All six 2009 DC and US Territories Washington quarters showing reverse designs

The Complete Guide to 2009 Quarter Value

A 2009-D District of Columbia quarter graded MS66 with a Doubled Die Reverse sold for $3,055 at Heritage Auctions — starting from a coin worth just 25 cents in your pocket change. The 2009 DC and US Territories series is a one-year-only program featuring six unique designs with historically low mintages. Most circulated examples are still face value, but gem-grade coins and error varieties can surprise even experienced collectors.

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$3,055
Top auction sale (DDR MS66, Heritage 2014)
6
One-year-only territory designs in 2009
~72M
Lowest mintage (Northern Mariana Islands)
MS67+
Grade threshold where value surges

Free 2009 Quarter Value Calculator

Select your coin's design, condition, and any known errors to get an instant value estimate.

Step 1 — Which Design?
Step 2 — Condition
Step 3 — Any Known Errors? (check all that apply)

If you're unsure about your coin's mint mark, condition, or errors, there's a free 2009 Quarter Coin Value Checker tool that lets you upload coin photos for an AI-assisted estimate without needing to know the details first.

Describe Your 2009 Quarter for a Detailed Assessment

Type a description of what you see on your coin — design, condition details, any unusual features — and get a tailored assessment.

Mention these things if you can:

  • Which territory design is on the reverse
  • Mint mark (P, D, or S — right of Washington's ponytail)
  • Overall wear level (shiny, dull, scratched)
  • Any doubling on "ELLINGTON" or other text
  • Whether luster is full or broken

Also helpful:

  • Satin Finish vs. regular (matte vs. shiny surface)
  • Proof coin (mirror fields, from a mint set)
  • Missing design details (grease error?)
  • Off-center strike
  • Any cleaning, damage, or discoloration

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2009-D DC Quarter DDR Self-Checker

The Doubled Die Reverse on the 2009 District of Columbia quarter is the series' most famous — and most searched — error. Use this tool to see if yours qualifies.

Side-by-side comparison of normal 2009-D DC quarter versus DDR doubled die reverse variety showing ELLINGTON doubling

Common 2009-D DC Quarter

  • • "ELLINGTON" text is sharp and single-image
  • • Duke Ellington's arm is cleanly defined
  • • Piano keys show no secondary impression
  • • Worth $0.25–$5 in most grades

DDR FS-801 Variety (Rare)

  • • Visible doubled "ELL" in "ELLINGTON" (raised ghost)
  • • Ellington's arm shows offset secondary impression
  • • Piano keys may show doubled detail
  • • Worth $50–$3,055+ depending on grade

Does Your Coin Match? Check All 4:

2009 Quarter Value Chart at a Glance

Values below reflect recent market data across all six territory designs. For a fully illustrated step-by-step 2009 quarter identification walkthrough and breakdown, including comparison photos for each design, visit the linked guide. The signature DDR DC variety is highlighted in gold; the scarcest design by mintage (Northern Mariana Islands) is highlighted in orange.

Design / Variety Worn Circ. (AU) Uncirc. MS63–65 Gem MS66+
DC (P or D) — Regular $0.25 $0.25–$0.50 $0.50–$3 $10–$1,763+
DC (D) — DDR FS-801 ★ SIGNATURE $5–$15 $15–$50 $50–$200 $200–$3,055+
Puerto Rico (P or D) $0.25 $0.25–$0.50 $0.50–$3 $5–$50+
Guam (P or D) $0.25 $0.25–$0.50 $0.50–$5 $20–$500+
American Samoa (P or D) $0.25 $0.25–$0.50 $0.50–$3 $20–$132+
N. Mariana Islands (P or D) LOWEST MINTAGE $0.25 $0.25–$1 $1–$10 $25–$600+
U.S. Virgin Islands (P or D) $0.25 $0.25–$0.50 $0.50–$3 $5–$50+
Clad Proof (S) — any design — — $1.25–$5 $5–$306+
Silver Proof (S) — any design — — $4–$15 $15–$100+

📱 CoinKnow lets you photograph your 2009 quarter and instantly cross-reference its design, mint mark, and grade range against current market prices — a coin identifier and value app.

Navigate This Guide

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🔢 Value Calculator ✏️ Describe My Coin 🔍 DDR DC Self-Check 📊 Value Chart ⚠️ Errors Guide 📋 Mintage Data 🎓 Grading Guide 💰 Where to Sell

The Valuable 2009 Quarter Errors — Complete Guide

The four error types below represent the most collectible anomalies documented in the 2009 DC and US Territories quarter series. Each card covers what the error is, how to identify it, and what drives its value at auction. Study the specific diagnostic features before you decide whether your coin deserves professional certification.

Most Famous Close-up of 2009-D DC quarter DDR FS-801 showing doubled ELLINGTON letters

2009-D DC Doubled Die Reverse (DDR FS-801)

$50 – $3,055+

The DDR FS-801 is the crown jewel of the entire 2009 quarter series. It forms during the hubbing process when the working die receives a second impression from the hub at a slightly rotated or displaced angle, permanently embedding a ghosted second image into every coin struck from that die. Because all coins from the affected die share identical doubling, this is a true die variety recognized and catalogued by PCGS under the FS-801 designation.

Identification focuses on the reverse. Under a 10× loupe, examine the word "ELLINGTON" inscribed on the piano — specifically the letters "ELL." A genuine DDR shows a raised, offset secondary impression of those letters, not a flat machine-doubling shelf. Duke Ellington's arm and portions of the piano keys may also display doubling. The doubling is strong enough that sharp examples can be spotted without magnification under raking light.

Collector demand for this variety is intense because it is the only PCGS-catalogued FS variety in the entire 2009 series. Only a small number with drastic doubling in the "ELL" portion have been graded by major third-party services. The combination of scarcity, certified population scarcity, and the cultural significance of the Duke Ellington design makes this the single error most likely to justify certification costs.

How to spot it

Use a 10× loupe on the reverse. Focus on the "ELL" in "ELLINGTON" on the piano face. Look for a raised, offset ghost image — not a flat shelf. Tilt coin under bright LED to see raised doubling in relief.

Mint mark

D (Denver) — primary documented variety; some Philadelphia DDR examples also noted (FS-802 designation).

Notable

A 2009-D DC DDR graded MS66 sold for $3,055 at Heritage Auctions, July 2014 (PCGS #406599). Designated FS-801 by PCGS. Only a handful with drastic "ELL" doubling have been graded by major services.

Most Versatile Close-up of 2009 quarter obverse showing doubled die obverse on Washington portrait and inscriptions

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) — Multiple Designs

$10 – $410+

Doubled Die Obverse errors have been documented on multiple 2009 quarter designs, most notably on the US Virgin Islands quarter. Like the DDR, a DDO originates during the die-manufacturing process: the hub applies its design to the working die twice at slightly different angles, resulting in a ghosted second image baked into the die. Every coin struck from that die will exhibit identical doubling — making this a die variety, not a one-off accident.

On the obverse, examine George Washington's portrait under a 10× loupe. Key diagnostic areas include Washington's cheek, his hair curls above the ear, and the surrounding legends — "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date "2009." A true DDO shows raised, offset lettering or portrait features. The more visible the doubling is without magnification, the more premium the coin commands in the marketplace.

Value is highly condition-dependent. A 2009-D Virgin Islands quarter with a Doubled Die Obverse graded MS60 sold for $410 at Heritage Auctions in 2021. Minor doubling examples that require a loupe to see typically bring only $5–$20. Professional certification by PCGS or NGC is essential to distinguish genuine hub doubling from machine doubling (MD), which adds no significant value.

How to spot it

Use a 10× loupe on the obverse. Examine Washington's hair curls above the ear and the legend "LIBERTY." Raised, offset doubling on portraits or inscriptions — not flat shelf doubling — confirms DDO status.

Mint mark

P and D issues; US Virgin Islands and DC designs most documented. Both Philadelphia and Denver dies affected.

Notable

A 2009-D US Virgin Islands DDO graded MS60 realized $410 at Heritage Auctions, 2021. Minor DDO examples bring $5–$20. Philadelphia DC issue has six documented DDO/DDR die varieties noted by Numismatic News.

Best Kept Secret Close-up of 2009 quarter showing struck-through grease error with missing design detail

Struck-Through / Grease-Filled Die Error

$10 – $200+

Struck-through errors on 2009 quarters occur when a stray object — grease, cloth fiber, wire, or other debris — is trapped between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The foreign material prevents the die from fully transferring its design to the planchet's surface, leaving behind a void, distortion, or weakened area. A grease-filled die specifically results in a coin that looks underweight in detail: lettering may be partially missing, and design relief appears smeared or absent over the affected area.

Visual identification relies on finding a section of the coin that lacks proper relief while the surrounding areas are normally struck. Examine the lettering, date, and key design features. A legitimate struck-through error retains full planchet metal (unlike a damaged coin with a scratch) but shows a clean, smooth void where the design should be raised. In some cases, the foreign object remains embedded in the coin's surface as a retained struck-through, making the error even more dramatic and valuable.

Collectors prize visible, dramatic struck-through errors most. Small grease errors covering only a letter or two add modest premiums of $10–$30. Large-area struck-through errors affecting significant design elements — especially those with a retained object — can reach $100–$200 or more in certified grades. An uncirculated 2009 quarter with obvious grease fill but otherwise sharp strike is the most common presentation of this error type.

How to spot it

Look for areas of missing or weak design with smooth planchet metal underneath — no scratches or damage. Tilt coin in light; a genuine struck-through void has no raised edges, unlike a gouge or post-mint damage.

Mint mark

P and D issues across all six 2009 designs. No design-specific concentration; struck-through errors are random production accidents.

Notable

Large-area grease struck-through examples affecting significant design elements can bring $50–$200+ certified. Minor single-letter grease errors add $10–$30. Retained struck-through errors (object still embedded) command the highest premiums.

Most Dramatic Close-up of 2009 quarter misaligned die error showing off-center strike with blank planchet crescent visible

Misaligned Die / Off-Center Strike

$15 – $300+

A misaligned die error occurs when the striking die is not properly centered over the planchet during the minting process. If the misalignment is significant, the result is a coin with a crescent-shaped area of blank, unstruck planchet visible on one side, while the opposite side shows the design compressed toward the rim. Minor misalignments (1–5%) add only a small premium, but dramatic examples with 10–50% of the planchet unstruck are highly collectible.

Identification is straightforward: look for a visible blank rim or crescent of plain metal on one side of the coin. The design elements will be pushed toward the opposite side. The date is important — on the most valuable examples, the date "2009" is still partially or fully visible despite the off-center shift, which confirms the correct year and makes the error coin attributable. Off-center errors where the date is completely missing are worth considerably less than date-visible examples.

Value scales directly with the percentage of the design that is off-center and whether the date remains visible. A 10–15% off-center 2009 quarter typically brings $15–$50 in circulated grades. A dramatic 40–50% off-center example in uncirculated condition with a visible date can exceed $200–$300 in certified holders. These errors are mechanical and affect any of the six 2009 designs equally, though lower-mintage designs like the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam attract additional collector interest.

How to spot it

Look for a crescent of blank, unstruck planchet on one side and compressed design on the other. Check that the date "2009" is still visible — date-present off-center errors are worth significantly more than dateless examples.

Mint mark

P and D issues across all six designs. Off-center strikes can affect any denomination and design equally; no specific concentration reported.

Notable

Off-center percentage directly drives value: 10–15% = $15–$50; 25–40% with visible date = $50–$150; 40–50% in MS condition = $200–$300+. Certified examples at PCGS/NGC trade more confidently than raw coins in this category.

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2009 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Group of all six 2009 DC and US Territories Washington quarters arranged by mintage from highest to lowest

The 2009 quarters had dramatically lower mintages than any previous year in the State Quarter program, largely because the 2008–2009 recession reduced coin demand nationwide. All six designs are clad (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel), weight 5.67 g, diameter 24.26 mm, 119 reeds on the edge. The S mint (San Francisco) produced proof-only coins for collector sets.

Design Philadelphia (P) Denver (D) Combined Rank (scarcest first)
Northern Mariana Islands 35,200,000 37,600,000 72,800,000 🥇 Scarcest
Guam 45,000,000 42,600,000 87,600,000 🥈 2nd
American Samoa 42,600,000 39,600,000 82,200,000 3rd
U.S. Virgin Islands 41,000,000 41,000,000 82,000,000 4th
Puerto Rico 53,200,000 86,000,000 139,200,000 5th
District of Columbia 83,600,000 88,800,000 172,400,000 Highest mintage
All Designs Combined ~300,600,000 ~335,600,000 ~636,200,000 2009 total

Proof mintages: Clad proof set (all six designs, S mint) — approximately 2,245,673 sets. Silver proof set — approximately 697,365 sets. Satin Finish (SP) coins were included in the 2009 US Mint Uncirculated Sets.
Sources: US Mint official production records via CoinNews.net; Numismatic News.

How to Grade Your 2009 Quarter

Grading strip showing four 2009 quarter condition tiers from worn to gem uncirculated MS67

Worn (Good–Fine)

Washington's cheek is nearly flat. Hair detail above the ear has merged into smooth fields. On the reverse, the territorial design has lost high-point relief. These coins trade at face value — 25 cents — regardless of design.

Lightly Circulated (AU50–58)

Only the very highest points — Washington's ear area and the reverse's highest design relief — show slight wear. Luster covers most of the coin. These 2009 quarters fetch $0.50–$2 in typical grades, occasionally more for scarcer designs.

Uncirculated (MS60–65)

No wear, but bag marks and contact marks from the minting and storage process are visible. Full luster present. The MS60–65 range has modest collector value ($0.50–$5 for most designs). Bag marks are the primary grade-lowering factor.

Gem Uncirculated (MS66–70)

Minimal bag marks, full blazing luster, and sharp strike on all design elements. This is where 2009 quarter value surges. An MS67 Northern Mariana Islands or Guam quarter can be worth significantly more than a common-design MS67. Population reports at PCGS determine premium levels.

Pro tip: The Satin Finish (SP) designation matters hugely for 2009 quarters from mint sets. A 2009-D Northern Mariana Islands in SP-68 might sell for ~$25, while the same coin as a business strike in MS-68 can be worth $600+. Always verify the strike-type designation before buying or selling — SP and MS are priced differently.

🔎 CoinKnow helps you match your coin's surface details and luster against reference examples for condition estimation — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 2009 Quarter

The right venue depends on whether your coin is certified, raw, or a common-grade example.

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

The best venue for certified error coins (DDR FS-801, DDO) and high-grade gems (MS67+). Heritage has produced the top recorded sales for 2009 quarters, including the $3,055 DDR MS66. Expect a buyer's premium; reserves are typically required. Best for coins where certification cost is justified by expected realized price.

🛒 eBay

The largest active marketplace for 2009 quarters at all grade levels. Check recently sold prices for 2009 American Samoa quarter listings to benchmark what buyers are actually paying today. Raw uncirculated rolls and individual lower-grade coins sell briskly; search "completed listings" for realistic comps before pricing.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Convenient for quick sales of bulk or circulated examples. Expect wholesale prices — typically 30–50% below retail guide values. A knowledgeable dealer can quickly assess whether your coin is worth certifying before a major auction sale. Best for common-grade examples where auction fees would consume any profit.

💬 Reddit r/Coins4Sale

A free peer-to-peer marketplace popular with collectors for mid-grade and error coins. Transaction fees are minimal — typically just PayPal or Venmo fees. Useful for uncertified examples grading MS63–MS65 where you want more than face value but less than auction premium. The community is knowledgeable; misattributed errors get caught fast.

💡 Get it graded first: If you believe your 2009 quarter shows a genuine DDR or DDO, consider professional certification at PCGS or NGC before selling. A raw coin claiming DDR status may sell for $30–$100; the same coin in a certified holder with the FS-801 designation can fetch multiples of that. Grading fees (typically $30–$50) make economic sense when your expected grade is MS66+ or the error is clearly dramatic.

Frequently Asked Questions — 2009 Quarter Value

What is a 2009 quarter worth in circulated condition?
Most circulated 2009 quarters from the DC and US Territories series are worth face value — just 25 cents. Because hundreds of millions were struck and released into commerce, worn examples carry no collector premium. The only exception is if your coin shows a genuine mint error such as a doubled die, misaligned die, or strike-through, which can add meaningful value even in worn grades.
Which 2009 quarter design has the lowest mintage?
The Northern Mariana Islands quarter has the lowest combined mintage of the six 2009 designs, with approximately 35.2 million struck at Philadelphia and 37.6 million at Denver — roughly 72 million total. The Denver Guam quarter is also notably scarce at just 42.6 million. By contrast, the District of Columbia quarter had the highest combined total at about 172.4 million pieces.
What is the most valuable 2009 quarter error?
The most valuable documented 2009 quarter error is the Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) on the District of Columbia design. A 2009-D DC DDR graded MS66 sold for $3,055 at Heritage Auctions in July 2014. The doubling is most visible on the word "ELLINGTON" on Duke Ellington's piano and on his arm. This variety is designated FS-801 by PCGS for the Denver issue.
How can I tell if my 2009 quarter has a doubled die?
Examine the reverse under a 10x loupe, focusing on raised lettering and design elements. On the DC quarter, look for a secondary, slightly offset impression of "ELLINGTON" — especially the letters "ELL." Letters may appear thickened or show a faint raised shadow behind the primary design. On other 2009 designs, check portrait inscriptions and design motifs for similar doubling. Machine doubling (MD) looks flat and shelf-like, not raised — only raised doubling is a true DDO/DDR variety.
Are 2009 quarters rare?
Compared to earlier state quarters, 2009 quarters have relatively low mintages due to the 2008–2009 economic recession reducing coin demand. The DC design's 172.4 million combined mintage was less than half of most state quarter programs. However, because even the lowest-mintage design (Northern Mariana Islands) has tens of millions in existence, standard circulated examples are not rare. High-grade MS67+ examples and error coins are genuinely scarce.
What is a Satin Finish 2009 quarter and is it worth more?
Satin Finish (SP) quarters were included in the 2009 US Mint Uncirculated Sets and feature burnished planchets with a distinctive fine-grained matte texture — different from both regular business strikes and mirror-proof coins. In lower SP grades they trade near business-strike prices, but an SP-68 or SP-69 example can command $25–$160+ depending on design. Always verify the strike-type designation (SP vs. MS) when buying, since the same coin in SP may be worth far less than in MS.
What does the District of Columbia 2009 quarter look like?
The reverse features Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz composer who was a DC native, seated at a grand piano. His name appears inscribed on the piano. The inscriptions "DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA" and "JUSTICE FOR ALL" appear around the design. The obverse carries the standard George Washington portrait used on all modern quarters, with the mint mark (P or D) located to the right of his ponytail below "IN GOD WE TRUST."
How much is a 2009 proof quarter worth?
Clad proof 2009 quarters (S mint mark) are worth approximately $1.25–$5 each in standard grades. A top-grade PCGS PR70DCAM example of the DC design sold for $306 at Heritage Auctions. The 90% silver proof versions, also struck at San Francisco, trade for $4–$15 in typical grades, reflecting their precious-metal content plus collector demand. The silver proof set had a mintage of about 697,365.
What is a 2009 quarter struck-through error worth?
Struck-through errors occur when a foreign object — such as grease, cloth fiber, or wire — is caught between the die and planchet during striking. The result is a missing or distorted area of design. Value depends heavily on the size and visibility of the struck-through area. Minor grease-filled die examples might add only a few dollars, while dramatic struck-through errors with large, clearly defined voids in a significant design area can bring $50–$200 or more if certified.
Is it worth getting a 2009 quarter professionally graded?
For most circulated or lightly uncirculated 2009 quarters, grading fees (typically $30–$50 per coin at PCGS or NGC) exceed the coin's market value. Grading makes economic sense for coins that grade MS67 or higher, known DDR or DDO varieties, Satin Finish coins in SP68+, or proof coins in PR70. Before submitting, compare the PCGS or NGC Price Guide value for your expected grade against current grading service fees.

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