My daughter teaches high school English and has been giving her graduating seniors a gift like this: Her supplier for these has quit and she asked me to see if any of you knew anyone who could do something similar for her. She was paying about $4 each and she needs 35. Any sources?
I just think she can find some coins or have them supplied by someone that can make these for less money, especially ordering so many. My wife bought me an Indian Head penny sort of engraved from a guy working at a fair. It came out nice but had a very cheap necklace. The final product is the rim and the interior with cut outs. Some call it jewelry and some call it PMD even though it's an inexpensive coin.
He quasi does it himself. What do I mean by that? Rob designs his bespoke elongated coins, but he subcontracts the actual production of the coin to Cindy Calhoun. Here's a link to the thread @lordmarcovan posted detailing his process. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/exonumia-a-guide-to-lord-marcovan-custom-elongated-coins.377760/
Just have her get some fine-point Sharpie markers, a small magnifying glass, and some clearcoat enamel spray. Unless you want it etched... then get a soldering pen or maybe a wood burning pen? I don't know it that would suffice to leave a permanent mark on a penny. Sorry my only ideas are crap! Hopefully you get someone lined up for this soon!
He shows up every once in awhile to show off a batch of nickels he recently engraved. No telling when/if he'll be back.
Nothing specific, seen a few vendors on Etsy. Google around some. If you want to switch to a dog tag aluminum type tag, round or in the shape of a dog bone...I have a supplier for those.