2003-W $10 First Flight Commemorative Proof Gold Coin
The 2003-W $10 First Flight Commemorative Proof Gold Coin was issued by the US Mint to mark the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ historic flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903
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| Mintage: 100,000 maximum across all product options Final Mintage: 21,676 eBay Listings Authorizing Coin Law U.S. Mint Online Site |
Generally credited with obtaining the first powered, controllable flight in human history, the Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur) actually lived and worked in Ohio. They chose the Kitty Hawk, North Carolina area as it was the closest location to Ohio that fulfilled their needs for gentle breezes, soft sandy landing areas and a level of privacy from reporters not offered elsewhere.
The First Flight Gold Proof Coin is struck from 90% gold to a diameter of 27mm.
2003 First Flight Coins
A total of six coins were struck by the US Mint in 2003 to celebrate the centennial of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s successful flight. Those strikes included:
- 2003-W $10 First Flight Commemorative Proof Gold Coin
- 2003-W $10 First Flight Commemorative Uncirculated Gold Coin
- 2003-P First Flight Commemorative Proof Silver Dollar
- 2003-P First Flight Commemorative Uncirculated Silver Dollar
- 2003-P First Flight Commemorative Proof Clad Half Dollar
- 2003-P First Flight Commemorative Uncirculated Clad Half Dollar
Surcharges were added to the sale of each of these coins and forwarded to the First Flight Centennial Foundation. The Foundation was to use the funds for the Wright Monument on the Outer Banks in North Carolina and the Wright Brothers’ National Memorial Park.
Issue Information
Each First Flight Gold Coin is struck from 90% gold to the diameter of 27 mm.
Release Date
The US Mint released the First Flight Gold Coin on August 1, 2003.
Issue Price
Initial price on the First Flight Proof Gold Coin was $350.00.
U.S. Mint Production Facility
A ‘W’ mintmark on each gold coin indicates it was struck at the US Mint’s facility in West Point.
Designer & Sculptor
Designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver, the obverse (heads side) of the First Flight Gold Coin shows a portrait of Orville and Wilbur Wright.
The reverse (tails side) was also designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver and features an image of the Wright 1903 Flyer.
Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $10 |
| Finish: | Proof |
| Composition: | 90% gold, 10% alloy |
| Standard Weight: | 16.7180 g |
| Standard Diameter: | 27 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |