CVC & Collectables presents the 2009-P District of Columbia Quarter, the very first issue of the DC & U.S. Territories program, featuring jazz legend Duke Ellington seated at a grand piano above the city’s motto “Justice for All.”
Coin Highlights
-
Maker: United States Mint – Philadelphia (“P” mintmark)
-
Date: 2009
-
Program: DC & U.S. Territories Quarters – 1st of 6 designs (District of Columbia)
-
Metal: Copper–nickel clad (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)
-
Weight: 5.67 g; Diameter: 24.26–24.3 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm; reeded edge
-
Mintage (P business strike): 83,600,000 coins (plus limited satin-finish coins in Mint Sets)
-
Obverse: George Washington portrait by John Flanagan (modified by William Cousins), with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, QUARTER DOLLAR, and P mintmark.
-
Reverse: Duke Ellington seated at a piano with inscriptions DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DUKE ELLINGTON, JUSTICE FOR ALL, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and 2009.
-
Designers (reverse): Joel Iskowitz (Artistic Infusion Program designer) and Don Everhart (U.S. Mint sculptor–engraver).
-
Grade: As described in the listing title; please see photos for the exact coin offered.
Historical Significance
The District of Columbia quarter was released January 26, 2009, inaugurating the DC & U.S. Territories Quarters Program that followed the 50 State Quarters series. It honors Washington, D.C.—created in 1790 and established as the nation’s capital in 1800—as a federal district distinct from any state.
The reverse highlights celebrated composer and bandleader Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, who was born and raised in D.C., symbolizing the city’s rich African American cultural and musical heritage. The motto “Justice for All” is the District’s official motto, chosen to emphasize ongoing struggles for civil rights and full political representation for D.C. residents.
Collectibility
With a relatively low mintage of 83.6 million for the P-mint, the 2009-P District of Columbia Quarter is scarcer than many State quarters and forms a key starting piece for DC & Territories sets. Attractive Uncirculated examples with strong luster and sharp piano keys, lettering, and portrait detail are popular in modern Washington quarter albums, while high-grade certified pieces (MS67 and above) are notably tough and command solid premiums.
