2009-D Guam Quarter Value — What Is It Worth Today?
The 2009-D Guam Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change are only worth face value, certain mint errors and pristine conditions can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.25 – $0.35 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $1.00 – $3.50 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65-MS66) | $10.00 – $45.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $150.00 – $1,200.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 2009-D Guam Quarter
The 2009-D Guam Quarter was released as part of the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. This was an extension of the incredibly popular 50 State Quarters Program that had dominated the early 2000s.
Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific, is featured on the reverse of this coin with a design showcasing the island’s shape, a proa (a traditional sailing vessel), and a latte stone (a pillar used in ancient Chamorro house construction).
If you have found one of these in your change and aren’t sure of its condition, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common find and a rare treasure.
The “D” mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. In 2009, the United States was in the midst of a significant economic recession. Because of decreased demand for new coinage at banks, the mintage numbers for the 2009 quarters are significantly lower than those from previous years.
This scarcity is exactly why many collectors keep a close eye on the 2009 quarters value guide to see how prices fluctuation over time. While millions were still made, they are much harder to find in circulation today than a quarter from 1999 or 2021.
How Mintage Numbers Affect the Value of Guam Quarters
The 2009-D Guam Quarter has a mintage of approximately 42,600,000. While 42 million sounds like a lot, it is quite low compared to the 400 million or 500 million coins often produced for a single design in other years.
The Philadelphia Mint produced slightly more, with 45,000,000. Because the supply was limited from the start, “Mint State” rolls and bags were snatched up quickly by investors, leaving fewer coins to circulate freely among the public.
If you find a 2009-D Guam Quarter that looks shiny and brand new, it might be worth more than just twenty-five cents. Everyday Americans often overlook these because they look so similar to regular quarters, but the lower mintage makes them a staple for anyone trying to complete a territory set.
To get an instant idea of what your specific coin might be worth, you can use the CoinKnow app to scan the coin’s surface and check recent auction records.
| Mint Mark | Location | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| P | Philadelphia | 45,000,000 |
| D | Denver | 42,600,000 |
| S (Proof) | San Francisco | 2,113,490 |
Identifying Key Errors on the 2009-D Guam Quarter
Error coins are where the real money is for the average person. When the Denver mint strikes millions of coins, things occasionally go wrong. The 2009-D Guam Quarter is known for a few specific varieties that collectors will pay a premium to own.
One of the most common errors to look for is a “Die Chip.” This usually happens when a small piece of the metal die breaks off, resulting in an extra bump of metal on the coin’s surface. On the Guam design, keep an eye on the latte stone and the sail of the proa.
Another rare but valuable error is the “Double Die.” This occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a doubled appearance on the lettering or the design elements.
While these errors aren’t as famous as the Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” quarter, they still command prices from $10 to $50 depending on the severity. If you think you’ve found an error, the CoinKnow app can help you compare your coin to known error samples in its database.
Grading the 2009-D Guam Quarter: From Pocket Change to Mint State
Condition is everything in the world of numismatics. A 2009-D Guam Quarter that has been bouncing around in a vending machine for a decade is likely “Circulated.” These coins have scratches, dull luster, and worn-down details.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A coin graded MS67 (Mint State 67) is nearly perfect and can be worth hundreds of dollars. Because 2009 quarters were struck durante a period of lower quality control for circulation strikes, finding a perfect specimen is surprisingly difficult.
For the casual hunter, focus on find coins that still have their “mint luster”—that cartwheel-like shine when you rotate the coin under a light. If the lines on the proa’s sail are sharp and the edges of the latte stone are crisp, you might have a high-grade coin.
| Grade Name | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| About Uncirculated | AU58 | Slight wear on high points, most luster remains. |
| Mint State 63 | MS63 | Average uncirculated with some marks or scuffs. |
| Mint State 65 | MS65 | Strong luster, very few noticeable marks. |
| Mint State 67 | MS67 | Virtually perfect to the naked eye; very rare. |
Silver vs. Clad: Is Your Guam Quarter Special?
It is important to note that the 2009-D Guam Quarter found in circulation is a “clad” coin, meaning it is made of a copper-nickel blend. However, the San Francisco mint also produced silver versions of this coin for collectors.
Silver Guam Quarters do not have a “D” mint mark; they have an “S” mint mark. These were never intended to be spent. If you find an “S” mint mark quarter in your change, it is likely a 90% silver coin that someone accidentally spent.
You can tell the difference by looking at the edge of the coin. A standard 2009-D clad quarter will have a visible copper stripe on the edge. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge.
Silver versions naturally have a higher “melt value,” but their collector value is even higher because they are part of limited edition Proof Sets. If you aren’t sure, CoinKnow can identify the mint mark for you and tell you the metal composition.
Where to Sell Your Valued Guam Quarters
If you’ve determined that your 2009-D Guam Quarter is a high-grade specimen or an error coin, you have several options for selling it. For coins worth $1-$10, local coin shops or eBay are your best bet.
For coins that you suspect are grade MS67 or higher, it is often worth the investment to have them professionally graded. Once slabbed in a plastic holder, these coins can be sold at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
Always remember that “raw” (ungraded) coins sell for significantly less than “certified” coins. Collectors want the peace of mind that comes with a professional opinion on the coin’s authenticity and grade.
Keep your coins in a cool, dry place and handle them only by the edges. Even the oils from your fingers can degrade the surface of a high-value 2009-D quarter, potentially dropping its value from $100 down to $1.
FAQ
Q: Why is the 2009-D Guam Quarter so hard to find?
A: During 2009, the U.S. Mint slowed production due to the economic recession. Fewer quarters were made for all territories (DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands) compared to the state quarters of the previous decade.
Q: Is there a 2009-D Silver Guam Quarter?
A: No. The Denver Mint (D) only produced copper-nickel clad quarters. Only the San Francisco Mint (S) produced silver versions, which were exclusively sold in special Proof Sets.
Q: How much is a circulated 2009-D Guam Quarter worth?
A: In circulated condition (showing signs of wear), the 2009-D Guam Quarter is generally only worth its face value of $0.25. However, due to its lower mintage, some collectors may pay $0.30 to $0.50 to fill a slot in their coin folder.
Q: What is the most expensive 2009-D Guam Quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade examples in MS68 condition have sold for over $500 in the past, and extremely rare specimens reaching higher grades or featuring major errors can top $1,000 at specialized auctions.
