A High-Grade Satin Finish Coin from the One-Year Territories Program

This listing offers a remarkable and highly collectible piece of modern American numismatics. It is a 2009-D U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter, officially certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company, or NGC, at the prestigious MS66, or Mint State 66, grade. This coin features a distinctive Satin Finish and is struck at the Denver Mint. It is encapsulated in a protective NGC slab with serial number 3327823-026, preserving its exceptional condition for generations to come.

Historical Context: The District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program

The District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program was a one-year initiative authorized by Public Law 110-161, following the hugely popular 50 State Quarters Program which ended in 2008. In 2009, the United States Mint issued six quarters honoring the District of Columbia and the five U.S. Territories: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The U.S. Virgin Islands quarter was the fifth release in the series, officially released on September 28, 2009. The Virgin Islands were purchased from Denmark in 1917 and granted U.S. Territory status in 1954.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter Design: A Celebration of Natural Beauty

The reverse design, created by United States Mint sculptor-engraver Joseph Menna, features iconic Virgin Islands imagery. The Bananaquit bird, the territory's official bird, is perched next to the Yellow Cedar flower, the official flower. A native Tyre Palm Tree appears in the background, along with an outline of the three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The territory's official motto, UNITED IN PRIDE AND HOPE, is also included.

The design was the result of a public vote, receiving 6,882 votes compared to 4,553 for the First in Freedom design and 1,887 for the Three Queens design. Governor John deJongh Jr. officially forwarded the winning design to the United States Mint, stating: "After a three-week-long voting period, Virgin Islanders have collectively selected an overall favorite design, and I thank the community for its participation in this truly historic process."

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by John Flanagan, features the traditional right-facing portrait of George Washington with inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and QUARTER DOLLAR. The reverse, designed by Joseph Menna, features the Bananaquit bird, Yellow Cedar flower, Tyre Palm tree, island outlines, and motto UNITED IN PRIDE AND HOPE.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 25 Cents, Quarter Dollar
Year: 2009
Mint: Denver, D mint mark
Grade: MS66
Certification: NGC
Certification Number: 3327823-026
Finish: Satin Finish
Territory: U.S. Virgin Islands
Release Date: September 28, 2009
Territory Status: Purchased 1917, Territory Status 1954
Designer, Obverse: John Flanagan
Designer, Reverse: Joseph Menna
Composition: Outer layers of 75 percent Copper and 25 percent Nickel over a pure Copper center
Weight: 5.67 grams
Diameter: 24.3 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Satin Finish Mintage: 784,614 pieces

Understanding the MS66 Designation

MS, or Mint State, indicates an uncirculated coin with no signs of wear. The 66 grade indicates a superb gem-quality coin with a sharp strike, brilliant luster, and only minor imperfections visible under magnification. According to CPG values, an MS66 example of this issue is valued above lower-grade specimens, with MS67 examples commanding higher premiums.

This coin has been authenticated and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company, or NGC. It is securely encapsulated in a protective NGC slab with serial number 3327823-026, which preserves the coin's condition and guarantees its authenticity. The serial number can be verified on the official NGC website.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the NGC slab provides expert verification of the coin's genuineness and high MS66 grade with a verifiable serial number. It is from a one-year program, part of a special one-year initiative that followed the 50 State Quarters, making it a finite and collectible issue. It features a Satin Finish, a distinctive finish produced only for collector sets, different from both circulation strikes and proofs. It features a historic design, with the V.I. Beauty design chosen by public vote, celebrating the Virgin Islands' natural heritage and motto. Most of all, with only 784,614 Satin Finish specimens produced, this is a scarce issue compared to circulation strikes.

This coin is more than currency. It is a high-grade satin finish coin from the one-year Territories Program, offering a scarce and collectible example of the U.

• Low Estimate: 50.00
• High Estimate: 100.00