Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories Quarters (2009)

Overview

Following the successful completion of the 50 States Quarters Program in 2008, the United States Mint embarked on an ambitious plan to issue six coins in 2009 to honour the District of Columbia as well as the United States Territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Adding these coins to numismatic collections not only brings attention to the diverse cultural and historical histories of various places but also offers an enormous amount of value to such collections.

Every quarter in this series has the same obverse as the State Quarters. Originally designed by John Flanagan in 1932, it shows the well-known profile of George Washington from a left-oriented perspective. Still, the reverse side of every coin has a design reflecting the five areas that comprise the United States of America as well as the District of Columbia.

Their purpose is to highlight the many cultures, histories, and customs that are specific to each region. People who are interested in history and geography might use them as a guide to further their studies. Because of their limited mintage, their potential worth will rise with time.

January 26, 2009: Included in the image is the legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington playing the piano, and the message reads "Justice for All."

March 30, 2009: The hibiscus blossom and a medieval sentry box from El Morro fort are both displayed throughout the space. Includes the inscription "Isla del Encanto".

May 26, 2009: An outline of Guam, a flying proa (representing a canoe), and a latte stone, which represents ancient Chamorro pillars, are all included.

July 27, 2009: The traditional Samoan slogan "Samoa Muamua Le Atua" (Samoa, God is First) is displayed with a tanoa, which is a special bowl used for ceremonies, as well as a coconut tree.

September 28, 2009: Apart from a summary of the three main islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) the design incorporates images of a bananaquit bird and a yellow cedar bloom.

November 30, 2009: There are traditional two masts, as well as Latte stone and surroundings that are natural.

Uncirculated and Proof versions of each coin were created by the Mint, in addition to a Proof version that was pure silver and contained 90% silver. These coins were available for purchase at the Mint in rolls, bags, and as components of uncirculated and proof sets. They could also be obtained from banks and circulation by purchasing them.