Custom Soft Enamel Coins: Design and Ordering Guide
By Foam Brain Games - Plastic and Metal RPG Dice, Enamel Pins, and | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Buying Guides
A practical guide to designing and ordering custom soft enamel coins for RPG groups, events, and bulk orders, with clear decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick answer
Choose custom soft enamel coins when you want a textured, handmade look at a lower cost than hard enamel, and order in bulk if you need more than a handful for your group or event. For a single commemorative piece, soft enamel still works but expect a more traditional feel.
Soft enamel vs hard enamel: what changes at the table
Soft enamel coins have recessed enamel areas, which gives them a slightly uneven, tactile surface. That texture is often described as more traditional and handmade, and it can make the coin feel less formal than a smooth hard enamel piece. For RPG groups, this matters if the coin will be handled frequently during play—soft enamel can collect dirt in the recesses over time, so occasional cleaning is wise. Hard enamel is flatter and more scratch-resistant, but it typically costs more. If your priority is a distinctive, artistic token that feels good in the hand and fits a budget, soft enamel is a strong choice. If you need a perfectly smooth, glass-like finish for a premium award, consider hard enamel instead.
Design choices that affect cost and durability
The number of enamel colors, the size of the coin, and the quantity you order all influence the final price. Soft enamel allows for fine lines and small text, but very thin lines may fill unevenly. Keep critical text at least 1.5 mm thick and avoid tiny details that could clog. Also consider the metal finish: antique finishes can hide wear, while bright finishes show scratches more readily. Because soft enamel is recessed, the metal ridges between colors are raised; this means your design should account for a slight outline effect around each color area. If you need precise color matching, request a physical sample before committing to a large bulk order.
Ordering in bulk: timing and minimums
Bulk orders lower the per-coin price, but they also increase the cost of a mistake. Before you order hundreds of coins for a convention or campaign, approve a physical sample or a digital proof. Production and shipping timelines vary by quantity and destination, so plan at least several weeks for large orders—especially if you need them by a specific event date. The product page for Custom Soft Enamel Coins lists size and quantity as available options; check those selections early because size changes can affect both price and design legibility. If you are ordering for a group, collect commitments and payment before placing the bulk order to avoid leftover stock.
Decision rules for ordering soft enamel coins
- When to choose soft enamel over hard enamel: Pick soft enamel if you want a textured, traditional look and a lower price per coin. Choose hard enamel if you need a smooth, scratch-resistant surface for a premium award or heavy daily handling. If the coin will be handled constantly, factor in cleaning and wear.
- How to set quantity for an RPG group: Order one coin per player plus a few spares for the game master and replacements. For events, estimate attendance and add 10–15% overage. Bulk pricing typically kicks in at higher quantities, so gather commitments before ordering. Collect payment before placing a bulk order to avoid leftover stock.
- What to check before approving a design: Confirm that all text is at least 1.5 mm thick, that colors are separated by metal ridges, and that the design reads well at the chosen size. Request a physical sample for orders over 100 coins or when color accuracy is critical. A sample now prevents a costly reprint later.
- How to plan for deadlines: Work backward from your event date. Allow time for design proofing, sample approval, production, and shipping. For large bulk orders, start at least 6–8 weeks ahead; for smaller orders, 3–4 weeks is often enough, but confirm current lead times with the store. Ask for a production timeline before you pay.
Product facts
- Custom Soft Enamel Coins: Custom Soft Enamel Coins offer a traditional, handmade feel and are positioned as an affordable alternative to hard enamel. This makes them a good fit for commemorative tokens and promotional giveaways where character matters more than a flawless surface.
Custom Soft Enamel Coins
Is this right for you?
Best for
- RPG groups wanting custom coins as tokens or commemorative pieces
- Event organizers ordering promotional giveaways in bulk
- Buyers who prefer a textured, handmade look over a glossy finish
Not for
- Buyers who need a perfectly smooth, glass-like surface
- Orders requiring extremely fine text or tiny details
- Anyone who cannot wait for sample approval and production time
