# CNNMI25P - 2009 Northern Mariana Island Quarter, P Mint

Issue Date: November 30, 2009

Issue Quantity (Philadelphia Mint): 35,200,000

Northern Mariana Islands Quarter Design Elements: The latte stone pillars were used as supports for the houses of the Chamarro natives of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Carolinians, who came to live on the islands, were known for their sailing ability. The canoes they designed and constructed were quite advanced and could sail long distances. Two white fairy tern birds fly in front of native palm trees.

When Congress authorized the United States Mint to begin issuing new quarter dollars saluting each of America’s 50 great states – with five quarter dollars being struck yearly from 1999 through 2008 – collectors were excited. Never before had there been a series of U.S. coins honoring each of our 50 states.

 

Following a lengthy design selection process by each state, these historic coins were issued in sequence according to when each state entered the Union. U.S. territories and possession were also included in the popular program.

 

The obverse (front) of each coin pictures a modified version of the existing George Washington quarter dollar, while the reverse vividly captures that specific state’s heritage and honors its unique contribution to the nation. Symbolically and artistically, statehood quarters capture the rich history of America like no other coins.

 

Collectors couldn’t help being concerned, however, because the coins were being struck at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Since this meant that every quarter dollar would not be released for circulation in every state, the odds against anyone collecting a complete set of all 100 of these historic quarter dollars were enormous. And it didn’t help that the last circulating U.S. commemoratives – the 1976 Bicentennial coins – are rarely found in circulation today.