2003 (P) First Flight Centennial Commemorative Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$316 MS70 07-18-2005 David Lawrence RC

Description

The 2003 (P) First Flight Centennial Commemorative Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 57,122 examples. Part of the First Flight Centennial three-coin program, this half dollar depicts the granite monument erected at Kill Devil Hills to honor the Wright brothers' achievement. The obverse features the Wright Brothers Monument at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, while the reverse displays the Wright 1903 Flyer with Orville piloting and Wilbur on the ground with arm raised. Designed by John M. Mercanti/Norman E. Nemeth. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 11.34 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #21001. The First Flight half dollar's reverse is arguably the most historically accurate depiction of the first flight on any U.S. coin, showing both brothers in their actual positions.