In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. Five states were featured each year, based on the order in which they ratified the Constitution or became states. On the front, otherwise known as the obverse, the mintmarks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait. The small "S" indicates San Francisco Mint.
The 2009 District of Columbia Quarter is the first coin in the United States Territories Quarter Series. The District of Columbia was first proposed in 1783 as the permanent residence of the nation's capital and the seat of the United States Government. The city, which originally occupied only a small portion of the District of Columbia, was named Washington as a tribute to President George Washington, hence given the name "Washington D.C." The District of Columbia Quarter Design Advisory Committee chose native, Duke Ellington, to adorn the design, where he is standing next to a grand piano. Also featured on the coin is the District of Columbia's motto, "Justice for All".
Each coin is encapsulated - please keep the coins in their protective coin holder to maintain their condition.
