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The 2009-S Guam Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,000 for high-grade silver specimens. While your pocket change might not make you a millionaire, this specific territory issue holds a special place in the hearts of modern coin collectors and history buffs alike.
| Condition/Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Clad Proof (S-Mint) | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Silver Proof (S-Mint) | $15.00 – $35.00 |
| Silver PR70 Deep Cameo | $150.00 – $650.00+ |
History of the 2009-S Guam Quarter Coin
The Guam quarter was released as part of the 2009 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 hobby for the previous decade. Because these coins were struck during the height of the Great Recession, mintage numbers for the 2009 issues are significantly lower than those from the early 2000s.
When checking your spare change for these treasures, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and the more valuable proof versions. The 2009-S Guam quarter was never intended for general circulation. Instead, these “S” mint mark coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for inclusion in collector sets.
If you happen to find one in your pocket, it likely escaped from a broken-up proof set. The design features an outline of the island of Guam, a flying proa (a traditional seafaring vessel), and a latte stone—a pillar used as a foundation for ancient Chamorro houses. Because of their limited production and cultural significance, CoinKnow users often report that these are some of the most sought-after late-2000s quarters.
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The Difference Between Clad and Silver 2009-S Proofs
Not all “S” mint mark quarters are created equal. In 2009, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct varieties of the Guam quarter: the Copper-Nickel Clad version and the 90% Silver version. Distinguishing between them is the first step in determining your 2009 Guam quarter worth, as the silver content alone gives one variety a higher floor price.
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The Clad version has the same composition as a standard quarter, consisting of a copper core bonded to nickel. If you look at the edge of the coin and see a copper-colored stripe, it is a clad proof. These are beautiful, with mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details, but they are generally less valuable than their silver counterparts.
The Silver Proof version is far more desirable. It was struck on 90% silver planchets, reminiscent of pre-1964 coinage. These coins have a solid white, silvery edge with no copper stripe. Because they contain actual precious metal, they track with the spot price of silver even if the coin is damaged. Heavy hitters in the collecting world often use CoinKnow to track the fluctuating values of these silver territory quarters in real-time.
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| Attribute | Clad Proof (S) | Silver Proof (S) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.25 grams |
| Edge Appearance | Visible Copper Layer | Solid Silver/White |
Determining the Grade and Value of Your Coin
In the world of coin collecting, condition is king. A 2009-S Guam Quarter that has been handled, scratched, or dropped into a vending machine will only be worth a few dollars. However, a specimen that has been perfectly preserved in its original packaging can fetch a significant premium. Most proof coins are expected to be in “Gem” condition, typically grading at PR67 or higher.
The highest possible grade for a proof coin is PR70 (Proof 70), which signifies a mathematically perfect coin under 5x magnification. For the 2009-S Guam issues, achieving a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is also vital. This means there is a sharp, snowy-white contrast between the raised design (the proa and island) and the mirror-like background.
If you think you have a perfect specimen, you might consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC. Before spending money on grading fees, you can use CoinKnow to scan your coin and get an AI-driven estimate of its potential grade. This can save you money by preventing you from grading coins that won’t reach the “Top Pop” (highest population) status that commands four-figure prices.
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| Grade (Silver Proof) | Market Price |
|---|---|
| PR65 Deep Cameo | $20 – $25 |
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $35 – $50 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $60 – $85 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $450 – $1,100 |
Key Design Features and Symbols of Guam
The Guam quarter is often praised by collectors for its dense symbolism and beautiful artistry. The central image is the “Latte Stone,” which is an ancient limestone pillar used by the indigenous Chamorro people. These stones are pillars of strength in Guam’s culture, symbolizing the endurance of their ancestors.
The “Proa” depicted on the water is a incredibly fast sailing vessel that amazed European explorers when they first reached the Pacific islands. It represents the seafaring heritage and technical ingenuity of the people of Guam. Finally, the inscription “Guahan I Tanó ManChamorro” translates to “Guam, Land of the Chamorro.”
Because these details are so intricate, any wear or “rub” on the highest points of the proa’s sail or the latte stone will significantly lower the coin’s value. Collectors look for sharp, crisp lines in these areas. If your coin has blurry details or look “flat,” it likely won’t hit the high price points seen in auction records. Using a high-resolution camera or a coin app is the best way to inspect these tiny features.
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Market Trends: Is the 2009-S Guam Quarter a Good Investment?
Investing in modern proof quarters is different from investing in “old” coins like Morgan Dollars or Buffalo Nickels. The value of modern quarters is driven by population reports—how many coins exist in a specific grade. Because the 2009 mintage was much lower than the 2000-2008 issues, these coins have seen a steady increase in demand over the last decade.
The 2009-S Silver Proof Guam Quarter is particularly interesting because it combines numismatic rarity with bullion value. As the price of silver rises, the “floor” value of the coin rises with it. However, the real “jackpots” are the PR70 specimens. These are vanishingly rare, and when they appear on the market, collectors who are completing “Registry Sets” (competitive collections) will pay a massive premium to own the best of the best.
For the everyday American, keeping an eye out for these in old collections or “junk silver” bins is a smart move. While you aren’t likely to find a PR70 in the wild, finding a raw silver proof for a few dollars at a yard sale is a great way to start a collection that actually has the potential to grow in value over time.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 2009 Guam quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a sandwich-like layer of orange or brown (copper), it is a regular clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white with no visible layers, it is likely the 90% silver proof version. You can also weigh it; silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams, while clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams.
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Q: Does the Guam quarter have any rare errors?
A: While no major “doubled die” errors are widely recognized for the 2009-S proof, some collectors look for “strike-through” errors or “die polish” lines. However, these are rare in proof coins as the quality control at the San Francisco Mint is much higher than for circulating coins.
Q: Where can I sell my 2009-S Guam Quarter?
A: For standard proofs worth under $10, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. For high-grade PR69 or PR70 coins, specialized numismatic auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections may be better to realize the maximum market value.
Q: Why is 2009 a special year for quarters?
A: 2009 was a “transition” year between the State Quarters and the America the Beautiful series. Because of the economic downturn, the U.S. Mint produced significantly fewer quarters than in previous years, making almost all 2009 quarters (P, D, and S mint marks) more scarce than those from 2008 or earlier.