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The 2009-P Guam Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for a perfect specimens in high-grade mint state. Most people find these in their change, and while they are often budget-friendly, certain rare errors can make them quite valuable to serious collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Pocket Change | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65+) | $10.00 – $85.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $150.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 2009-P Guam Quarter
The 2009-P Guam Quarter was released as part of the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. This program followed the wildly successful 50 State Quarters Program, extending the honor to Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The “P” mint mark indicates it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Because 2009 was a year of economic recession, the mintage numbers for quarters dropped significantly compared to previous years. This lower supply often translates to higher collector interest today. If you are ever unsure about a coin’s origin or quality, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between rare mint marks and common strikes.
The design on the reverse of the Guam quarter features the shape of the island, a traditional proa (a fast sailing vessel), and a latte stone. Latte stones are prehistoric stone pillars used as foundations for ancient Chamorro homes and remain a symbol of Guam’s identity.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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To get an instant look at your coin’s potential, you can download CoinKnow, which allows you to scan the coin surface and compare it to historical auction data instantly. Understanding these historical nuances is why many hobbyists find the 2009 series so fascinating.
2009-P Guam Quarter Value Chart by Grade
Determining the value of your common-looking quarter depends heavily on its numerical grade from 1 to 70. Most coins found in pocket change are considered “Circulated” and rarely command a premium. However, if you find one that looks like it just came out of a fresh roll, you might be looking at a much higher current market value for 2009 quarters.
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| Grade | Estimated Market Price |
|---|---|
| MS63 (Uncirculated) | $2.50 |
| MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $12.00 |
| MS66 (Premium Quality) | $35.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | $110.00 |
| MS68 (Near Perfect) | $850.00+ |
Grading is subjective, but professional services like PCGS or NGC provide the final word. Most casual collectors start by using CoinKnow to get a baseline idea of the grade before spending money on professional certification.
Since the 2009-P mintage was only approximately 45,000,000—which sounds like a lot but is low for quarters—finding one in perfect condition is getting harder every year. Small scratches or “bag marks” from the minting process can drop the price from hundreds of dollars to just cents.
Identifying Rare Errors on the 2009 Guam Quarter
Error coins are the “holy grail” for everyday Americans scanning their change. These occur when something goes wrong during the manufacturing process at the Philadelphia Mint. The 2009-P Guam series has several reported errors that can significantly increase the value of your find.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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One of the most common things to look for is a “Double Die” error. This is where the die used to strike the coin has a duplicated image, causing the words or dates to look like they have a faint “shadow” or doubling. Check the “USA” lettering or the date carefully with a magnifying glass.
Another interesting error is the “Die Crack.” As the metal dies age, they can develop tiny cracks. When they strike a coin, the metal flows into those cracks, creating a raised line on the coin’s surface. While minor cracks don’t add much value, large, dramatic cracks can be worth $20 to $50.
If you suspect you have an error, CoinKnow can be a great resource to view high-resolution photos of confirmed errors for comparison. This prevents you from mistaking simple damage (post-mint damage) for a valuable mint error.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Mintage Numbers and Rarity Comparison
When people ask “why is my 2009 quarter worth more than my 1999 quarter?”, the answer usually lies in mintage numbers. The 2009 quarters were minted in far fewer quantities than the State Quarters of the early 2000s due to the global financial crisis, which slowed the demand for new coinage.
| 2009 Quarter Type | Mintage (P Mint) | Mintage (D Mint) |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 83,600,000 | 88,800,000 |
| Puerto Rico | 53,000,000 | 86,000,000 |
| Guam | 45,000,000 | 42,600,000 |
| American Samoa | 42,600,000 | 39,600,000 |
As seen in the table, the Guam quarter had one of the lower production runs for the year. The Philadelphia (P) mint produced 45 million, while the Denver (D) mint produced 42.6 million. In the world of modern quarters, these are relatively small numbers, which is why collectors are willing to pay a premium for high-quality examples.
Collectors often look for “Mint Sets” or “Rolls” that haven’t been opened. A single 2009-P Guam quarter from a bank-wrapped roll is much more likely to be in MS66 or MS67 condition than one you find at the bottom of a vending machine coin return.
How to Care for and Sell Your 2009-P Guam Quarter
If you believe you have found a high-value 2009-P Guam Quarter, the first rule of coin collecting is: NEVER clean it. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth can create tiny scratches that permanent ruin its numismatic value. Even “gentle” cleaning can strip away the original “mint luster,” turning a $100 coin into a $0.25 coin instantly.
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To preserve the value, place the coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This protects the surface from the oils on your fingers and moisture in the air, which can cause tarnishing or “toning.”
When you are ready to sell, you have several options. For common circulated quarters, you can spend them or keep them as a memento. For coins worth $10-$50, eBay or local coin shops are great venues. However, if you have a coin that looks perfect and might be worth hundreds, you should consider having it graded by PCGS or NGC before selling it at a major auction house like Heritage Auctions.
Before heading to a dealer, it is a smart move to use CoinKnow to check the most recent “Sold” listings. This gives you leverage during negotiations, ensuring you don’t sell a valuable error for face value just because you didn’t have the right data.
FAQ
Q: Does the 2009-P Guam Quarter contain any silver?
A: No, the standard 2009-P Guam quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Only special “Silver Proof” versions minted in San Francisco (S mint mark) contain 90% silver.
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Q: How can I tell if my 2009-P Guam Quarter is an error coin?
A: Look for anomalies like doubling in the letters, “off-center” strikes where the design isn’t centered, or missing letters. Using a 10x jeweler’s loupe or a high-quality coin app is the best way to spot these tiny details.
Q: Why is the 2009-P mint mark important?
A: The “P” stands for Philadelphia. While both P and D mint marks are common, sometimes one mint has a lower production quality for a specific year, making high-grade examples from that specific mint much rarer and more expensive.
Q: Is it worth spending my 2009 Guam quarters?
A: If they are heavily scratched, stained, or worn down, they are likely only worth face value ($0.25). However, if they look shiny and new, it is worth setting them aside and checking their grade first!