1909 Orville and Wilbur Wright Congressional Plaque. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. Failor-Hayden 639. Silver. Specimen-66 (PCGS).

55 mm x 79 mm, rectangular. 6.65 troy ounces, .999 fine. A pristine-looking specimen with a fine grain sandblast finish to bright pewter-gray surfaces. This medal was awarded by Congress, in recognition and in appreciation of the great service Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright of Ohio rendered the science of aerial navigation, in the invention of the Wright aeroplane, and for their ability, courage and success in navigating the air. Bronze impressions were sold to collectors, and we have handled several of these in recent years. Only two silver impressions were made, however, and the first was offered in our November 2023 Auction; this is presumably the second one. It is accompanied by the original cardboard box of issue, a sticker on the lid of which is printed WRIGHT BROS. AWARD / BY RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS / MARCH 4, 1909 / SIZE 52x36 * DESIGNER: MORGAN / .999 FINE SILVER - 5.90 OZ. / TWO MEDALS AUTHORIZED IN SILVER / AND STRUCK AT THE PHILA. MINT / - PROOF SET. There is also some additional handwriting in pencil and ink on the lid of the box, but otherwise it is well preserved and generally crisp. (Total: 1 medal; 1 box)

Estimate: $1000