Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 449a, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 449a, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, U.S. Virgin Islands
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.

The United States Virgin Islands, officially the Virgin Islands of the United States, is a group of islands in the Caribbean that is an insular area of the United States located 40 miles (64 km) east of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and many other surrounding minor islands. The territory's capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas. Previously the Danish West Indies of the Kingdom of Denmark–Norway, they were sold to the United States by Denmark in the Treaty of the Danish West Indies of 1916.

Release date (territory date): September 28, 2009 (March 31, 1917).

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
S
JF WC
QUARTER DOLLAR

Reverse

Depicts an outline of the three major islands, the yellow breast or bananaquit, its official bird; the yellow cedar or yellow elder, the official flower; and a tyre palm tree. The official motto of the territory "United in Pride and Hope" is below.

The bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) is a species of passerine bird Natural from Puerto Rico. It is tentatively placed in the tanager family, but classified as incertae sedis by other authorities such as the American Ornithologists' Union. This small, active nectarivore is found in warmer parts of the Americas, and is generally common.

Engraver: Joseph Menna (JFM)

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
United in
Pride and
Hope
JFM
E PLURIBUS UNUM 2009

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 6.25 g
Diameter 24.3 mm
Thickness 1.75 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
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 Quarter, Puerto Rico

District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program

Copper Nickel Clad Copper, 5.67 g, ⌀ 24.3 mm