The 2003 First Flight Centennial Commemorative Coins were the only commemorative coins issued by the US Mint during the year. The coins celebrated 100 years since the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, NC.
2003 First Flight Centennial Commemorative Coins (Proof)
- 2003 First Flight $10 Gold Coin
- 2003 First Flight Silver Dollar
- 2003 First Flight Half Dollar Clad Coin
Each of these three coins were struck to both proof and uncirculated condition, as dictated by the terms of the First Flight Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 105-124). That Act dictated that the designs be "emblematic of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903."
Accordingly, the obverse of the $10 Gold Coin features a design showing the Wright Brothers – Orville and Wilbur. It was designed by designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver. The reverse was also designed by Weaver and shows a depiction of the Wright 1903 Flyer while in flight.
2003 First Flight $10 Gold Coin (Proof and Uncirculated)
The Silver Dollar features a profile portrait of the brothers as designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Jim Ferrell. It was based on the George T. Morgan design used on the Congressional Medal awarded to the brothers in 1909. The reverse shows the Wright 1903 Flyer as well and was designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Norman E. Nemeth.
2003 First Flight Silver Dollar (Proof and Uncirculated)
Finally, the Clad Half Dollar obverse was designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti and depicts an upward looking view of the Wright Monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill. Shown on the reverse is the Wright 1903 Flyer again with this version designed by Donna Weaver.
2003 First Flight Half Dollar Clad Coin (Proof and Uncirculated)
