A Guide to Blank Coins for Engraving

Laser engraving coins is a growing trend among artists, collectors, and small businesses seeking to create personalized or commemorative tokens. Whether you’re creating intricate designs, logos, serial numbers, or text on coins, the process begins with selecting the proper coin blank for laser engraving. The type of material, finish, and compatibility with your laser machine will determine your engraved design's final result—and longevity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common blank coins for engraving, key characteristics to consider when selecting them, and why OMTech fiber laser machines—particularly the OMTech Autofocus Galvo—are ideal for engraving metal coin blanks with precision and durability.

Common Coin Blank Materials for Laser Engraving

Brass

Brass coin blanks are widely used thanks to their bright yellow-gold appearance, affordability, and engravability. Brass offers excellent contrast after engraving, especially when oxidized or darkened. It's also a relatively soft metal, making it easier to etch with lower laser power.

• Pros: Affordable, good contrast, classic appearance

• Cons: Prone to tarnishing if not sealed

Aluminum

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum blanks are perfect for laser marking. They engrave well, particularly when anodized, providing a crisp contrast. Raw aluminum can be more reflective, so it may require masking or lower power settings.

• Pros: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, affordable

• Cons: Reflective surface can require prep or lower power

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel coin blanks are prized for their strength and resistance to wear. They offer long-term durability, making them suitable for high-use tokens or coins meant to last. Stainless steel creates a clean, dark engraving with a fiber laser.

• Pros: Durable, professional look, resists rust and wear

• Cons: Harder to engrave deeply without higher power

Copper

Known for its reddish tone and historical appeal, copper is soft and conductive, which can lead to excellent engraving detail. It may oxidize or patina over time, which can enhance or detract from your design depending on preference.

• Pros: High detail, classic appearance, good conductivity

• Cons: Prone to tarnishing, soft surface scratches easily

Titanium

Titanium coin blanks are valued for their strength, light weight, and ability to take on vibrant color changes during engraving (color marking). Fiber lasers can oxidize the surface to produce blues, purples, and golds without using additives.

• Pros: High strength-to-weight ratio, color engraving possible

• Cons: More expensive, harder to source in bulk

Silver and Gold

Used for premium commemorative coins and jewelry-grade tokens, silver and gold offer excellent engravability. They’re soft metals, allowing for clean deep etching. However, their cost makes them better suited for high-value or limited-edition projects.

• Pros: High-end appearance, engraves cleanly

• Cons: Expensive, prone to scratching without sealing

Iron or Carbon Steel

Iron-based blanks are strong and affordable, and they are often used for lower-cost coins or tokens. While not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, they are easy to engrave and finish with coatings.

• Pros: Economical, durable

• Cons: Susceptible to rust without protective coating

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Coin Blanks

1. Material Hardness

Harder metals like stainless steel or titanium may require a higher-powered laser or more passes to achieve depth. Softer metals like brass, gold, and aluminum are easier to engrave.

2. Thickness

Thicker blanks allow for deeper etching, which adds to the longevity and tactile quality of the design. Standard coin blanks range from 1mm to 3mm thick.

3. Reflectivity

Highly polished or reflective blanks (like polished aluminum or gold) can reflect the laser beam, reducing marking efficiency. Matte or anodized finishes help improve engraving results.

4. Surface Finish

Coin blanks can be smooth, brushed, antiqued, or polished. The finish affects both the appearance and how well the engraving stands out. A brushed surface offers a nice contrast without excessive glare.

5. Edge Finish

Coins with smooth, milled, or reeded edges offer different visual styles. While edge finishing is not directly affected by laser engraving, it contributes to the overall professionalism of the final piece.

Why Use OMTech Fiber Lasers for Coin Engraving?

Metal coin engraving requires precision, consistency, and the ability to work on various metal surfaces. OMTech fiber lasers—especially the OMTech Autofocus Galvo—are designed specifically for this level of detail and flexibility.

The OMTech Autofocus Galvo Fiber Laser is available in 20W, 30W, and 50W configurations. It’s equipped with an autofocusing head for quick setup, a sturdy build for industrial use, and supports deep engraving to create lasting impressions on coin blanks. With speeds up to 10,000 mm/s and compatibility with a wide range of metals, this machine is a top choice for engravers looking to scale production or offer high-end customization.

Compatible materials include:

• Brass

• Aluminum

• Stainless steel

• Copper

• Titanium

• Gold and silver

• Iron and carbon steel

Whether you're creating personalized keepsakes, promotional tokens, or collectible coins, OMTech fiber lasers offer the power and precision to bring your vision to life.

Final Thoughts

Laser-engraved coins are more than just metal—they’re expressions of identity, commemorations of events, and durable works of art. Choosing the right coin blank is just as important as selecting the right laser, and with so many metal options available, your possibilities are vast.

OMTech’s fiber laser machines, including the Autofocus Galvo model and Autofocus MOPA model, are built to handle everything from fine text engraving to deep, permanent etching. No matter your project’s size or scope, OMTech offers tools that ensure clarity, speed, and quality.

Ready to start your coin engraving journey?

Visit OMTechLaser.com to explore our variety of fiber laser machines and transform ordinary coin blanks into lasting designs that stand out. For more information on laser engraving coins, check out our blog here!