2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter Value: Guide to All Grades

The 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.50 in circulated condition to over $500 in high-grade proof strikes. While standard business strikes from this year are common, the “S” mint mark indicates a special proof version intended for collectors rather than daily transactions.

Condition / Variety	Estimated Value
Copper-Nickel Proof (S)	$2.00 – $12.00
90% Silver Proof (S)	$15.00 – $45.00
High Grade (PR70 Deep Cameo)	$100.00 – $550.00

Identifying the 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter

If you’ve found a quarter featuring the lush outlines of the three main islands—St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas—you are holding a piece of the “District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters” program. This series followed the famous 50 State Quarters program. If your coin has a small “S” next to the ponytail of George Washington, it was minted at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were never meant to be spent at the grocery store. Instead, they were sold in plastic-encased sets to hobbyists. Finding one in your pocket change usually means someone broke open a collector set.

To truly understand if your find is a rarity, researchers often use a top coin identifier app to check surface details. When you find a 2009-S, the first thing to check is the composition. San Francisco produced two distinct versions of the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter: one made of the standard copper-nickel “clad” material and another made of 90% silver. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between high-luster clad coins and the distinct white sheen of silver issues.

Clad vs. Silver: Which 2009-S Proof Do You Have?

The San Francisco Mint struck two versions of this territorial quarter, and the price difference between them is significant. The “Clad” version is made of the same metal as a normal quarter. These are common and usually trade for a few dollars. However, the 90% Silver version is highly coveted because of its precious metal content and lower production numbers. You can check the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver stripe with no copper (orange) visible, you likely have the silver version.

For those curious about market trends, the 2009 Virgin Islands quarter values have remained steady over the years, with silver versions always commanding a premium due to the spot price of silver. Most “S” mint quarters found today are in “Proof” condition, meaning they have mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details.

Mintage Type	Metal Composition	Total Mintage
2009-S Clad Proof	Copper-Nickel Clad	2,113,390
2009-S Silver Proof	90% Silver	993,645

Determining the Grade and Condition

Value in the coin world is almost entirely dictated by “grade.” A grade is a score on a 70-point scale. Since 2009-S quarters are proof strikes, they start at a high level of quality. However, if the coin has been touched by bare hands or carried in a pocket, it may have hairline scratches or “bag marks.” Collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, where the contrast between the shiny background and the frosted design of the islands is sharp.

Using CoinKnow, you can take a photo of your quarter to see how it compares to professionally graded specimens. If your coin looks absolutely perfect under a magnifying glass, it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. A 2009-S Silver Quarter graded at a perfect PR70 can sell for hundreds of dollars at auction, whereas a PR65 might only be worth $20.

Historical Context: Why Is the 2009 Series Special?

The year 2009 was a unique time for the U.S. Mint. Because of the Great Recession, the demand for new coinage for circulation dropped significantly. As a result, the mintage numbers for all 2009 quarters—including the D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands—are much lower than the state quarters from the early 2000s.

Lower supply usually means higher long-term value. While the “S” mint proofs were sold directly to collectors, many people overlook these territorial quarters compared to the more “famous” states like Delaware or Georgia. This makes the 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands quarter a “sleeper” hit among enthusiasts. If you find one that is still in its original government packaging, keep it there! Removing it can lower the value by exposing the metal to oils and oxygen.

Price Guide for 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarters

Prices fluctuate based on demand, but silver versions always retain their “melt value” at a minimum. As of 2024, the silver content alone makes the 90% silver version worth around $5 to $7 just for the metal, though the collector value is higher. Clad versions are generally sold in sets, but individual coins are popular for those trying to complete “folder” collections.

Grade (Clad)	Price	Grade (Silver)	Price
PR65 DCAM	$3.50	PR65 DCAM	$18.00
PR69 DCAM	$12.00	PR69 DCAM	$35.00
PR70 DCAM	$45.00	PR70 DCAM	$525.00+

Are There Any 2009-S Errors to Look For?

Errors on proof coins are extremely rare because the San Francisco Mint uses a high-pressure striking process and individual inspection. However, they are not impossible. Collectors occasionally look for “doubled dies,” where the lettering or the outlines of the islands appear to have a shadow or a second image.

Before you get too excited about a potential error, use the CoinKnow app to zoom in on the “U.S. Virgin Islands” text. Often, what looks like a double image is actually “machine doubling,” which happens when the coin shifts slightly during striking. Real doubled dies occur on the die itself and are much more valuable. If you find a verified error on a 2009-S proof, you could be looking at a coin worth thousands to the right specialist.

Final Tips for Coin Hunters

Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or just someone who found a shiny coin in a dresser drawer, the 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter is a beautiful piece of American history. Always handle proof coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints, as the oils from your skin can permanently “burn” into the surface of the metal over time.

Because these was struck in relatively low numbers compared to the 500-million-plus mintages of the 1990s, they will likely appreciate as the years go by. Stored correctly in a PVC-free flip or a hard plastic case, your 2009-S quarter will remain a highlight of your collection for decades to come.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 2009-S quarter is silver or clad?

A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a copper-colored line, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is the 90% silver version. You can also weigh them; the silver version weighs 6.25 grams, while the clad weighs 5.67 grams.

Q: Is the “S” mint mark the only one worth more than 25 cents?

A: Not necessarily. While the “S” proofs are for collectors, the 2009-P (Philadelphia) and 2009-D (Denver) Virgin Islands quarters also have lower mintages than most quarters and can be worth $1 to $5 if they are in “Uncirculated” (brand new) condition.

Q: Why did the U.S. Mint make Territorial Quarters in 2009?

A: After the 50 State Quarters program ended in 2008, Congress authorized a one-year program for 2009 to honor the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Q: Can I spend a 2009-S quarter?

A: Yes, it is legal tender for 25 cents. However, because even the cheapest “S” mint quarter is worth at least 50 cents to $2.00 to a collector, you would be losing money by spending it!