2009 Guam Quarter (BUY)
The Guam Quarter was released into circulation on May 26, 2009. This was the third release of the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarter Program. This program is a follow up to the popular 50 State Quarters Program.
The design features most prominently, an outline of the island of Guam. Two symbols associated with the island are also pictured. At left is a sailing vessel known as the "Flying Proa" for its great speed. At right is a Latte, a stone pillar used in ancient houses. The reverse was designed by David Westwood and sculpted by Jim Licaretz.
The inscriptions read "Guam," "Guahan I Tanó ManChamorro," (translated: Guam- Land of the Chamorro), "E Pluribus Unum," and the date. The second inscription refers to Chamorro, one of the official languages of Guam which holds an important place in Guam's identity as a link to their ancestors. It's usage is seeing a renaissance in Guam and the Mariana Islands.
Another proposed design included a depiction of the Flying Proa sailing within the East Hagåtña Bay. A coconut tree appeared to the right and Two Lovers Point was in the background. The residents of Guam made their design selection based on a popular vote.
An official launch ceremony for the Guam Quarter was held on June 4, 2009 at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna, Guam. The ceremony was hosted by US Mint Director Edmund Moy and Guam Governor Felix P Camacho. After the ceremony children were given a free Guam Quarter and adults were allowed to exchange bills for new rolls of coins. Prior to the ceremony, a collectors coin forum was held.
The Guam Quarter Mint is the lowest so far for the US Territories Quarters Program. There were only 42,600,000 coins produced at the Denver Mint and 45,000,000 produced at the Philadelphia Mint. This low mintage might lead many to consider this a key date coin.
Coin Specifications:
- Mintage: 45,000,000 (Philadelphia), 42,600,000 (Denver)
- Designers: William Cousins after John Flanagan (obverse), David Westwood (reverse)
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad), 90% silver, 10% copper (silver proof)
- Diameter: 24.26 mm
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Edge: Reeded
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US $30.00
