Gold Coin with Customisable Center

I have created this gold coin design to be utilized in gift decorations, board games or role-playing games. My objective was to have a design that is intricate yet extremely simple and speedy to print.

Following the design LR2287, a compact, roughly 30mm diameter gold coin, this version is slightly larger with a diameter of approximately 40mm. It boasts reeded edges and a circle of stars for added aesthetics, carefully crafted for effortless printing.

This variant stands out with its larger centre, suitable for engraving symbols or letters. You can choose to have it as a hole, like the examples I provided, or as engravings on both sides.

Printing the Coins

In the file section, there are two sample PrusaSlicer projects. The first one, LR2350 Print All.3mf, contains all six example coins with the necessary settings for a PLA print. The second one, LR2350 Print with Engraving.3mf, demonstrates how to conveniently add your own engraving to the coin using PrusaSlicer software (Version 2.6.0 and beyond).

If you prefer using different slicer software or wish to start from scratch, refer to the following table with my print recommendations:

Suitable Filaments

Opt for filaments that have excellent bed adhesion. This is crucial for the proper printing of small features. For instance:

• Prusament PLA Blend Oh My Gold
• AzureFilm PLA Silk Gold

Monitor the printer closely during the first layer printing. If the first layer is flawed (e.g. bad bed adhesion), stop immediately as this could lead to more complications in subsequent layers.

Dimensions

Post-processing

You can use the coins as they are, or enhance them further through post-processing.

Removing Strings

Firstly, eliminate any residual strings on the coin using a heat gun: Position the heat gun on a table so you can quickly navigate the hot air stream. Be prompt and use pliers. If you use PLA, swiftly drag each side of the coin through the hot air to remove all small strings from the print.

Flattening the Rough Surface

While one side of the coin is already smooth and glossy, the top layer may have rough patches. Utilize fine sandpaper (~800 grit) to smoothen these rough spots. You can easily discern between the smooth and rough areas by feeling the coin.

Painting the Coins with Gold Paint

For the best appearance, apply a thin layer of high-quality gold paint. I recommend “Maya Gold” from Viva or similar paints from this manufacturer. These paints are rich in pigments and reflective particles, imparting an incredible shine to 3D prints.

Wear gloves and apply a thin layer of gold paint on the coins. By holding the coins with a gloved hand, you can easily paint all sides without leaving any marks. Use the middle hole to hang the coins on a wire for drying.

Avoid using cheap paint as it has minimal pigment content. You're better off leaving the coins as they are than using cheap paint.

Weathering the Coins to Enhance Details

After the gold layer dries, dilute a dark brown paint (akin to dark chocolate) with water until it is thin as milk.

Apply this paint on each side of the coin using a brush, ensuring it reaches every groove. Wipe off the excess paint with a paper towel.

If you're not familiar with these techniques, consider watching a video that explains how to weather a surface or create an "Antique Gold Patina".

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

Check out my other smaller gold coin design:

Beautiful Gold Coin, Detailed but Easy to Print

Photos

All featured prints are produced on an Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ with the settings from the PrusaSlicer project. I used AzureFilm PLA Gold filament to print all shown coins.

Without Post Processing

The following photos showing coins printed with no post processing.

With Post-processing

This coin was only painted with “Maya Gold” from Viva, but not aged.

This coin was painted with “Maya Gold” from Viva, then aged with a dark brown wash.

This coin was painted with acrylic base, mixed with a gold glimmer pigment.

This coin was painted with acrylic base, mixed with a gold glimmer pigment and aged with a light brown wash.

Conclusion

I hope this coin design proves useful for your decorative needs or as tokens in your games. If you like it, please take a moment to rate it and share photos of your prints.

Happy printing!