Aircraft on U.S. Coinage

By David W. Boitnott

At the June meeting of the Raleigh Coin Club we were shown an example of the first United States note to depict an airplane. It sparked a great deal of discussion as to whether or not an airplane had ever appeared on a United States coin. Someone remembered that airplanes had appeared on Canadian coins but no one could recall a US coin with one. Then the excitement began as it was speculated that North Carolina would have yet another first when next year our statehood quarter would be released featuring the Wright Flyer - the first airplane to appear on a US coin! But, gosh darnit, after a quick scan through the Red Book it appears it just wasn't meant to be. Our quarter will be the fifth design and the fourth US coin to depict an aircraft.

The first coin beat us by a full ten years. The 1991 Korean War Memorial Silver Dollar issued to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the end of the Korean War has the distinction of being the first to use an aircraft as part of its design. The obverse, designed by Mint sculptor John Mercanti, features items symbolic of each branch of service that served in Korea. Mercanti choose to represent the Air Force by including two F-80 or F-86 Sabre jets streaking from left to right in the upper portion of the design. Although not the central design element they are clearly visible and identifiable earning the 1991 Korean War Memorial Silver Dollar the honor of being first in flight for a coin.

The issue of an aircraft being used as part of the central design theme was answered the following year. The 1992 Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Silver Dollar reverse features a split image of Columbus' ship the Santa Maria and the US Space Shuttle Discovery. Mint designer Thomas D. Rogers, Sr. design shows the tremendous advances in technology, transportation and exploration in the 500 years since the discovery of the New World. Granted, one could argue the Space Shuttle is not an aircraft but a spacecraft but the fact remains it was designed to re-enter and land like an airplane. Winning any argument to exclude this one would be a case of splitting hairs and technicalities.

The third US coin to feature aircraft goes all out including them on both the obverse and reverse. The 1993 issued 1991-1995 dual dated 50th Anniversary of World War II Clad Half Dollar has the honor of being the first US coin to depict aircraft on both sides. The obverse, designed by George Klauba, features three servicemen (one each for the Army, Navy and Marines - the Air Force did not exists as a separate branch until 1947) superimposed over a "V" for victory with a B-29 Bomber flying overhead. The choice of a B-29 bomber may have been meant to represent the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb leading to the final victory. The reverse, designed by Bill J. Leftwich, features a Pacific island battle scene where an F-4U Corsar can be seen flying in a close air support role to the infantry.

Don't worry though, with a little qualification we can still claim a couple of firsts. In 2001 when the North Carolina statehood quarter becomes the second issue of the year we will have the first US coin to depict an airplane issued for circulation. Then in 2003 when the five-dollar gold commemorative coin for the 100th Anniversary of the Wright Brother's First Flight, which presumably will include a likeness of the Wright Flyer, is issued we will have the first US gold coin to depict an airplane. We will have to share that first with Ohio, as they will clearly claim the brothers as their native sons.

Aircraft and spacecraft should continue to appear on future US commemorative issues as we are entering a great period of opportunity to celebrate and honor the 100th anniversaries of many of the accomplishments of the early aviators. Then in the 2010's the tremendous accomplishments of the US space program will be prime candidates for commemoration on their 50th anniversaries. Just think of all the neat designs, interesting coins and surcharge windfalls for the government we could have.