District of Columbia and United States Territories quarters

2009 quarters letter

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2009 DC Proof

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2009 PR Proof

2009 GU Proof

2009 AS Proof

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2009 USVI Proof

District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarters were a series of commemorative quarter coins released by the United States Mint between 2009 and 2009. This series was an extension of the 50 State Quarters program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. The District of Columbia and United States Territories quarters program honored the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each of the six jurisdictions had a unique design that reflected its heritage, traditions, and symbols.

Design Selection Process

The design process for the District of Columbia and United States Territories quarters involved input from each jurisdiction. The governor or chief executive of each territory submitted design narratives or concepts to the United States Mint. These concepts were reviewed and approved by various parties, including the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), before being finalized by the Secretary of the Treasury. The designs aimed to capture the essence and uniqueness of each territory and the District of Columbia.

Release Schedule

The quarters were released in the following order in 2009:

1. District of Columbia
2. Puerto Rico
3. Guam
4. American Samoa
5. U.S. Virgin Islands
6. Northern Mariana Islands

Each quarter was released into circulation according to its scheduled date, and the United States Mint also offered these coins in collectible formats, including proof sets and silver proof sets.

Designs

Each quarter's design was unique to its jurisdiction:

• The District of Columbia quarter featured famed musician Duke Ellington, making it the first U.S. coin to feature an African American.
• The Puerto Rico quarter depicted the sentry box at Castillo San Felipe del Morro and a hibiscus flower, symbolizing Puerto Rico's rich history and natural beauty.
• The Guam quarter showcased an outline of the island, a flying proa (a traditional sailing vessel), and a latte stone, an iconic symbol of Chamorro culture.
• The American Samoa quarter featured the ava bowl (a symbol of welcome), a whisk and staff (symbols of authority), and the outline of the islands.
• The U.S. Virgin Islands quarter depicted the three major islands under a bananaquit bird, with a Tyre Palm tree and flowers, representing the lush flora of the islands.
• The Northern Mariana Islands quarter illustrated a latte stone, a Carolinian mwar (a ceremonial headpiece), and a canoe, signifying the navigation skills and cultural heritage of the Chamorro and Carolinian people.

Collectibility and Legacy

The District of Columbia and United States Territories quarters program was well-received by collectors and the general public. It extended the enthusiasm generated by the 50 State Quarters program, offering a new set of designs for collectors to pursue. These quarters also provided an educational opportunity, highlighting the culture, history, and symbols of the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.

The program concluded in 2009, but its legacy continues in the quarters and coin collections across the country. It paved the way for subsequent United States Mint commemorative coin programs, such as the America the Beautiful Quarters program, which began in 2010.

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