I’m Kayla, and yes, I bought an NRA coin with my own money. I wanted a small keepsake, not a big thing. Something I could hold, flip, and stick on my desk. You know what? I didn’t expect to like it this much. But a few things bug me too. For the full blow-by-blow of the purchase process itself, you can check out the extended story of buying the NRA coin.
If you’re more interested in challenging the NRA than celebrating it, check out the grassroots campaigns at Stop the NRA.
The first five minutes: box, sleeve, and that “clink”
Mine came in a simple mailer. Inside was a thin plastic sleeve. No fancy case, no foam. I slid it out and felt the weight right away. It’s heavier than a poker chip and thicker than a quarter—more like a half-dollar on steroids. When I tapped it on my desk, it gave a clean “clink.” Kinda satisfying.
The finish on mine is antique brass. The raised parts looked bright, and the low areas looked darker. That contrast made the logo pop. I didn’t love the smell at first. It had that fresh metal smell. It went away in a day.
Look and feel: nice details, small quirks
Front side: big NRA logo in the center. The rope edge feels grippy, almost like tiny teeth. Back side: eagle art with a banner. The press was a hair off-center on mine. Not by much. I only saw it when I spun the coin in my hand and looked close. The enamel color in the banner was clean, but the red line bled a touch at one corner.
Still, it looked sharp from arm’s length. I put it next to my firefighter friend’s challenge coin. Same 1.75-inch size, about 3 millimeters thick. It sat proud in my little coin stand.
Living with it: pockets, meetings, and a range day
I kept it in my front pocket for a week. It rode with my keys. I used it as a fidget during a Zoom call and as a coin flip for a silly choice—yard work or nap? (Nap won. No regrets.)
I took it to the local sportsman club on Saturday. One guy asked to see it. He rolled it across his knuckles like a magician and said, “Nice heft.” It turned into small talk. Coins do that. They break the ice. One of those guys had just wrapped up his NRA instructor certification, so we compared notes on the little souvenirs instructors get.
At home, I set it on my desk, right by my mouse. I like to line it up with the grain of the wood. Weird habit. But it calms me when emails pile up.
Speaking of quick, no-fuss decisions outside the range, if you ever want a similarly straightforward way to meet new adults, you can head over to PlanCulFacile, where an intuitive interface and a large, active community make setting up casual dates fast and hassle-free.
Likewise, if a trade show or range day brings you down to the South Bay and you’re looking for a more curated, one-on-one connection later that night, the vetted listings at TS Escort Campbell offer clear photos, upfront rates, and user reviews so you can arrange a relaxed, memorable encounter with confidence.
Durability: the good, the bad, the drop test
I didn’t baby it. I did three simple checks:
- Key scratch test: Light rubs left faint marks that I could buff with a microfiber cloth. Deep scrapes stayed.
- Drop test: Waist-high drop onto my garage floor (smooth concrete). It got a tiny nick on the rim. The finish held.
- Water test: Quick rinse and towel dry. No issues. I wouldn’t leave it wet overnight.
After three months, the high points got a bit shiny. The “antique” look softened where my thumb rubs. One tiny chip showed up near the rim enamel. You can see it if you look for it. You can’t if you don’t.
Quick tip: Don’t polish hard. I tried a metal polish once, and it made one area too bright. Kinda killed the antique vibe there.
Things I liked
- The weight feels premium for the price I paid (about twenty bucks).
- The rope edge helps with grip. Nice for fidgeting.
- The design reads well from a distance. Good contrast.
- It’s a simple gift. Stockings. Father’s Day. Desk flair.
Want to see these coins in the wild? I spotted whole display cases of them during my day at the NRA Annual Meeting 2026, and the variety was eye-opening.
If you’re already planning the trip yourself, the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will land at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center from April 16–19, showcasing 14 acres of the latest guns and gear—and admission is free for NRA members and their immediate families, so you can lock in your spot right here.
Things that bugged me
- Mine had a slight off-center press. Most won’t see it, but I did.
- The enamel near the rim chipped a bit after heavy pocket carry.
- No case included. The thin sleeve isn’t great for long storage.
- It bulges in slim pants. Feels like a stack of two quarters, maybe three.
Little extras that helped
I put mine in a clear 44 mm capsule. It fits snug and keeps dust off. I also learned not to store it with rubber bands. They can stain metal over time. If you get one, check it right away for misprints or dings. Swap it fast if you see something off.
Who this coin fits
- Collectors who like challenge coins or club coins.
- Folks who want a small, solid keepsake for the desk or shelf.
- Gift-givers who want something simple but sturdy.
If you want rare or “investment” value, this isn’t that. It’s a modern coin. It’s a good memento.
My bottom line
I enjoy it. I reach for it without thinking. It’s a small thing that makes a tiny space feel personal. Not perfect, but honest and solid.
Score: 3.5 out of 5. I’d buy it again, but I’d add a proper case on day one.
—Kayla Sox