Top Air Force Challenge Coin Designs, Ranked

Coming up with a new Air Force challenge coin is no simple task.

You need to think about colours, composition, getting its two sides to match… and a whole lot more.

If you find yourself drawing a blank, when you should be drawing a design, then this blog post is for you.

We at Badges And Medals have designed dozens of Air Force challenge coins and know that looking at some top-performing designs can be a great source of inspiration.

That's why we've put together this ranked list of our favourite Air Force challenge coins.

Each coin has been selected for its exceptional design.

So, whether you're looking for inspiration for your designs or simply want to admire the best, these coins will leave you feeling inspired!

Best Air Force challenge coin designs:

5. The 'Retired Serviceperson' Coin (USA)

What makes this challenge coin interesting is its dual plating.

Plating is when you cover one metal with a thin layer of another metal like you would a coat of paint. It allows you to change the colour or texture of your challenge coin.

Usually, a challenge coin has only one colour. But this coin has two on one of its sides - gold and silver. This draws your eye to the United States Air Force logo, so you can’t miss it.

On top of that, the silver area appears to be sandblasted, adding a matte, slightly grainy texture. This detail not only adds visual interest but also makes the central emblem pop even more. When light hits the coin, the sandblasted surface sparkles like tiny crystals, subtly enhancing the coin’s importance. It's also a smart way to ensure the logo remains the focus.

Creative takeaways:

• Think outside the box when it comes to design. For example, dual plating!
• Add texture to make your design more dynamic.

Made by: Ranger Coin

4. The 'Network Technician' Coin (Australia)

What sets this challenge coin apart is its clever use of design to connect with its recipients. The coin was created for the Royal Australian Air Force's network technicians, who keep its networks safe during missions.

On one side, you’re greeted with a three-dimensional (3D) Royal Australian Air Force logo. This logo doesn’t just look great – it pops out when the light hits it, making it easier to remember. Beyond its looks, the raised design lets people interact with the challenge coin through touch, not just sight. This makes the coin more interactive and reminds the network technicians of their vital role within the Royal Australian Air Force.

Flip the coin over, you’ve got rings of circles packed with details that speak to the recipient. For instance, the outer ring features ASCII binary code that translates to 'network technician' - a clever nod to their expertise.

The use of colour to break up these rings is spot-on. It stops the design from looking too busy and ensures each part stands out. The colours are the same as those in the Royal Australian Air Force logo, which creates a cohesive look between both sides of the challenge coin.

Creative takeaways:

• Use 3D elements to make your coin pop.
• Stick to a colour scheme! It makes your coin look more consistent.

Made by: Imaginings By Kat

3. The 'No. 5 Squadron' Coin (New Zealand)

There's a reason this challenge coin stands out as a favourite, and it might not be immediately obvious. Can you spot it?

If you guessed the bird, you're right!

But it's not the bird itself. It's what the bird is made from.

This 'No. 5 Squadron' coin uses a seashell to "colour in" the bird, which is something you don't see often in challenge coins. The shell's colours shift under different lights, drawing the eye and making the coin stand out.

This isn't just a random material choice. It's a clever nod to New Zealand because the shell comes from a native sea snail called pāua. Adding pāua shell into the coin literally brings a piece of "home" to the recipients.

Plus, each shell's natural pattern is unique, so no two coins are exactly alike. That means every recipient gets something truly one-of-a-kind.

Another stand-out feature of the 'No. 5 Squadron' coin is its reeded edge. This edge, similar to the one used on actual currency, gives the challenge coin the look and feel of real money, making it feel more valuable.

After all, who doesn't love the feeling of money?

Creative takeaways:

• Add unique materials to your challenge coin to make it stand out.

Made by: Badges And Medals

2. The 'Aviation Medicine Unit' Coin (New Zealand)

Many Air Force challenge coins feature a squadron's emblem on one side, and the 'Aviation Medicine Unit' coin is no exception. But here's what makes this coin stand out: its incredible fine detail.

The emblem includes small, sharp lines and tiny areas of colour that make this coin look expensive and important. Some challenge coin makers can't capture all these details, which can undermine the design.

But this coin nails it perfectly.

Adding to its appeal is the coin's oblique edge. 'Oblique' is just a fancy way of saying 'slanted'. By adding slanted cuts around the coin's edge, your brain is tricked into thinking the edge is moving, creating a sense of energy and direction. It makes the challenge coin far more eye-catching.

The best part? The slants of the edge beautifully echo the golden rope on the 'Aviation Medicine Unit' emblem. It captivates anyone who sees it.

Creative takeaways:

• Give your coin some flair by adding a unique edge design.
• Pick challenge coin makers that can bring detailed designs to life.

Made by: Badges And Medals

1. The 'Australia Space Based Infrared Systems Detachment' Coin (Australia)

One quick look at this challenge coin and its meaning is crystal clear. You don’t need to read a single word to know that the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Air Force teamed up for a satellite program.

That’s what great design does!

Every aspect of this coin – from the colours to the images – was purposefully chosen to tell this story. For example, the red, white, and blue colours are a nod to the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian and American flags. The truth is, the coin was awarded to Australians posted in the United States for their Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) program – almost exactly what you first thought!

Another great design feature is the coin's use of balance. It makes the coin look pleasing to the eye and keeps it from feeling overwhelming.

For example, on one side, you have the Royal Australian Air Force emblem, which is balanced by the bird's-eye view (or should we say satellite-eye view) of Australia. Flip the coin, and you see the Australian flag and a boomerang balanced by the American flag and the pilot wings.

Creative takeaways:

• Your coin should tell a story. Use symbols, dates, and imagery that mean something when put together.
• Make sure your design is balanced for a harmonious look.

Made by: Unknown

Create your own Air Force coin!

You came here looking for ideas to design a unique Air Force challenge coin, and we at Badges And Medals have delivered it.

We’ve highlighted some of our favourite Air Force coins and explained what makes them special, giving you plenty of inspiration. With over 50 years of experience and thousands of custom challenge coins under our belt, we understand what makes a design great.

Now that you’ve got a clearer vision for your coin, the next step is understanding the costs involved.

Check out our article, 'How Much Do Custom Challenge Coins Cost?' to learn more.