How to create a geocoin for a game or event?

[CacheNCarryMA]

I am completely unfamiliar with the intricacies of minting geocoins, and I'm looking to the collective wisdom of all you coinheads.

 

I'd like to know the specifics of creating a geocoin for a game/event.

 

How much does it cost? What are the "up front" costs? Is there a way to reduce the up-front costs? What's the best way to handle distribution? What's the best way to handle "special" distribution (awarding/selling coins to "winners")?

 

Can anyone recommend a geocacher and or coin company who might like to handle minting and/or distribution of this particular game/event coin?

 

If this topic has already been discussed, please Markwell me. I searched, but didn't find anything relevant.

Edited September 23, 2008 by CacheNCarryMA

[avroair]

Did ya get my last email?

[+K7CJS]

Did ya get my last email?

 

I know I would like to know the answer and am pretty sure others would, too. Could you please post your answer? Thanks!!

[+River Cacher]

We just held an event and had a Geocoin made and it came with an event icon.

I had great luck with getting the coin made and customer service was outstanding.

The event was Black Canyon Beach Luau GC1EABW.

the price was great and time was prompt.

I am not sure if i can post who it was on here???????????????????

[avroair]

Did ya get my last email?

 

I know I would like to know the answer and am pretty sure others would, too. Could you please post your answer? Thanks!!

 

I am assuming the coins are going to be trackable.

The minimum number of coins is 100 for a generic event icon and 250 for a custom icon ~ the benefit to a custom icon is that some people buy coins for the icons. Tracking codes are $1.50 each, a custom icon costs $150 spread over the whole mint run.

It can take 4 to 6 weeks to get your coins finished, (actual times vary) so you will need to plan ahead.

You can also make the coin in a couple of different metals to add variety.

Work up a napkin sketch and submit it to one of the main geocoin vendors, they can take your design and refine it, order tracking numbers for you and have your coins engraved with the tracking numbers.

Some vendors offer a partnership program where they will divide the mint run with you and they sell a version on their webstore while you have another version to sell at the event.

Coins generally cost between $4.50-$7.50 per coin from most vendors (that includes icon and tracking) to make depending on the design specifics etc. (more than that you are getting ripped off)

Some vendors offer a couple of ways to reduce costs ~

1) they provide a generic die for the back of the coin, this allows you to forego the die costs ($90-$190)

2) others have buyback programs where you can return up to 50 coins that didn't sell and get your money back.

 

As a note, geocoins are a great way to offset costs of an event, but they generally won't recoup the total costs of a picnic unless you sell out or charge really really high prices for the coins. General retail prices are $7.50-$10).

 

Hope this helps.

Edited September 29, 2008 by avroair

[+BrierPatch]

Thanks Avroair