2009 United States Mint District of Columbia & U.S. Territories Quarters Proof Set (Clad Edition)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Proof Set) · The United States Mint, San Francisco Branch; the official sovereign mint of the USA, established 1792.
Pattern: District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program (Expansion of the 50 State Quarters Program)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Proof Set)
Maker
The United States Mint, San Francisco Branch; the official sovereign mint of the USA, established 1792.
Material
Clad Composition: 8.33% nickel, balance copper (outer layers of 75/25 copper-nickel bonded to pure copper core); Note: This is the standard Proof set, not the 90% Silver Proof version.
Dimensions
Individual quarters: 24.26 mm diameter, 5.67 grams each; Packaging: Approx 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Description
An official six-coin proof set containing the six quarters issued in 2009 to honor the District of Columbia and five US Territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The packaging features a stylized portrait of George Washington.
Key Features
Extra-deep mirror finish; 'S' mint marks; inclusion of the rarely issued DC/Territories designs.
Material & Composition
Clad Composition: 8.33% nickel, balance copper (outer layers of 75/25 copper-nickel bonded to pure copper core); Note: This is the standard Proof set, not the 90% Silver Proof version.
Finish & Decoration
Proof finish; characterized by mirror-like polished backgrounds (fields) and frosted, matte design elements (relief/devices) created via multiple high-pressure strikes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
S mint mark (San Francisco) on the obverse of each quarter; official United States Mint logo and Treasury Department seal on the packaging.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via high-tonnage coin presses using specially polished dies and planchets; housed in a sonically sealed plastic lens.
Functional Features
Sovereign currency (legal tender) in a protective, non-removable clear plastic display case with a patterned paperboard sleeve.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Housed in a rigid plastic protective slab designed for display rather than handling).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial proof-grade striking; flawless die-to-planchet alignment; high-contrast frosting.
Authentication Indicators
Official US Mint packaging graphics; holographic security features on seal; frosted relief contrast specific to modern proof strikings.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; San Francisco Mint, California (noted for its specialty in proof-only coinage).
Era & Period
Modern Numismatic Era (21st Century); 2009 expansion of the 50 State Quarters program (1999-2008).
Age Estimate
Issued in 2009.
Cultural Significance
Represents the completion of the 11-year quarters program intended to foster interest in American geography and numismatic history.
Condition Notes
Excellent; the coins remain sealed in original government packaging (OGP). The outer cardboard sleeve shows minor edge wear/shelf wear.
Value Estimate
$25 - $40 USD (Retail) for the clad set; price fluctuates based on mintage supply and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Keep in the original protective plastic lens; do not open the case as fingerprints or air exposure will cause oxidation and decrease numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
2009 Silver Proof Set (looks identical but coins are 90% silver and typically come in a red-themed box); Uncirculated Mint Set (standard finishes).
Interesting Facts
The 2009 quarters had significantly lower mintages than those in the preceding 50 State Quarters program, making proof sets from this year slightly more desirable to modern collectors.