsewhere? Most custom coins and medallions on the market are die-struck (pressed between two hardened dies) or laser-engraved onto a pre-made blank. Both processes are fast and cheap, but they cap the level of detail at a flat surface. Because we cast and then CNC-mill every piece individually, we can carve full three-dimensional relief, including photo-to-relief sculptural detail, that a struck or laser-etched piece simply can't achieve.
How deep is the relief on your medallions? Every design is carved to a fixed 3mm relief depth, giving each piece real dimensional depth you can see and feel.
Do you weigh every medallion? Yes. After machining, every medallion is individually weighed, and we calculate and cut a final precision pass to bring it to an exact target weight for its design. This is not something most medallion makers do. It's part of how we guarantee consistency and quality on every single piece.
What size are your medallions? Our standard custom medallion is 35mm in diameter, with a thickness of roughly 7-10mm depending on the metal (denser metals sit slightly thinner at the same weight target).
Can I order just one medallion? Yes. We have no minimum order quantity. Whether you need one medallion for a personal keepsake or several for a group, we're happy to make exactly what you need.
How much does a custom medallion cost? Pricing varies by metal. Copper and Nordic Gold pricing reflects our production costs, while Silver .999 Fine is priced based on the current market price of silver, so it can shift day to day. You'll see exact, up-to-date pricing on the listing or when we send your design invoice, so there's never any guesswork about what you're paying before you commit.
How does the custom design process work? After you place your order, message us with reference images, sketches, or a description of your idea. We'll work with you to finalize the design together. Once it's finalized, we send a separate design invoice, and paying that invoice is what confirms your approval and starts production.
Why is there a separate design invoice? Not every custom order needs one. It depends on the complexity of your design; more detailed or intricate designs take more time to model, refine, and approve before we can begin production, and that's when a separate design invoice comes in. For simpler designs, we may be able to move straight into production. Either way, we'll always confirm the final design and pricing with you before anything goes into production.
Can I add my own text, names, or dates? Yes, personalization is available in the form of hand punched letters, numbers, hyphen and period on the back of the medallion. Let us know what you'd like included, such as a name, date, or short message, when you send us your design ideas.
Do you work from photos or logos? Yes. For organic or freeform designs like portraits, pets, or artwork, we hand-sculpt a 3D model of your image before it's machined. For logos, letters, or geometric designs, we build an accurate 3D model as well, just with a more precise, CAD-style approach.
How long does it take to receive my medallion? Once production begins, processing typically takes 5-7 days before your piece ships. Custom design orders begin production only after the design invoice is paid, so total time also depends on how quickly we finalize your design together.
What finish do your medallions have? Every medallion is finished with a clear protective lacquer, which locks in the surface and prevents oxidation, so your piece keeps its finish over time.
Do you offer patina or an aged/antique finish? Not at this time. Every piece currently ships with our standard protective lacquer finish. Future options are always being considered though so make sure to check back regularly.
Can a medallion be turned into a necklace, keychain, or pin? Not currently. Our medallions are designed as standalone coins and keepsakes, not as mounted jewelry or wearable pieces. However your welcome to alter the piece however you wish once you receive it.
Why does Minting Moments only make cast, CNC-machined medallions? Because we believe in doing one thing exceptionally well rather than many things adequately. Every hour we spend refining our process goes into this single craft, not spread across unrelated product lines. It's how we're able to offer a level of detail and precision, like our fixed relief depth and weight-verified pieces, that broader manufacturers can't match.
Who makes my medallion? Minting Moments is a small, family-run, veteran-owned business. Every piece is cast and hand-finished by us, not mass-produced overseas or outsourced to a factory.