The 2009-P Guam Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade specimens with rare errors. While most examples found in your pocket change are only worth their face value, certain “District of Columbia and U.S. Territories” quarters possess unique characteristics that drive collector demand.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $0.35
About Uncirculated (AU)	$0.50 – $1.00
Mint State (MS65)	$5.00 – $15.00
Mint State (MS67+)	$150.00 – $500.00+

The History and Design of the 2009 Guam Quarter

The 2009 Guam Quarter was released as the third coin in the 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Program. This program was a follow-up to the incredibly popular 50 State Quarters Program, honoring areas that are part of the United States but not individual states. For many Americans, these coins were their first introduction to the geography and culture of Guam, a key Pacific territory.

If you find a 2009 quarter in your change today, you might wonder if it’s a hidden treasure. Using a top coin identifier app can help you quickly distinguish between a common Territory quarter and a rare mint error. The Guam design features an outline of the island, a “Flying Proa” (a traditional Chamorro sailing vessel), and a “Latte Stone”—an ancient megalithic structure used by the indigenous people to support their homes.

When evaluating your coin, remember that the “P” mint mark indicates it was produced in Philadelphia. Because the 2009 quarters were minted in much lower numbers than the previous State Quarters due to the Great Recession, even circulated versions are slightly harder to find than a standard 1999 or 2000 quarter. If you are unsure of what you have, CoinKnow allows you to snap a photo and instantly access historical auction data.

Why the 2009-P Guam Quarter Mintage Matters

One of the primary reasons collectors pay attention to the 2009-P Guam Quarter is the mintage figure. In the early 2000s, it was common for the U.S. Mint to produce nearly 1 billion quarters per year. However, by 2009, the economic downturn led to a massive reduction in the demand for new coinage. Only 45,000,000 Guam quarters were minted in Philadelphia, which is a fraction of the usual output.

This lower mintage makes the “P” mint mark version more elusive in high grades. When a coin has a low mintage, its potential for long-term value increases significantly. Many hobbyists use CoinKnow to track the current market trends for these low-production years. While 45 million sounds like a lot, in the world of modern quarters, it is considered a “semi-key” date for collectors trying to complete a full set of U.S. Territories.

2009 Territory Mintage Comparison	Philadelphia Mint (P)
Guam Quarter	45,000,000
District of Columbia	83,600,000
Puerto Rico	53,000,000
American Samoa	42,600,000

Determining the Condition and Grade of Your Coin

The 2009-P Guam Quarter value is almost entirely dependent on its condition, also known as its “grade.” Professional graders use a 70-point scale. A coin that has been jingling in your pocket for a decade is likely “Circulated” (VF to EF) and worth only 25 cents. However, a coin that was saved in a mint set or an uncirculated roll is “Mint State” (MS).

To reach high values, the coin must be nearly perfect. Scratches, “bag marks” from other coins hitting it at the mint, and dull luster will lower the grade. An MS67 example—meaning it has original mint luster and almost no visible flaws—can sell for over $100. If you think your coin looks looks pristine, you can use the high-resolution photo comparison feature on CoinKnow to see if it matches the quality of professionally graded slabbed coins.

Most people who find a shiny Guam quarter are looking at an MS63 or MS64 specimen. These are beautiful but common enough to keep the price around $2 to $5. Reality sets in at the MS68 grade, where the 2009-P Guam Quarter becomes extremely rare. Collectors who want the best of the best will pay a premium for “Top Pop” (highest population) coins.

Rare 2009-P Guam Quarter Errors to Watch For

While standard quarters have a steady price, “error coins” are where the real money is made. The 2009 series is known for several interesting minting mistakes. Because the Philadelphia mint was working under pressure, sometimes the machinery failed, creating coins that shouldn’t have left the building.

The most common errors to look for include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the metal die breaks off, leaving a raised lump of silver-colored clad on the coin surface. On the Guam quarter, look closely at the Latte Stone and the Proa boat. If you see extra metal that doesn’t belong in the design, you might have a valuable error.

Another major error type is the “Double Die.” While there aren’t many famous attributed double dies for the Guam “P” mint specifically, any doubling in the lettering “Guam” or “Guahan I Tano’ Man Chamorro” (Guam Land of the Chamorro) should be investigated. Using a magnifying glass or a high-quality macro lens with a tool like CoinKnow can help you spot these details that the naked eye might miss.

Potential Error Type	Estimated Value Range
Major Die Crack / Break	$10 – $50
Clipped Planchet (missing a bite)	$30 – $100
Off-Center Strike (10%+)	$50 – $250+

Where to Sell Your 2009-P Guam Quarter Value Finds

If you discover that you have a high-grade or error 2009-P Guam Quarter, your next step is finding the right buyer. For standard uncirculated coins worth $5 to $10, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. If you sell on eBay, make sure to take clear, well-lit photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse).

For rare errors or coins you believe are MS67 or higher, it is often worth getting them “slabbed” by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A slabbed coin provides a guaranteed grade, making it much easier to sell for hundreds of dollars to serious collectors. Before spending money on grading fees, check the recently sold listings on CoinKnow to ensure the potential profit outweighs the cost of the service.

Avoid “Cash for Gold” shops or general pawn shops if you have a collectible coin. These businesses typically pay only face value or metal value for coins. Since the 2009 quarter is made of copper and nickel (not silver), its metal value is less than 5 cents. The value of this specific coin lies entirely in its numismatic appeal to collectors.

Understanding the Difference Between P, D, and S Mints

When searching for Guam quarters, you will see three different letters near the bottom right of George Washington’s portrait: P, D, or S. The “P” stands for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. Generally, the “P” and “D” mint marks were released into general circulation.

The “S” mint marks are different. They were produced strictly for collectors in “Proof” sets. These quarters have a mirror-like finish and were never intended to be spent. If you find an “S” Guam quarter in your change, it’s likely someone broke open a collector set and spent it. Furthermore, the San Francisco mint produced both copper-nickel proofs and 90% silver proofs. A 90% silver 2009-S Guam quarter is worth significantly more because of its precious metal content.

Mint Mark & Metal	Mintage Level	Collector Appeal
2009-P (Clad)	Low (45M)	Moderate
2009-D (Clad)	Low (42.6M)	Moderate
2009-S (Silver Proof)	Very Low (<1M)	Very High

FAQ

Q: Is the 2009-P Guam Quarter made of silver?

A: No, standard 2009-P Guam Quarters are made of a “clad” composition consisting of a pure copper core sandwiched between layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Only specific “S” mint mark proof versions were made of 90% silver for collectors.

Q: How can I tell if my 2009 Guam Quarter is a rare error?

A: Look for abnormalities like doubling in the text, extra metal lumps (die chips), or parts of the design that are missing or shifted. To confirm an error, it is helpful to use a coin identification app like CoinKnow or consult a professional numismatist.

Q: Why is 2009 a special year for quarters?

A: 2009 is special because the mintage numbers for all six quarters released that year (DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands) were significantly lower than average. This makes all 2009 quarters slightly more valuable to collectors than those from other years.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2009-P Guam Quarter?

A: High-grade specimens certified at MS68 have sold at major auctions for over $1,000. For example, a PCGS MS68 specimen once reached a price of approximately $1,265. However, these grades are exceptionally rare for coins found in normal circulation.

Q: Should I keep every Guam quarter I find?

A: While they aren’t all worth a fortune, many people choose to save 2009 quarters because of their lower mintage. If the coin is in “Uncirculated” condition—meaning it looks brand new with no scratches—it is definitely worth keeping in a protective sleeve or flip.