Changing the State Competition Medals

Recent increases in costs have caused us to consider a change in the medals we use for state. Currently we have a custom design with the shape of Kansas and the chessboard imposed on top.
There have been several suggestions to change this design. One suggestion would be to go to a different company and get a different custom design for a lower cost. A second suggestion was to use the standard large medal and have a custom insert placed in the center. A third suggestion was to have color added to the original design (this was considered last year but it was found that would increase the cost by as much as $1.50).
It has also been suggested that we have a contest for a new design, so if the membership chooses to use a new medal the choice on the new design could be made at state.

The question is should be change the medals we use at State? If so what should the design be, should it be a custom medal, or a standard round medal with a custom insert? If a new medal design is to be chosen what should it be?

Your opinions and suggestions would be welcome. Please give them by adding a comment. If you have a design you would like to suggest send it as a file to me by e-mail and I will add it to the comment.