Trump's 2019 Presidential Travel Dog Tag Challenge Coins

Most people never see these coins. That’s kind of the point.

When a president travels for major diplomatic moments—summits, alliances, state visits—there’s often a challenge coin created to mark that presence. Not as a souvenir. As a record. A quiet artifact issued to commemorate responsibility, coordination, and trust at the highest level. These coins aren’t flashy by design. They’re precise. Intentional. Built to say, this happened—and it mattered.

For 2019, we were entrusted with designing a collection of presidential travel challenge coins tied to some of the most visible diplomatic moments of the year. Each coin needed to stand on its own, rooted in place, culture, and purpose, while carrying the authority expected of something issued in service of the presidency. Different locations. Different symbolism. Same standards. Same expectation that every line, texture, and material choice would earn its place.

What follows is a look at the individual coins from that year—not as a timeline, not as a checklist of trips, but as a set of stories cast in metal. Each one documents presence in a different room, under different circumstances, with different stakes. Together, they show how design becomes a form of record-keeping when words aren’t enough.

2019 Presidential Travel Dog Tag Challenge Coins

The moment this coin hits your hand, you know exactly what side you’re looking at. The weight settles into your palm like it already knows its purpose. Front and center, the White House rises in crisp architectural relief—balanced, symmetrical, and immovable. We didn’t stylize it or soften it; we let it stand the way it always does. Above it, VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT holds its line in bold, ceremonial lettering—formal without being stiff. Beneath, a ribbon banner steps forward and announces itself plainly: DONALD J. TRUMP. No ambiguity. No interpretive fluff. This side of the coin documents presence—who was there, when it happened, and why it mattered.

Anchoring the lower center is the White House Communications Agency seal, globe included, quietly signaling global reach, logistics, and precision under pressure. Let your eyes move outward and the structure locks everything into place: a disciplined border, the inscription 45th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and an outer edge wrapped in deep navy enamel scattered with white stars. Vertical red, white, and blue panels add rhythm along the sides, while polished silver and frosted metal trade light and shadow as the coin turns. It hits the table with the soft authority of a story that’s already been lived. This isn’t a souvenir—it’s a credential. A ceremony in miniature, cast in metal, meant to remember the work long after the moment has passed.

2019 President Trip to G7 in France Challenge Coin

And then the setting changes.

This next coin moves the story overseas—same level of precision, entirely different atmosphere. Where one stop is about logistics and execution, this one leans into diplomacy, ceremony, and place. The tone softens, the symbolism widens, and the metal starts speaking in the language of international presence.

Designed to mark President Trump’s 2019 visit to the G7 Summit in France, this coin carries the elegance of the moment right into its form. We drew immediate inspiration from the host country. The coin’s outer border pulls from the French tricolor—blue, white, and red—quietly acknowledging the host nation without overpowering the design.

At the center, the G7 logo holds its ground in bold red, white, and blue, flanked by “France” in deep blue and “Biarritz” in refined silver. The raised etching of the Hôtel du Palais, anchors everything in place and year, while subtle references to French national symbols ripple through the lower textures.

Centered within is the bold red, white, and blue G7 logo, anchored by the name. The centerpiece is a finely detailed raised etching of the the historic site of the summit, surrounded by a plaque inscribed with the year 2019. At the base, textured silver gives rise to France’s emblematic spirit—nodding to the tricolor, the Gallic rooster, the fleur-de-lis, and Marianne herself.

This coin doesn’t rush. It stands, composed, honoring a moment where diplomacy met tradition—and presence mattered just as much as policy.

 Moments like this appear again and again on the world stage, each one shaped by a different setting and set of leaders. If you’re curious how these shifts in place and symbolism are reflected in metal, our complete G7 challenge coin collection offers a broader look at how diplomacy leaves its mark.

2019 President Trip to UNGA - New York Challenge Coin

Sometimes the journey pulls back home—but into a room where the entire world is already waiting.

This coin needed to feel louder without being flashy, global without losing gravity. UNGA is its own kind of pressure, and the design had to reflect that scale immediately.

Created for President Trump’s visit to the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York, this piece centers on the unmistakable silhouette of the UN Headquarters—tall, reflective, and impossible to confuse with anything else.

A rainbow-hued border wraps the coin, honoring the diversity of nations represented within those walls, while the bold black text with a silver outline 'UNGA 74 New York' grounds it firmly in place and purpose.

Below, the full session title and the year 2019 lock the moment into history, anchored by the UN emblem at the base. It has the quiet heaviness that whispers, This mattered. A global gathering, captured with restraint and respect—history you can hold without breaking the moment.

The United Nations represents diplomacy at its most global and most complex. Our full United Nations challenge coin collection will offer a broader look at how these assemblies, sessions, and milestones have been preserved in metal across different years and contexts. Check Back Soon

2019 President Trip to APEC Chili Challenge Coin

And then comes the coin that had to tell a harder story.

Because not every journey unfolds the way it’s planned—but the effort, the intention, and the moment still deserve to be marked.

Designed for the 2019 APEC Summit in Santiago, Chile, this coin honors a visit that never officially happened, but very much existed. The sleek silver dog tag form speaks to readiness and resolve, bordered in black and engraved simply with Santiago—a grounding detail that keeps the location present even in absence. A bold red banner announces The Sixth Annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings, while APEC Chile 2019 stands firm above it. At the base, the official APEC logo glows in layered purples, pinks, and blues, radiating outward like stained glass around a single white star. Though the summit was canceled, the coin resonates. It doesn’t rattle—it resonates. A quiet tribute to diplomacy’s unpredictable path, and proof that even unfinished journeys leave behind something worth holding.

2019 President Trip to Republic Of Poland Challenge Coin

Some coins ask you to slow down the moment you touch them. This is one of those.

This coin needed to feel grounded. Old-world without being heavy. Diplomatic without losing warmth. Designing the 2019 presidential travel coin for Warsaw meant stepping into a place where national identity isn’t decorative—it’s lived. You can feel that immediately when the coin settles into your palm, solid and unshakeable, like it’s carrying more than just a date.

A bold black outer border frames the piece with restraint and authority, locking the narrative in place. Along the bottom, Warsaw 2019 appears in clean silver, flanked by two stars—simple, deliberate markers of time and significance. The silver center draws you in, and the story unfolds from the top down. Republic of Poland anchors the design above a finely etched depiction of the Presidential Palace, rendered with architectural care that respects its role as both landmark and symbol. A silver banner beneath names the site in both English and Polish, letting the building speak in its own language.

Follow the lines downward and the national symbolism steps forward. The lower half mirrors the Polish flag—white above red—while a black outline of the country stands at center, a yellow star placed precisely over Warsaw to mark the visit’s intended location. And then the eagle. The crowned white eagle on a red shield doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it. Strength. Sovereignty. Continuity. The emblem stands its ground like it knows exactly why it’s here.

When the visit was ultimately canceled, the coin’s meaning didn’t disappear—it shifted. This piece became a quiet tribute to a relationship that extends beyond schedules and summits. A moment that almost was, preserved anyway. History doesn’t always unfold as planned, but the care, intent, and respect still deserve to be remembered. This coin holds that truth with quiet confidence.

2019 President Trip to Vietnam - Peace Summit Challenge Coin

And then the tone changes again—this time into something more delicate, more charged.

Some coins document presence. This one carries hope.

Designing the 2019 Vietnam Peace Summit coin meant stepping into a moment where the entire world leaned in a little closer. High stakes. Careful language. History pressing in from all sides. The design had to balance gravity with possibility—and yes, we stared at it for a long time to make sure every symbol earned its place.

The custom silver dog tag shape sets the foundation, familiar yet intentional. The frame is split cleanly: red above, black below, immediately establishing contrast and tension. Along the top border, raised silver text names both nations—United States of America and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea—positioned like two voices sharing the same space. At the bottom, Hanoi, Vietnam is anchored with twin stars, grounding the coin firmly in place.

At the center, the story unfolds in layers. A gold-etched rendering of the historic Hôtel Métropole rises gracefully, a site chosen not just for its beauty, but for its history. Below it, crossed American and Vietnamese flags meet—careful, balanced, intentional. A gold ribbon cuts horizontally through the design, bearing the names Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong-un, understated but unmistakable. Above, green laurel wreaths signal peace, while 2019 Peace Summit holds steady against the sky. Tilt it slowly and the polished surfaces flash while recessed details hold their shadows—history revealing itself one layer at a time.

This coin doesn’t shout. It resonates. It carries the hush of a moment right before decisions are made. A tribute to diplomacy at its most fragile and most hopeful—proof that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones still unfolding.

2019 President Trip to London England Challenge Coin

This coin settles into a very specific kind of confidence—the kind that comes from tradition doing exactly what it’s always done. The weight settles into your palm like it already knows its purpose. Designing the London travel coin meant working inside centuries of ceremony, diplomacy, and shared history, and knowing when to let restraint do the talking.

The custom silver dog tag shape sets the foundation, but your eye goes immediately to the border. Along the top, the Union Jack pattern announces the host nation clearly and respectfully—bold, unmistakable, never decorative. The lower edge shifts to deep navy enamel, grounding the piece and anchoring the raised silver 2019. At the center, Buckingham Palace rises in crisp relief, textured and dimensional, with London England positioned above in clean black lettering. A polished silver banner cuts confidently across the design, naming Buckingham Palace without flourish—because it doesn’t need any.

Below, the textured silver base frames England’s coat of arms: a red shield bearing three golden lions. Courage. Heritage. Continuity. The emblem stands its ground like it knows exactly why it’s here. Tilt the coin slightly and polished surfaces flash while recessed details hold their shadows. It sparkles in motion but stays solemn at rest. This isn’t a souvenir—it’s a quiet bridge between allies, cast in metal, honoring a moment where diplomacy met tradition and held steady.

2019 President Trip to NATO 70 - Challenge Coin

This coin carries legacy the way some people carry breath.

Designed to mark the 70th anniversary of NATO, this piece had to feel anchored, enduring, and resolute. The weight settles into your palm like it already knows its purpose. Every decision here was about honoring continuity—seven decades of shared commitment cast into a form that could hold it.

A deep blue outer border frames the coin, accented with raised silver lettering and the year 2019, placing it firmly in history. Inside, a white decorative border gives way to a silver center that commands attention without excess. Across the top, NATO London, England appears in black text outlined in silver—clean, formal, grounded. Dominating the center is a bold 70, oversized and deliberate, with one half of the zero styled in the red, white, and blue of the British flag. It’s not decorative—it’s declarative. Beneath it, a bright red banner carries Anniversary in raised silver, locking the purpose into place.

At the base, the NATO flag anchors the entire composition: deep blue field, pale blue emblem, crisp white compass rose. A symbol of direction, unity, and shared defense. Set it down and it doesn’t just sit; it arrives. This isn’t a commemorative for the shelf—it’s a statement of alignment. A ceremony in miniature, cast in metal, honoring what endures when nations choose to stand together.

 Alliances are built on continuity as much as action. For a wider view of how NATO milestones have been honored through design, you can explore our complete NATO challenge coin collection, spanning multiple anniversaries, host nations, and moments of shared purpose.

2019 President Trip to Tokyo Japan Challenge Coin

This coin carries a different kind of precision—intentional, measured, deeply respectful. From the first sketch, we knew every line had to earn its place. It balances in your hand with the confidence of something meant to last, because this design wasn’t just about a visit—it was about a first.

The custom silver dog tag silhouette is framed with purpose: red-and-white striping at the top and a rich red finish below, pulling directly from both the American and Japanese flags. At the center, the Imperial Palace is etched in raised detail, dignified and exacting, honoring the setting of President Trump’s first meeting with Emperor Naruhito. Above it, Tokyo Japan appears in bold black text outlined in silver, grounding the piece in place. A polished silver banner runs across the middle, stating First Presidential Visit with Emperor Naruhito—a line that reads like a historical marker rather than a caption.

Below, a vivid blue map of Japan anchors the lower portion of the coin, paired with the Imperial Seal—the 16-petal chrysanthemum—rendered with reverence and precision. Turn it in the light and the metal catches first—then the meaning follows. This coin doesn’t rush the story. It invites a second look. A ceremony in miniature, cast in metal, honoring connection, respect, and a moment that will always matter to the history it touched.

2019 President Trip to G20 -Japan Challenge Coin

This G20 Challenge coin leans modern without losing meaning. Clean lines, disciplined structure, and symbolism that does its work quietly. From the start, we knew this piece needed to reflect collaboration on a global scale—measured, intentional, and unmistakably international.

The custom silver dog tag shape sets a sleek foundation, framed by a blue outer border with raised silver text reading OSAKA Summit June. It establishes place and purpose immediately, elegant without being ornamental. At the center, intricately etched Japanese architecture rises with precision, honoring a host nation known for balancing tradition and innovation. Above it, the 2019 G20 logo anchors the design: a deep blue field, a rising red sun, and soft pink cherry blossoms—iconic imagery layered with meaning. A polished silver ribbon cuts across the coin bearing the phrase Working for an inclusive & sustainable world, a line that doesn’t decorate the piece—it defines it.

Turn it slightly and the polished surfaces flash while recessed details hold their shadows. The coin balances in your hand with the confidence of something meant to last. Diplomatic, modern, and composed, this piece captures a moment where global cooperation took physical form—measured not in speeches, but in shared intent.

Global cooperation evolves, but the responsibility it carries remains constant. Our full G20 challenge coin collection explores how these summits have been documented across years, locations, and cultural contexts—each design rooted firmly in its moment.

2019 President Trip to SEOUL South Korea Challenge Coin

This coin carries balance from the very first touch. The weight settles into your palm like it already knows its purpose—steady, deliberate, composed. Designing the Seoul travel coin meant honoring an alliance built on strength and respect, while staying true to the cultural symbolism that defines South Korea. Nothing here is ornamental. Every element had to hold meaning.

The custom silver dog tag form sets a disciplined foundation, framed by a split border: bold red across the top, deep blue along the bottom. Harmony through contrast. Seoul South Korea is stamped cleanly at the top in black, anchoring the piece in place. At the center, the Blue House- the former presidential residence- rises in raised silver relief, nestled against a mountainous backdrop that nods to Korea’s reverence for landscape and legacy. Beneath it, a polished silver plaque names The Blue House, flanked by the official symbol of South Korea—an elegant composition of the Korean characters for Seoul, a radiant sun, and the flowing Hangang River. The symbol doesn’t decorate the coin; it defines it.

At the base, the South Korean flag completes the narrative, layered just above the raised 2019 stamp. Turn the coin in the light and polished surfaces flash while recessed details hold their shadows. It sparkles in motion but stays solemn at rest. This isn’t just a record of a visit—it’s a visual statement of partnership. A ceremony in miniature, cast in metal, honoring diplomacy rooted in pride, history, and mutual respect.

Crafted in a custom-shaped silver dog tag, the coin stands out with its striking dual-color border: a bold red at the top and deep blue at the bottom, symbolizing the harmony of opposites and the enduring alliance between nations. The top is stamped with “Seoul South Korea” in black text, anchoring the coin in its destination. The center features a beautifully raised, etched silver rendering of the Blue House——nestled against the mountainous backdrop, a nod to Korea’s cultural reverence for nature and heritage. Just below that sits a silver plaque reading The Blue House, bordered by the —an emblem artfully combining the Korean characters for “Seoul,” a radiant sun, and the flowing Hangang River.

At the base, a detailed depiction of the South Korean flag ties the entire design together, layered just above the raised 2019 year stamp. Every element of this coin was selected to resonate with meaning—balancing architectural detail with national symbolism. For us, this was more than a commemorative project. It was a visual narrative of diplomacy, heritage, and respect—captured in metal and proudly carried by those who were part of the journey.

Seen together, these coins form a quiet record of diplomacy in motion. Some commemorate moments that unfolded exactly as planned. Others honor moments shaped by change, uncertainty, or restraint. All of them reflect the same underlying principle: when responsibility travels, it leaves a mark.

That’s what presidential travel coins are built to do. They don’t editorialize outcomes or summarize history. They acknowledge the work—being there, standing in the right place, carrying the weight of coordination and trust. Over time, the details don’t fade. If anything, they sharpen. The metal holds the memory steady.

If you’d like to explore additional presidential and diplomatic travel coins (2018, 2023, G7, G20, NATO, COP, ) our full gallery offers a broader look at how moments like these are preserved. And if you’re marking an occasion that carries significance of its own, we’re always open to a conversation about how design can hold that story—quietly, deliberately, and with care.

Capturing History One Challenge Coin At A Time.

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