question

[TheCacheSeeker]

How much does it cost to mint a approximately 5.5 cm geocoin with a few colors? Hope it's okay to ask.

 

Thanks

[+WRITE SHOP ROBERT]

How much does it cost to mint a approximately 5.5 cm geocoin with a few colors? Hope it's okay to ask.

 

Thanks

Can't be too specific, but if you plan to make a run of coins starting from scratch, be prepared to spend well over $1000

[+Landsharkz]

5.5cm... that's huge. Are you sure you are measuring correctly?

[TheCacheSeeker]

5.5cm... that's huge. Are you sure you are measuring correctly?

One second...

[TheCacheSeeker]

5.5cm... that's huge. Are you sure you are measuring correctly?

One second...

Yes. Correct measurement.

[+Jackalgirl]

The charges are going to vary depending on where you go (and a bunch of other factors), but I think that Write Shop Robert is correct. Most companies require a run of at least 100 pieces. And the pricing structure runs thusly:

 

$1.50 per code per coin = $150

$150 for a unique icon (optional, but kind of expected)

Die fee: this depends on whether you go with 2D or 3D. You'll pay two fees -- one for each side. If you look around at the vendors who are part of the pinned vendor thread, you may find some that actually price out coin costs, and who let you know up front what the size cost will be. You're looking at a coin that's about 2" in diameter (perhaps slightly larger), so look for those die fees.

Per-coin cost: multiply by 100. The per-coin cost will depend on what features you choose: how thick, what base metal, what plating, whether you use antiquing or two-tone, what kind of enamel (soft/imitation hard enamel/glitter/glow/pearlescent), whether you use epoxy for soft enamel, if the coin is shaped (that is, not round) or has any cutouts, any third-side engraving, edge treatment (e.g., "diamond cut" or "rope cut" edges), photo inserts, the cost for individually serializing the coins, gems, etc etc etc.

Shipping fee: usually in the $60-80 range for 100 coins, depending on size & thickness.

Oh, and if you live in Europe: VAT.

 

So you're not going to be able to get an estimate without being able to describe the design/features. I'd highly recommend that you go to the pinned vendor thread and start sending your design around for some quotes. It never hurts to quote.

 

Also -- and this is a fabulous deal for folks wanting to break into the geocoin design community without having to fork over $1000 plus out of their wallets on a design that ends up not being popular -- ask the vendors whether they have a program by which they produce your design and pay you in coins (usually an Artist's Edition -- your own special plating & color set). They'll end up producing the coin and making the lion's share of the money; on the other hand, it costs you absolutely nothing and you get coins that are automatically limited edition coins. If the design's popular and you care to sell your AEs, you might even make a tidy profit to set aside towards funding your own design in the future.

[+Droo]

Why not go to the list of approved vendours and manufacturers and ask them for a quote? Given certain design parameters they could steer you to a correct ball park figure. You can find the list either on the pinned thread at the top of this forum or listed under the Geocoin Information Section on the Geocoin Page (under the Trackables tab on the top left margin of any Geocaching.com page).