Etched glass Challenge Coins for USCG (United States Coast Guard)
Front of the glass coin masked with a photoresist masking. A total of 100 coins were made.
Backside of glass coin with the anchor logo cut on a plotter and ready to be sandblasted. Held in a jig I made to hold multiple pieces in the blasting cabinet.
Back side of the coins were painted with a transparent blue enamel after the anchor logo was etched into the 2nd surface of the glass. Then they were set in the kiln and fired at 1080 deg F.
This challenge coin measures 2" (50mm) diameter x 5/16" (8mm) thick. The painting on the back enhances the top surface image with a subtle raised background. Darker colors bring out the sandblasting. Light moving through the edges catches the depth of the etching and the sculpted 3d view of the layers.
These coins are given away as rewards to other ranking officers for going above and beyond. They were commissioned by the individual named in the artwork. The design was custom made in collaboration with her ideas.
