Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 466, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, Northern Mariana Islands
  • 25 Cents 2009, KM# 466, United States of America (USA), District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program, Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is an insular area and commonwealth of the United States consisting of 15 islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The CNMI includes all islands in the Mariana Archipelago except Guam which is the southernmost island of the chain and a separate U.S. territory.

Release date (territory date): November 30, 2009 (March 24, 1976).

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

Near the shore stand a large limestone latte, a canoe of the indigenous Carolinians, two white fairy terns, and a mwar (head lei).

A latte stone, or simply latte (also latde), is a pillar (Chamorro language: haligi) capped by a hemispherical stone capital (tasa) with the flat side facing up. Used as building supports by the ancient Chamorro people, they are found throughout most of the Mariana Islands. In modern times, the latte stone is seen as a sign of Chamorro identity and is used in many different contexts.

Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection.

Engraver: Phebe Hemphill (PH)

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
PH
E PLURIBUS UNUM 2009

Edge

25 Cents

Washington Quarter
KM# 466 Schön# 448
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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District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program

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