Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 448, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, American Samoa
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 448, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, American Samoa
Description

The District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarters Program was a one-year coin program of the United States Mint that saw quarters being minted in 2009 to honor the District of Columbia and the unincorporated United States insular areas of Puerto Rico, Guam, United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It followed the successful completion of the 50 State Quarters program.

The Mint produced Uncirculated and Proof versions of each coin, as well as a 90% pure silver version in Proof. These coins were available from banks, circulation or by purchase from the Mint in rolls, bags, and as parts of Uncirculated and Proof sets.

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Samoa. American Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, with the Manuʻa Islands, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island also included in the territory.

American Samoa is the result of the Second Samoan Civil War and an agreement made between Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom in the Tripartite Convention of 1899. The international rivalries were settled by the 1899 Treaty of Berlin in which Germany and the U.S. divided the Samoan archipelago. The eastern Samoan islands became territories of the United States and later became known as American Samoa. The U.S. formally occupied its portion, with the noted harbor of Pago Pago, the following year. The western islands are now the independent state of Samoa.

Release date (territory date): July 27, 2009 (April 17, 1900).

Obverse

Depicts a modified left-facing bust of George Washington, a design by John Flanagan based on a 1786 plaster bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Sculptor-engraver William Cousins designed the newer rendition of Washington.

Wrapping around the top of the coin is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. To Washington’s left is the inscription LIBERTY. To his right, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The coin’s denomination wraps around the bottom of the coin, written as QUARTER DOLLAR. The initials of John Flanagan (JF) and William Cousins (WC) are visible in the bust truncation. The mintmark is seen to the right of Washington’s ponytail.

George Washington (1732–1799) was the first President of the United States (1789–1797), the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the current United States Constitution and during his lifetime was called the "father of his country".

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IN
GOD WE
TRUST
LIBERTY
D
JF WC
QUARTER DOLLAR

Reverse

Depicts an ava bowl, whisk and staff in the foreground with a coconut tree on the shore in the background. Offical motto in Samoan "Samoa, Let God Be First" (Sāmoa, Muamua Le Atua) below.

The ava bowl (tanoa) is used to make the special ceremonial drink for island chiefs and guests during important events. The ava ceremony is considered the most significant traditional event in Samoan culture. The whisk and staff symbolize the rank of the Samoan orator delivering speeches during these gatherings. The ava bowl, whisk and staff also appear on the Official Seal of American Samoa.

Engraver: Charles Vickers (CLV)

AMERICAN SAMOA
SAMOA MUAMUA
LE ATUA
CLV
E PLURIBUS UNUM 2009

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Copper Nickel Clad Copper
Weight 5.67 g
Diameter 24.3 mm
Thickness 1.75 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mints
Denver Mint (D)
Philadelphia Mint (P)
San Francisco Mint (S)

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