CVC & Collectables presents the 2009-P Northern Mariana Islands Quarter, a DC & U.S. Territories issue from the Philadelphia Mint featuring a richly detailed island seascape with canoe, latte stone, and floral lei.
Coin Highlights
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Maker: United States Mint – Philadelphia (“P” mintmark)
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Date: 2009
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Program: DC & U.S. Territories Quarters – final design of the 2009 series
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Catalog: KM# 466
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Metal: Copper–nickel clad (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)
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Weight: 5.67 g; Thickness: 1.75 mm
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Diameter / Edge: 24.26 mm; reeded edge
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Mintage (P business strike): 35,200,000 coins, plus limited satin-finish coins in Mint Sets
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Obverse: George Washington portrait by William Cousins after John Flanagan, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, QUARTER DOLLAR.
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Reverse: Limestone latte stone, Carolinian canoe with sail, two seabirds overhead, and a mwar (head lei) of native flowers along the rim, with NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS and E PLURIBUS UNUM 2009.
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Designers: Obverse – William Cousins; Reverse – Richard Masters (design), Phebe Hemphill (sculptor).
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Grade: As described in the listing title; please see photos for the exact coin offered.
Historical Significance
The Northern Mariana Islands quarter is the sixth and final coin in the 2009 DC and U.S. Territories Quarters Program, marking the close of the long-running State and Territory quarter era. The design highlights the islands’ Chamorro and Carolinian heritage: the latte stone evokes ancient architecture, the traditional canoe and seabirds honor seafaring traditions, and the floral mwar symbolizes welcome and community across the archipelago.
Collectibility
With a relatively modest circulation mintage compared to earlier State quarters, the 2009-P Northern Mariana Islands issue is an essential but slightly tougher modern piece for Washington quarter and territories completists. Collectors often seek bright, fully struck examples to showcase the fine details of the canoe, latte stone, and floral lei—especially in high-end albums or matched P/D sets from the short-lived Territories program.
