homemade geocoins

[lhiver]

how can i create my own geocoins, without using a manufacturer / designer... or going through the standard routes for producing geocoins?

 

in other words, i have two silver medals from a soccer tournament, and i'd like to etch trackable codes into them, and use them as geocoins.

 

i just need to know how to create the tracking codes so i can etch them into the medals.

[+Steinwälzer]

If you don't care about an coin icon and just want to make it trackable, the easiest way to get a tracking number would be to buy Travel Bug Tags and use their numbers. As far as I know it is not possible to get just two tracking numbers for coins...

[+Eartha]

That's the only way. You can't get tracking number for a small number. They are sold in big batches. But you can buy couple of TB tags and set them out. You'll get two tags with each tracking number, one is a copy in case it gets lost out there. Are you sure you would risk sending out something with that much sentinmental value (unless you don't care)? And are they real silver?

[+Droo]

As Eartha wrote beware of dropping valuable swag in the woods, someone may just take it.... well, not in so many words.

 

Another idea is to attach the TB tags to the coin so it's obviously a traveller and include an small laminated tag with its mission and description.

[lhiver]

That's the only way. You can't get tracking number for a small number. They are sold in big batches. But you can buy couple of TB tags and set them out. You'll get two tags with each tracking number, one is a copy in case it gets lost out there. Are you sure you would risk sending out something with that much sentinmental value (unless you don't care)? And are they real silver?

 

no they are not real silver. they are not valuable to me, i just wanted to etch tracking numbers into them and see how it goes.

[+Lotho]

Im afraid you cant. You can only purchase coin numbers in batches of 250 i think.

[+Eartha]

That's the only way. You can't get tracking number for a small number. They are sold in big batches. But you can buy couple of TB tags and set them out. You'll get two tags with each tracking number, one is a copy in case it gets lost out there. Are you sure you would risk sending out something with that much sentinmental value (unless you don't care)? And are they real silver?

 

no they are not real silver. they are not valuable to me, i just wanted to etch tracking numbers into them and see how it goes.

 

So, what you will be doing is releasing a travel bug, it will not be considered a geocoin.

[+tiki]

If you have access to a ceramics studio (school, club, etc.) you can make some really neat trackables out of clay. I've pressed travel bug numbers into some clay tiles I made and sent them out in caches. The clay is very durable, inexpensive, and fun!

 

http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=650262

[+Korfus & Son]

Im afraid you cant. You can only purchase coin numbers in batches of 250 i think.

 

Which is really "dirty" on the part of CG / GS. They should let members have a certain amount of numbers per year to send out their own geocoins. Say, join as premium member, get 2 tracking numbers for making your own geocoins. This is not fair to people that are on fixed incomes and can't afford 250 tracking #'s at once, how would one even get the tracking #'s in bulk, I have searched for a month now and found nothing but this and a few other threads?

If someone knows how to and how much a minimum batch of geocoin #'s cost and how to order them, PLEASE reply or PM me!

 

Thanks

[+Eartha]

From the pinned Groundspeak Geocoin Policy thread at the top of these forums:

Groundspeak Geocoin Policy

As of 3-4-09

Design Considerations:

1. The final design of each geocoin must be approved by Groundspeak prior to production. Designs must be family friendly and may not include modified versions of the geocaching.com logo.

 

2. Use of the geocaching.com logo is not required. However, if you wish to use the geocaching.com logo, the ‘circle r’ trademark symbol must appear as part of the logo.

 

3. All trackable coins must bear the text, “Trackable on Geocaching.com" or “Track on Geocaching.com”

 

Order Details:

1. Generally, Personal Geocoin codes will begin with “PC” prefix and will be named “Personal Geocoin”

 

2. If 50 codes or more are ordered, a custom name may be requested.

 

3. If 50 codes or more are ordered, a custom icon may be ordered (details below).

 

3. If 50 codes or more are ordered for a geocaching event, a custom name may be requested, a custom icon may be ordered and the “EV” prefix may be requested.

 

4. If 1,000 codes or more are ordered, a custom name may be requested, a custom icon may be ordered and a custom prefix may be requested.

 

5. A custom activation code may be requested for any series of 100 coins or more. The activation code must be the same for all coins in the series.

 

Custom Coin Icons:

1. Available for Geocaching organizations, associations, commercial coin groups and Personal Coins.

 

2. The cost for a custom icon to be associated with your coins is a one time fee of $150. The icon design will need to be supplied to us in GIF format (non-animated) in the following pixel sizes: 16x16 and 32x32

 

3. All icon submissions must be the property of the owner or used with the owners permission.

 

4. 50 code minimum order.

 

Custom Code Series:

1. Following the first order of 1,000 codes for a custom prefix series, future orders for the same custom prefix with a new icon only require a 100 code minimum.

 

Cost and Details:

1. The cost per tracking number is US$1.50 and can be paid via paypal or credit card.

 

2. There is a 50 code minimum purchase required (although custom prefixes require a 1,000 code minimum order).

 

3. Note that some of the coin manufacturers listed below have purchased blocks of PC and EV codes for resale in smaller quantities. These numbers may be split between coins but each individual coin design must be approved prior to production. (Special Note as of September 2008: it seems that most, if not all, of the geocoin manufacturers are no longer reselling smaller batches of codes. If we hear of any of them who are, I will include their info here). (Special Note as of March 2009: Geocoins.net is selling smaller batches of tracking codes with the GN prefix.)

 

4. Codes with corresponding activation codes will be emailed in a txt file although an excel file may also be requested.

 

5. It generally takes 5-10 days to process the coin tracking number order.

 

[Team CJ3]

I think some manufacturers sell smaller batches of trackable codes, but note they want to make a profit

[+sheltiedogshowlover]

http://www.mypersonalgeocoin.de/

 

This company let's you make coins on an individual basis for a reasonable fee.

 

This is one coin (not a great photo) that I had made through them.. and I love it! I also had someone make me one for a mission that I also love!!