Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 446, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, Puerto Rico
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 446, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, Puerto Rico
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.

Puerto Rico (Spanish for "Rich Port"), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeast Caribbean Sea. An archipelago among the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller ones, such as Mona, Culebra, and Vieques. The capital and most populous city is San Juan. Its official languages are Spanish and English, though Spanish predominates. Puerto Rico's history, tropical climate, natural scenery, traditional cuisine, and tax incentives make it a destination for travelers from around the world.

Originally populated by the indigenous Taíno people, the island was claimed in 1493 by Christopher Columbus for Spain during his second voyage. Later it endured invasion attempts from the French, Dutch, and British. Four centuries of Spanish colonial government influenced the island's cultural landscapes with waves of African slaves, Canarian, and Andalusian settlers. 1898, following the Spanish–American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.

Release date (territory date): March 30, 2009 (December 10, 1898).

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 a sentry box at Castillo San Felipe del Morro and a maga flower. Castillo San Felipe del Morro also known as Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or Castillo del Morro, is a 16th-century citadel located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was named in honor of King Philip II of Spain.

The island is also popularly known in Spanish as la isla del encanto, meaning "the island of enchantment".

Engraver: Joseph Menna (JFM)

PUERTO RICO
Isla
del
Encanto
JFM
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)

Related coins

Washington Quarter, District of Columbia

District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program

Copper Nickel Clad Copper, 5.67 g, ⌀ 24.3 mm
Washington Silver Proof Quarter, District of Columbia

District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program

Silver, 6.25 g, ⌀ 24.3 mm
Washington Silver Proof Quarter, Puerto Rico

District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program

Silver, 6.25 g, ⌀ 24.3 mm