Beautiful Gold Coin, Detailed but Easy to Print

I designed this coin for games and as decoration for gifts. The coin has large details to be printed with most filaments. Also, they are placed so the coin can be easily printed without support.

Use single coins as a gift wrap decoration, or print plenty to fill a small treasure chest.

How to Print the Coins

Print the coins on one of the flat sides. As they are symmetric, the side does not matter. In the file section, you will find a PrusaSlicer example project. Use this as a good base for your settings, or check the table below:

About Suitable Filaments

You have to use filaments with very good bed adhesion. This is important for the small star features to be printed correctly. A tested the following two filaments successfully:

• Prusament PLA Blend Oh My Gold
• Prusament PLA Blend Viva La Bronze

Please watch the printer carefully while printing the first layer. If the first layer is imperfect (raised filaments and features), stop, as this will only lead to more problems on the next layers. I had, for example, problems with Prusament Mystic Brown that failed repeatedly.

Dimensions

Postprocessing

Use the coins as printed, or make them even better with post-processing.

Remove Strings

First, use a heat gun to remove any strings left on the coin: Place the heat gun on a table so you can quickly move in and out of the hot air stream. Use pliers and be quick. If you use PLA, drag each side of the coin quickly through the hot air. This is usually enough to get rid of all the small strings that are left from printing.

Flatten the Rough Surface

While one side of the coin is already flat and shiny, the top layer usually has rough spots. Use fine sandpaper (~800 grit) and remove these rough spots from this side. If you take the coin in your hand, you will easily feel smooth and rough.

Paint the Coins with Gold Paint

For the best look, apply a thin coat of high-quality gold paint. I recommend “Maya Gold” from Viva (not a sponsor) or similar paints from this manufacturer. These paints have lots of pigments and reflective particles in them and give 3d prints an incredible shine and look.

Use gloves to paint the coins with a thin layer of gold paint. By holding the coins with a glove, you can easily paint them from all sides without leaving marks. Use the middle hole to hang the coins on a wire for drying.

Please do not use cheap paint, as it only has little pigment in it. Before using cheap paint, you better leave the coins as they are.

Weathering the Coins to Enhance Details.

After the gold layer is dry, mix a dark brown paint (like dark chocolate) and thin it with water until it is runny like milk.

Now, use a brush to apply the paint on each side of the coin, so it flows into every groove. Then use a paper towel to remove the paint.

If you are unfamiliar with these techniques, watch a video that explains how to “weather” a surface or create an “Antique Gold Patina”. 

More Designs

There is a larger (~40mm diameter) gold coin design, that has a center which is easily customisable:

Gold Coin with Customisable Center

Explore More from Meti·kumi

Interested in my designs? Browse through my collection of 3D models:

👉 https://metikumi.com/3d-models/

Stay connected on social media for the latest updates and work-in-progress insights:

👉 https://metikumi.com

Photos / Sorting

I added a second pair of photos with labels. All shown prints are made on an Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ with the settings in the PrusaSlicer project.

Cover: On the cover, you see a heap of coins printed with Prusament PLA Viva La Bronze. These are plain, without painting. The coin in the bottom right third of the photo is painted with Viva Maya Gold and weathered.

First Detail: This coin is printed with Prusament PLA Oh My Gold and painted with Viva Maya Gold.

Second Detail: This coin is printed with Prusament PLA Viva La Bronze and painted with Viva Maya Gold. 

Conclusion

Postprocessing this print takes a little bit more time, but filling a small chest with these coins is an eye-catcher. If you find this design useful, please rate it and upload photos of how you used it.

Happy Printing!