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The 2009-P American Samoa Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $25 cents in circulated condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. While most of these coins found in pocket change are common, certain specimens and errors can be surprisingly valuable to collectors.
Check the table below for a quick summary of the current market prices for this specific quarter:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67) | $40.00 – $120.00+ |
| Top Pop (MS68 and above) | $500.00+ |
History and Background of the 2009-P American Samoa Quarter
The 2009 American Samoa Quarter was the fourth release in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. This program followed the highly successful 50 State Quarters Program, extending the tribute to the six U.S. territories.
Finding one of these in your change can be exciting because the 2009 mintage numbers were significantly lower than the years preceding them. Due to the economic recession in 2009, the U.S. Mint reduced production, making coins from this year scarcer in circulation.
If you are unsure of your coin’s condition, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common find and a rare treasure. For a deeper look at all the variations from this specific year, check out the 2009 quarter value breakdown for a complete market perspective.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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To accurately identify your coin, download CoinKnow. This app uses advanced image recognition to tell you exactly which territory quarter you have and what collectors are currently paying for it in real-time.
Physical Features and Design of the American Samoa Quarter
The reverse of the coin features the “Ava Bowl” (or Tanoa) alongside a whisk and staff, which are traditional symbols of Samoan culture and authority. Behind these cultural items, you can see a coconut tree and the inscription “ASO MO SAMOA,” meaning “Samoa, Let God Be First.”
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The obverse (front) of the coin retains the familiar portrait of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan. The “P” mint mark located to the right of Washington’s ponytail indicates the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Edge | Reeded (119 reeds) |
Determining the Mint State and Grade Value
The 2009-P American Samoa Quarter value is largely determined by its numerical grade. Coins are graded from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect). Most quarters you find in your pocket will be “About Uncirculated” or lower, meaning they have visible scratches and wear on the high points of the design.
However, if you happen to find a quarter that is still shiny, with no scratches and full luster, it could be “Mint State” (MS). These are the coins that collectors pay premiums for. A 2009-P quarter in MS67 is quite rare because the Philadelphia Mint’s quality control was often rushed during this period.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you suspect you have a high-grade coin, CoinKnow is a great way to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of certified grades. Proper grading can be the difference between a 25-cent coin and a 100-dollar coin.
Rare 2009-P American Samoa Error Coins to Look For
Error coins are the “holy grail” for everyday coin hunters. For the 2009-P American Samoa Quarter, there are a few known errors that significantly boost the price. These occur when something goes wrong during the minting process at the Philadelphia plant.
One common error is the “Double Die” obverse or reverse. This happens when the die used to stamp the coin has a doubled image, making the letters or symbols look shifted. Look closely at the inscriptions “American Samoa” or the date “2009” for any signs of ghosting or doubling.
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Other errors include “Die Chips,” where small pieces of metal break off the stamp, creating extra raised bumps on the coin’s surface. While some small chips are common, large or unique chips can fetch $10 to $50 on auction sites like eBay.
| Error Type | Potential Market Value |
|---|---|
| Double Die Reverse (DDR) | $20 – $100 |
| Off-Center Strike | $50 – $250 |
| Die Crack / Cuds | $5 – $30 |
How Mintage Numbers Affect the 2009-P Quarter Value
In the world of coin collecting, the total mintage refers to how many coins were produced. Generally, lower mintage equals higher value. For example, in 2000, some quarters had mintages of over 800 million. In contrast, the 2009-P American Samoa Quarter had a mintage of only 42,600,000.
While 42 million still sounds like a lot, it is very low for a modern circulating quarter. This scarcity is why many collectors choose to save 2009 quarters whenever they find them. They aren’t making any more of them, and as the years go by, more of these coins get lost or damaged, making the remaining high-condition coins even more desirable.
Before you spend that roll of quarters at the grocery store, it’s worth taking five minutes to look for the “2009” date. By using CoinKnow, you can quickly scan your coins and ensure you aren’t accidentally spending a rare territory quarter worth far more than its face value.
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Where to Sell Your 2009 American Samoa Quarters
If you discover that you have a valuable version of the 2009-P American Samoa Quarter, you have several options for selling. For common uncirculated coins, local coin shops are a good start, though they often buy in bulk.
For high-grade specimens or confirmed errors, online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions are the best places to find serious collectors. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of both the front and back of the coin.
If your coin is in exceptional condition, you might consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified “slabbed” coin usually sells for a much higher price than an uncertified “raw” coin because the grade is guaranteed by experts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009-P Samoa Quarter
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Q: How can I tell if my 2009-P Samoa quarter is a proof coin?
A: Mint marks are the key! The 2009-P was minted in Philadelphia for circulation. Proof coins, which have a mirror-like finish and extra sharp details, were minted in San Francisco and bear an “S” mint mark. If your coin has a “P,” it is a business strike coin, not a proof.
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Q: Why is the 2009 quarter mintage so much lower than other years?
A: The United States was in the middle of a major economic recession in 2009. Because people were spending less and banks had plenty of coins on hand, the Federal Reserve ordered fewer new coins from the U.S. Mint, leading to the lowest mintage numbers in decades.
Q: Is there silver in the 2009-P American Samoa Quarter?
A: No, the “P” mint mark quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Only specific “S” mint mark Proof quarters were struck in 90% silver for special collector sets. You can tell the difference by looking at the edge; if you see a copper stripe, it is not silver.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2009-P American Samoa Quarter?
A: Auction records show that a 2009-P American Samoa Quarter graded MS69 by PCGS sold for over $1,200 in a major auction. However, these grades are nearly impossible to find in pocket change and usually come from original mint bags.