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The 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter is worth anywhere from $4 in standard Proof condition to over $500 for high-grade Silver specimens. Whether you found one in a collection or are hunting through rolls, understanding the specific “S” mint mark is key to determining its true market price.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Clad Proof (S Mint) | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| 90% Silver Proof (S Mint) | $15.00 – $45.00 |
| Silver Proof PR70 Deep Cameo | $150.00 – $500.00+ |
The Significance of the 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter
The 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter was released as the penultimate design in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. While billions of quarters circulate in the pockets of Americans daily, the “S” mint mark version from San Francisco stands out because it was never released for general circulation. If you have one of these, you are likely using a top coin identifier app to check its authenticity, as these coins were only sold in special mint sets for collectors.
The design itself is rich in Pacific culture, featuring a limestone latte stone, a canoe, and a Carolinian skirt. For the everyday person, finding an “S” mint mark is a sign that the coin has a numismatic premium above its face value. Professional collectors often use CoinKnow to track the daily fluctuations of these territory quarters, especially since the 2009 series had significantly lower mintages than the Statehood quarters that preceded them.
Because San Francisco produced both “Clad” (copper-nickel) and “Silver” versions in 2009, identifying the metal content is your first step. Silver versions are inherently more valuable because of their precious metal weight, but the “Clad” proofs are still sought after to complete full territory collections. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the weight of the coin—checked against a digital scale—will tell you everything you need to know.
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Estimated Value of 2009-S Quarters by Metal Type
When researching 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter values, you will notice a massive gap between the standard proof and the silver proof. The San Francisco mint produced approximately 2.1 million clad quarters and only about 996,000 silver quarters for this territory. These low mintage numbers make 2009 one of the most desirable years for modern quarter enthusiasts.
| Quarter Type | Mintage | Avg. Value (PR69) |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-S Clad Proof | 2,113,478 | $9.00 |
| 2009-S Silver Proof | 996,548 | $28.00 |
The “Deep Cameo” finish is another factor to consider. This refers to the sharp contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background. If your coin looks like a literal mirror, it is a Proof. If it is dull or scratched like a normal quarter, it is likely a “P” or “D” mint mark coin, which carries much less value. For a quick mobile assessment, CoinKnow allows you to scan the coin surface to detect these luster levels instantly.
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How to Tell If Your 2009-S Quarter Is Silver
One of the most common questions from people who find a 2009-S quarter is: “Is it actually silver?” This is vital because 90% silver coins are tied to the spot price of silver in addition to their collector value. While Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins are always copper-nickel, the San Francisco (S) coins come in both varieties.
The easiest way to check is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without any copper streak, it is likely the 90% silver version. If you see a distinct brown or copper stripe around the side, it is a clad coin. Furthermore, silver quarters weigh exactly 6.25 grams, while the clad versions weigh 5.67 grams.
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Using a scale is the most reliable method, but experienced eyes can also tell by the “ring” of the coin. If you gently tap a silver quarter, it produces a high-pitched, bell-like ring. A clad quarter will produce a duller “clack.” If you are in the field and need a quick reference, the CoinKnow app provides detailed weight and diameter specs for every US territory coin to help you verify your find.
Condition Grading: From PR65 to PR70
In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. For 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands quarters, nearly every specimen starts at a high grade because they were protected in plastic cases by the Mint. However, the difference between a PR69 (near perfect) and a PR70 (flawless) can be hundreds of dollars.
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Clad Value | Silver Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR67 | $5.00 | $18.00 |
| PR68 | $7.00 | $22.00 |
| PR69 | $12.00 | $35.00 |
| PR70 | $45.00 | $550.00 |
A PR70 grade means the coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. For the 2009-S Silver Northern Mariana Islands quarter, a PR70 Deep Cameo is an incredibly rare find and often leads to bidding wars at major auction houses. If you find a proof quarter that has been “impaired”—meaning it was taken out of its case and spent like a normal coin—its value drops significantly, often to just a few dollars or its silver melt value.
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The “S” Mint Mark and Rarity Factors
Why does the “S” mint mark matter so much? Most quarters we use at the grocery store have a “P” (Philadelphia) or a “D” (Denver). These are minted by the hundreds of millions. The “S” mark indicates the San Francisco Mint, which has traditionally focused on “Proof” coinage for collectors since 1975.
The 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter is specifically notable because 2009 was a year of economic downturn. During this time, the US Mint drastically reduced production for many denominations. This “mintage cliff” means that 2009 quarters across the board are harder to find than those from 2008 or 2010.
Collectors looking for a 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter Value often find that the market is tight. If you have a roll of these, or if you inherited a proof set containing one, you are holding a piece of limited-run history. Always keep these coins in their original capsules if possible; even a single fingerprint can lower the grade and strip away the premium value.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009-S Mariana Islands Quarter
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Q: Can I find a 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands quarter in my pocket change?
A: While it is extremely rare, it does happen. This occurs when someone accidentally spends a collector’s proof set. However, most “S” mint quarters are found in dedicated coin collections or sold individually by dealers. If you find one in change, it is likely “impaired” and worth about $1.00 to $3.00 if clad, or its weight in silver if it’s the silver version.
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Q: How much silver is in the 2009-S Silver Quarter?
A: The 2009-S Silver Proof version is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means even if the coin is damaged, it will always be worth at least its “melt value,” which fluctuates with the global silver market.
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Q: Is there a 2009-S Error Quarter I should look for?
A: There are no major confirmed “S” mint errors for the Northern Mariana Islands design that command massive prices, but some collectors look for “doubled die” errors on the latte stone or the Carolinian skirt. If you suspect an error, using the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution database can help you compare your coin to known varieties.
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Q: What is the difference between “Clad Proof” and “Silver Proof”?
A: A Clad Proof is made of the same copper-nickel alloy as standard quarters but with a shiny finish. A Silver Proof is made of 90% silver. You can tell them apart by weight (Silver is heavier) or by looking at the edge (Silver has no copper stripe). Silver proofs are much rarer and more valuable to collectors.