Presidential Travel, Summit Style: The G7 Coin Chronicles

Admin
May 13
9 min read

Updated: Sep 30

Behind Every Summit, There’s a Story—Etched in Metal

When world leaders gather under the watchful eye of history, we’re watching too—but from behind our sketchpads, design boards, and metal presses.

Here’s the thing: most people see the G7 Summit as a high-level political affair—and they’re not wrong. But for us? It’s also a canvas. A global moment waiting to be immortalized in the palm of your hand.

We’re the folks who obsess over every curve of a palace roofline, every shade of a national flag, every swirl of a summit logo. Because to us, challenge coins aren’t just souvenirs—they’re time capsules. They capture the mood, the mission, and the message of each presidential journey.

So when the President travels abroad for the G7, we get to work. We study the host nation’s architecture, dive into cultural symbols, and track down the tiniest details—like the exact texture of the hotel façade or the shape of the mountains behind it. Why? Because every detail matters when you’re telling the story of diplomacy, one coin at a time.

We're thrilled to share some of our favorite G7 designs. From Canada’s maple-leaf elegance to Japan’s peaceful skyline, each coin has its own spirit, and we had the honor of capturing it. We hope you enjoy this inside look at the coins—and the history behind them. But before we dive into the designs, let’s take a step back and explore the global stage they commemorate…

What is the G7 Summit?

Imagine the world’s most powerful leaders gathering in one place to tackle global challenges—trade, security, the environment, and beyond. That’s the G7 Summit. Every year, seven of the most influential countries—the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom—come together for high-level discussions. The location changes annually, chosen by the country holding the presidency that year, allowing each host nation to showcase its culture and priorities while setting the agenda for the summit. In 2019, France took the lead, selecting the picturesque coastal city of Biarritz as the meeting ground for world diplomacy.

For U.S. presidents, the G7 Summit is more than just a diplomatic trip—it’s a stage where America’s leadership, priorities, and alliances are reaffirmed. Since the group’s formation, American presidents have played a key role in shaping discussions, negotiating trade agreements, and addressing pressing global concerns. Whether strengthening international partnerships or standing firm on national interests, attending the summit is a powerful statement of the United States' role on the world stage.

Why Challenge Coins for Presidential Travel?

Whenever the President embarks on a major diplomatic trip, a custom challenge coin is created to commemorate the occasion. These coins serve as tangible markers of history, honoring the significance of each visit. Whether for a high-stakes summit or a historic state visit, they symbolize the journey, the discussions, and the relationships forged along the way.

A great challenge coin doesn’t just mark an event—it tells its story. Every design choice, from the textures to the lettering, was intentional—ensuring this coin wouldn’t just commemorate the event but bring it to life.

G7 Summit Coin Design Elements

A great presidential travel coin doesn’t just mark a destination—it captures the spirit of the moment. Across the years from 2018 to 2024, each G7 Summit coin has told its own story, shaped by the host nation’s culture, architecture, and political climate. From the classic round to the bold dog tag shape, the silhouette alone signals the mood of each summit. Whether it was the cliffs of Biarritz etched in silver in 2019, the rolling hills of Cornwall in 2021, or the symbolic landmarks of Hiroshima in 2023, each coin was meticulously designed to reflect where history was being made. These are not just souvenirs—they are stories forged in metal.

Every host nation brings its own flavor to the summit—and that identity plays a starring role in our designs. Flags, emblems, and national symbols anchor each coin in its host nation’s identity. From France’s tricolor and the fleur-de-lis to the British lion and Japanese sakura blossoms, these elements serve as visual signatures of global cooperation. Including them isn’t just decorative—it’s our way of honoring the hospitality, history, and contributions of each nation that steps up to host the world’s leaders.

Each summit is a moment in time—one that deserves to be remembered. That’s why each coin typically includes the location and year, etched with precision. These details turn a coin into a small monument—a historical artifact in your hand, honoring the journey and the decisions made that year.

Each year, the presidential travel coin follows a specific style—determining its shape, layout, and key design elements. This structure ensures consistency while allowing each coin to be unique to its destination.

G7 President Trip 2017 -Italy

Ah, Taormina. Sunlit cliffs, the Ionian Sea, and one very high-stakes summit. When President Donald J. Trump joined world leaders for the 43rd G7 Summit in May 2017, it wasn’t just his second OCONUS trip—it was a global debut on one of diplomacy’s most elite stages. So when the call came to capture that moment in metal, we packed the drama, the detail, and just a hint of Sicilian flair into one unforgettable coin.

The front of the coin leans all the way into its Italian setting: a backdrop of the green, white, and red tricolor boldly anchors the design, while the summit name—“G7 2017 TAORMINA”—rises front and center in stacked blue and red lettering like it’s ready for the global press. In the upper left, a sweeping amphitheater design nods to the iconic Greek Theater of Taormina, echoing centuries of dialogue and spectacle. The top ring declares the summit’s timing in clean silver on black—“43RD G7 SUMMIT ★ MAY 2017”—and at the base, a sleek black ribbon spells out the bigger picture: “ITALY” and “SECOND OCONUS TRIP OF PRESIDENT TRUMP.”

This coin may look small, but it holds its own at the table of world power. It’s part headline, part homage, and all presence—just like the summit itself. For everyone who was there (and everyone who made it happen behind the scenes), this isn’t just a coin. It’s a seat at history’s roundtable—one that happened to overlook Mount Etna.

G7 President Trip 2018 -Canada

Designing the 2018 G7 Summit challenge coin was all about balancing tradition with the distinct identity of this historic gathering in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada. The antique gold finish gives the coin a refined elegance, while the decorative gold-etched border adds a layer of craftsmanship that reflects the prestige of the summit itself. The dark blue outer band, with its raised gold lettering, proudly displays the name of the iconic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, the grand host venue nestled along the St. Lawrence River. Accented by two gold maple leaves on each side, this frame immediately ties the coin to Canada’s role as the summit’s host and its deep-rooted national pride.

At the center, the red border creates a striking contrast, drawing attention to the etched rendition of the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu—a structure as dignified as the world leaders who gathered there. The bold black text announcing the 44th G7 Summit and its June 2018 date ensures that this moment in diplomatic history is permanently etched in time. Above, the divided top section tells a story in itself. On the left, the Canadian flag stands strong, with its red maple leaf outlined in gold, reinforcing Canada’s leadership in hosting this global event. On the right, the official G7 Charlevoix logo—a gold and black stylized depiction of mountains, water, and trees—symbolizes both the natural beauty of the region and the complex international discussions that unfolded there.

It represents a symbol of access, influence, and the gravity of global leadership. This coin is a reminder of closed-door conversations, handshake diplomacy, and the shaping of economic and security policies that ripple across the world. It’s a piece of history, encapsulated in gold, held only by those who were there when the world’s most powerful leaders came together in Charlevoix.

https://va.usembassy.gov/five-takeaways-from-president-trump-at-the-g-7-summit/

Check back for the Complete 2018 Travel Collection.

G7 President Trip 2019 -France

The design for the challenge coin commemorating President Trump’s 2019 visit to the G7 Summit in France, had to capture the event as well as the elegance, diplomacy, and symbolism wrapped into that moment in history. The coin was a silver dog tag-shaped coin.

We drew immediate inspiration from the host country. The coin’s outer border proudly mirrors the French tricolor—blue, white, and red—subtly evoking the unity of two great republics. Centered within is the bold red, white, and blue G7 logo, anchored by the name "France" in deep blue lettering and “Biarritz” in refined silver—paying homage to the coastal city that hosted the summit. The centerpiece is a finely detailed raised etching of the Hôtel du Palais, 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 wasn’t just crafted—it was composed, to honor a moment where diplomacy met tradition, and where presence mattered.

Check back for the Complete 2019 Travel Collection.

G7 President Trip 2022 - Germany

Designing the 2022 G7 challenge coin was a return to classic form with a touch of Bavarian elegance. As a team, we always approach these international summit coins with a sense of reverence and responsibility—after all, they mark moments when global powerhouses gather to shape the future. For this year’s G7 held in Krün, Germany, we embraced a traditional round shape in shiny silver, reflecting the timeless sophistication of the host country and the setting.

The coin’s outer black band is anchored with the year “2022” and “Krün, Germany,” framed by twelve raised silver stars—a nod to unity and shared purpose among democratic nations. At the center is a detailed, raised image of Schloss Elmau, the luxurious alpine retreat nestled in the Bavarian Alps where the summit took place. Beneath the 2022 G7 logo, the words “G7 Germany” sit confidently, while the name of the host hotel is inscribed on a silver plaque. From the stars to the stonework of the Schloss, every element was chosen to reflect the thoughtful precision and unity this summit symbolizes. Creating this coin was more than capturing a destination—it was about commemorating diplomacy at its highest level, cast in silver for those who were part of history.

Check back for the Complete 2022 Travel Collection.

G7 President Trip 2023 -Japan

Designing the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit coin was a profound moment for our team—one that called for both reverence and creativity. This wasn't just about commemorating a global summit; it was about honoring a city with a unique place in history and celebrating the unity of nations gathering in peace. To capture the gravity and grace of the occasion, we shaped the coin like a waving flag—an antique gold finish bringing warmth and timelessness to the piece.

The left side of the coin is visually striking with layers of gray, white, and red, featuring black text that reads “G7, Hiroshima, Japan.” Seven national flags—each representing a participating country—form a small, vibrant arc above the inscription “May 2023,” a quiet reminder of the moment in time. The right side features a delicately etched skyline of Hiroshima, grounded by a multicolored stack of stylized rainbow notes that rise upward like a hopeful melody. Atop the notes is a white band bearing gold text: “G7 2023 Hiroshima Summit.” Just beneath, “Grand Prince Hotel” anchors the location in a quiet yet dignified presence. It’s a design that tells a story—not only of diplomacy and leadership—but of resilience, healing, and shared purpose on the world stage.

Check back for the Complete 2023 Travel Collection.

G7 President Trip 2024 - Italy

Designing the 2024 G7 challenge coin for President Biden’s visit to Italy was a deeply rewarding experience—one rooted in history, unity, and symbolism. With every summit, we aim to reflect not just the event, but the soul of the host nation. For Italy, we chose an antique silver finish to evoke timeless beauty and enduring legacy, giving the coin a weight that feels both classical and purposeful in hand.

We chose an antique silver finish for its warm, classic feel, wrapping the coin in a delicately etched border that nods to Italy’s deep artistic tradition. At the center, bold black lettering on a white field declares “G7 Italia” across the top and “2024” along the bottom—joined by green and red accents that form a complete circle, echoing the Italian flag and the unity of the member nations. But the heart of the design is the olive tree: deeply rooted, colored in rich brown and peaceful green. It's a symbol of resilience, growth, and harmony—values shared by the leaders around the G7 table. This coin doesn’t just commemorate a moment; it celebrates a legacy, shaped by diplomacy and Italian grace.

Check back for the Complete 2024 Travel Collection.

At Challenge Design, we’ll be the first to admit it—we’re coin nerds with passports. Designing the G7 Summit challenge coins each year is more than a creative assignment; it’s an honor. We’re grateful to play a small part in these massive moments of diplomacy. When world leaders gather to hash out climate policy, economic partnerships, and global security, we’re behind the scenes, forging those moments into metal.

Every summit coin tells a story—of a place, of people, of power. And for us, every border we etch, every flag we raise in enamel, and every skyline we sculpt is a thank-you. A thank-you to the nations who open their doors to the world. A thank-you to the men and women who orchestrate these events behind the scenes. And a heartfelt thank-you to the collectors, the officials, and yes, even the curious fans who hold these coins and appreciate the care poured into them.

It’s easy to get swept up in headlines and handshakes, but coins? Coins slow us down. They ask us to hold history. To feel its weight. And for us? That’s the magic.

Until the next summit—keep your coins close and your diplomacy closer.

—The Team at Challenge Design 🪙✈️🌍