2009-D United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Northern Mariana Islands Territory Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

2009-D United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Northern Mariana Islands Territory Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: N/A
Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
Weight (g): 5.67
Diameter (mm): 24.26
Finish: BU

Launched in 1999, the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program was a 10-year initiative that honored each of the nation’s states in the order that they ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Each quarter was produced for about 10 weeks and will never be produced again. State designs are displayed on the reverse (tails) of the quarters, while the obverse design displays the familiar image of George Washington.

Following the conclusion of the 50 State Quarters Program, a second one year follow up series was authorized known as The District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarter Program. This separate program featured six additional quarters with designs representing the six U.S. jurisdictions which are not classified as states.

The Northern Mariana Islands Quarter was released on November 30, 2009. This represented the sixth and final release of the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarter Program. This program was created as a follow up to the popular 50 State Quarters Program to honor the non-state jurisdictions of the United States.

Obverse design:
John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington (modified by William Cousins) is featured on the obverse. Also seen are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the mintmark.

Reverse design:
The reverse design for the Northern Mariana Islands Quarter features symbols representative of the islands. This includes a two piece stone pillar known as a Latte, which appears amongst coconut trees, wild plants, native birds, and a sailing vessel. A Teibwo (pacific basil) frames the design. The inscriptions include “Northern Mariana Islands,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and the date. The reverse was designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.