Air Force Challenge Coins
For those that are avid challenge coin collectors, you may know that some of the more collectible and famous coins were made for the USAF. We work with Airmen on a daily basis creating personalized designs and incorporating unique images to provide only the best custom coins possible to the US Air Force service men and women. Get your own Air Force challenge coins by clicking the FREE QUOTE button located below. Our team will design, at no cost to you, a customized USAF coin and send it over for your review.
Whether you’re a collector of military memorabilia, have family members who served in the military, or are an avid coin collector, you’ve probably heard of the challenge coin. The type of coin under discussion here comes from the Air Force. Airmen consider Air Force challenge coins to be a symbol of honor, service, and camaraderie with the members of their unit. Challenge Coins Ltd. can help you create your iconic challenge coins, whether you’re looking to honor staff members, public servants, or close friends.
What Is the History of the Air Force Challenge Coin?
During World War I, an American pilot survived a miraculous capture and escape because he had his squadron’s bronze medallion in his pocket. After being shot down over Germany, the pilot was captured and later fled to France, where his life was still in jeopardy because the French didn’t believe he was who he claimed to be. His medallion was how he proved his identity, and the Air Force challenge coin tradition has been in place ever since.
The reason it’s called a challenge coin is because Airmen are supposed to carry these coins with them at all times, and another member of the Air Force can challenge them to show their coins. Anyone who doesn’t show their coins can be forced to complete a task of the challenger’s choosing. The most common tradition is for losers to buy the unit a round of drinks.
Another reason Airmen always keep their challenge coins with them is that if the challenger calls out a challenge and nobody loses, the unit can demand a round of drinks from the challenger instead. However, challenge coins are more than tokens used for shenanigans and hold great significance to the people who receive them.
How Are Air Force Challenge Coins Obtained and Used?
Every Airman receives their first challenge coin when they complete their basic training. This is often one of the most memorable coins they receive during their lifetime, but it may not be the last. Challenge coins are awarded to Airmen in the same way medals are awarded to members of other military branches. Airmen with distinguished careers in the Air Force may have acquired many challenge coins to display proudly.
The way that challenge coins are used is through a coin check or challenge. As stated previously, those who fail a challenge are required to pay some sort of penalty. There are specific procedures for how to award these coins and handle them as well.
Challenge coins can’t be slid across hard surfaces, for example. To give someone a challenge coin, the giver must place it in the palm of their hand and then offer it with a firm handshake. Today, many of the challenge coins held by collectors are personal coins handed down from a family member who once served in the Air Force. They are a reminder of the camaraderie and honor bestowed upon the members who’ve served and currently serve the country.
What Are Some Traditional Air Force Challenge Coin Designs?
Numerous challenge coin designs vary based on individual accomplishments and the squadrons in which Airmen serve. The first challenge coin in the Air Force is of an eagle displaying its talons as if they were protruding from the coin. It features the wording “Aerospace Power.”
Most challenge coins have the core values of the Air Force displayed on the obverse side of the coin, with symbolism that refers to the unit or squadron awarding the coin. These values are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
Unit commanders and other military officials have designed commemorative coins to present to Airmen who have exceeded their call of duty. Coins are normally presented by a Wing Commander or Command Chief Master Sergeant, but United States Presidents have also been involved in the military tradition of awarding challenge coins.
Another highly sought-after coin by collectors is the 2007 Air Force challenge coin. It marked the 60th anniversary of the Air Force and had a complete redesign from previous versions. The eagle from the original has been replaced with the official Air Force logo.
Modern Uses for Challenge Coins
While challenge coins have a special place in the hearts of Airmen and carry great weight and honor, they’ve started to appear in other places. Some businesses have copied the tradition and started offering custom coins to their employees similar to Air Force challenge coins. It’s a way for employers to recognize key contributors and motivate their workforces.
Law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency response units also use challenge coins to honor service and accomplishments. For this reason, Challenge Coins Ltd. is ready to help you design your unique challenge coins to show your team that you’ve noticed their efforts and want to celebrate their achievements.
Our basic materials include high-polish gold, silver, copper, bronze, and black nickel, but for a small fee, we can add an antique patina that lends some additional refinement and depth to your coin. The high-polish look is very suitable for the forward-thinking, technologically advanced nature of the USAF, but the patina can add an aged feel, which can help to emphasize the timeless and enduring nature of Air Force achievements. For a smart, high-impact look, consider a flat cut or flat weave edge. Our rope-cut, spur, oblique, and diamond cross-cut edges can lend some additional trimming to your coins.
Still looking for more customization options for your Air Force coins? With dual plating, you can make your insignia stand out even more, and silk-screen and offset-printed images allow you to adorn your coins with any design you want. Epoxy dome coating and embossed molds can be used to provide a 3D effect. We have hard and soft enamel and offer glitter and glow-in-the-dark paint for some extra finesse.
We can guide you through every step in creating a challenge coin to honor an event or accomplishment. From choosing an appropriate size for the coin to considering 3D design elements, we know how to make your coins stand out at first glance. High-quality brass helps us provide these coins at a great price.
Call us at (800) 818-3229 to get started with your design or start a quote, and someone will reach out to you.
