2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter Worth More Than You Think
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The 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.25 in circulated condition to $10 or more in pristine proof grades, with some top-tier examples fetching even higher prices among serious collectors.
If you stumbled across one of these coins in an old collection or a forgotten drawer, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down exactly what your coin is worth, what to look for, and how to tell if you’ve got something special on your hands.
What Is the 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter?
The 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter was issued as part of the U.S. Territories Quarter Program, a short-lived series that honored six American territories in 2009. The Northern Mariana Islands — a U.S. commonwealth in the Pacific — was one of those honored territories.
The “S” in the coin’s name tells you it was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which exclusively produced proof versions of this quarter. That means this coin was never intended for everyday pocket change. It was struck to a higher standard, with mirror-like fields and sharply defined details, specifically for collectors.
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The reverse design features a latte stone (a traditional stone pillar used by the ancient Chamorro people), a mwar (a traditional flower lei), and a local outrigger canoe sailing in front of the island chain. It’s a genuinely beautiful coin that represents a piece of Pacific American history.
If you want a quick estimate on your coin without digging through price guides, a coin identifier and value app can scan and grade your quarter in seconds using your smartphone camera.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Current Value of the 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter
Since this coin was only struck as a proof at San Francisco, its value is largely tied to its proof grade. The higher the grade, the more it’s worth — especially in grades of PR69 or PR70.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what collectors and dealers typically pay:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Raw Proof (ungraded) | $1.25 – $3.00 |
| PR65 (graded) | $4 – $6 |
| PR67 (graded) | $6 – $9 |
| PR69 (graded) | $9 – $15 |
| PR70 DCAM (perfect grade) | $25 – $50+ |
Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation — meaning the coin has frosted raised designs against deeply mirrored fields — adds significant value in the higher grades. A PR70 DCAM example is considered a perfect coin and commands a strong premium on the collector market.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For a more detailed breakdown of what 2009 quarters are worth across all designs and mint marks, that resource covers the full series in one place.
How to Identify Key Features That Affect Value
Even among proof coins of the same grade, a few features can push value higher. The most important thing to look for is the Deep Cameo contrast — you want the raised portions of the design (the latte stone, lei, and canoe) to appear frosty white, while the background fields look like a dark mirror.
Hold the coin under a single light source and tilt it slowly. If the design elements look sharp and frosted while the flat fields reflect like a black mirror, you likely have a DCAM specimen.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Also check for any contact marks, hairlines, or spots. Even a tiny scratch can drop a coin from PR69 to PR67, costing you several dollars in resale value.
The CoinKnow app is particularly handy here — it uses AI-powered imaging to assess surface quality, spot potential DCAM characteristics, and give you a market-range estimate based on current sales data.
Is It Worth Getting Graded?
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC makes sense if you believe your coin is a PR69 or PR70 DCAM. At those levels, the graded coin can sell for significantly more than a raw example — often 3x to 5x the raw price.
However, grading costs typically run $20–$40 per coin for standard submissions. For a coin worth $3–$6 in typical proof condition, grading doesn’t make financial sense.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The sweet spot: if your coin looks flawless under magnification and shows strong cameo contrast, it’s worth checking against recent auction results. CoinKnow lets you track recent sold prices for this exact coin so you can make an informed decision before spending money on professional grading.
Where to Sell a 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter
For raw proof examples, eBay is the most practical option. Search completed listings for “2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter” to see actual sold prices — not asking prices.
Coin shows and local dealers are another option, though dealers typically offer 50–60% of retail value. For graded coins in PR69 or PR70, Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers reach the deepest pool of serious buyers.
If you’re not sure whether your coin is worth selling individually or as part of a 2009 Territories set, CoinKnow can help you compare both options based on live market data.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: How many 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarters were made?
A: The U.S. Mint struck approximately 2.1 million of these proof quarters at the San Francisco Mint in 2009, making it a relatively low-mintage issue compared to standard circulation quarters.
Q: Can I find a 2009-S Northern Mariana Islands Quarter in pocket change?
A: No. The “S” mint mark means it was only struck as a proof coin at San Francisco and sold directly to collectors in proof sets. It was never released into general circulation.
Q: Does the coin have any silver content?
A: Standard versions are clad (copper-nickel over copper). However, if you purchased a Silver Proof Set from the U.S. Mint in 2009, your version is 90% silver and worth notably more — typically $8–$20 or higher depending on grade and silver spot price.
