The year 2003 marked the 100th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright's historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

By Act of Congress, and in honor of this historic event, the United States Mint produced a series of gold, silver and clad commemorative coins. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these coins was authorized to be paid to the First Flight Foundation for purposes of repairing, refurbishing, and maintaining the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, including providing educational programs and exhibits for visitors.

Public Law 105-124 states that the design on the coins "shall be emblematic of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina." These coins will be offered in both proof and uncirculated condition. The Law also authorizes the United States Mint to produce not more than 100,000 gold ten-dollar, 500,000 silver one-dollar and 750,000 clad half-dollar coins.

The composition of the gold ten-dollar coin is 90% gold and 10% alloy, the silver one-dollar coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper, and the clad half-dollar coin is comprised of 92% copper and 8% nickel.

The First Flight Centennial Commemorative coins were available from August 1, 2003 through July 31, 2004.