The 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.25 in lightly circulated condition to over $15 or more for deep cameo proof specimens. If you found one of these in your change jar or inherited a coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Is the 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter?
The 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter is part of the U.S. Mint’s District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program, which ran only during 2009. This special series honored six territories and the District of Columbia, replacing the long-running 50 State Quarters Program. The Virgin Islands design features a scenic tropical view with a Palmchat bird, a sailing vessel, and the islands themselves — a beautiful coin that stands out from standard Washington quarters. The “S” mintmark tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which exclusively produced proof versions of this coin for collectors. That means you won’t find a circulated 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter in everyday pocket change — every “S” mint example was made as a proof coin, struck with polished dies for sharp detail and mirror-like fields. If you’re not sure which mint your coin came from or want to quickly identify it, using the best coin identifier app can save you a lot of time and guesswork.
2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter Value by Grade and Type
Since the San Francisco Mint only made proof versions of the 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter, values are tied closely to the grade and finish type. The two main categories are Clad Proof and Silver Proof. The clad version uses the standard copper-nickel composition, while the silver proof is struck in 90% silver — making it significantly more desirable to collectors and investors alike.
| Type | Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof | PR65 | $1.25 – $3.00 |
| Clad Proof | PR69 Deep Cameo | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Clad Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $10.00 – $18.00 |
| Silver Proof | PR65 | $6.00 – $9.00 |
| Silver Proof | PR69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $20.00 |
| Silver Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $20.00 – $35.00+ |
Mintage Numbers and Why They Matter
Understanding how many coins were made helps you gauge scarcity. The U.S. Mint produced approximately 2.1 million clad proof 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarters and around 996,548 silver proof examples. While those numbers might sound large, the silver proof mintage is actually quite modest compared to many earlier proof quarters, which helps support stronger values over time. Coins with lower mintages tend to hold or grow in value more reliably. For a complete breakdown of what 2009 quarters are worth across all mint marks and finishes, it’s worth comparing all six territorial designs side by side. Knowing the mintage is just one piece of the puzzle — condition, eye appeal, and whether a coin is certified by PCGS or NGC all play a major role in final value. If you want a fast, accurate grade estimate before sending a coin in for professional grading, CoinHix is a great starting point.
How to Tell If Your 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter Is Silver
One of the most common questions people have is whether their coin is silver or clad. Here’s a simple trick: look at the edge of the coin. A clad quarter will show a distinct orange-copper stripe along the edge, while a silver proof quarter will have a solid grayish-silver edge with no copper layer visible. You can also check the weight — silver quarters weigh approximately 6.25 grams, while clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams. A small kitchen scale can confirm this quickly. Another option is to use CoinHix, which can help you identify coin types, compositions, and values right from your smartphone camera. Silver proof quarters from the 2009 Territories series are genuinely worth seeking out, especially in top-tier grades.
Tips for Selling Your 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter
If you’re thinking about selling, condition is everything. Proof coins should be kept in their original U.S. Mint packaging whenever possible — removing them from the case can lower their value. For coins in exceptional condition (PR69 or PR70), consider getting them certified by PCGS or NGC, as a certified grade can dramatically increase buyer confidence and price. Platforms like eBay, coin shows, and local coin dealers are all solid options. Before you sell, run your coin through CoinHix to get a quick value estimate so you walk into negotiations knowing what you have. Don’t undersell a quality silver proof just because it looks like a regular quarter.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2009-S U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter rare?
A: It’s not extremely rare, but the silver proof version has a mintage of under one million, making it more scarce than many standard proof quarters. Top-graded examples in PR70 are particularly hard to find.
Q: Can I find a 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter in my change?
A: No. The “S” mintmark indicates it was made at the San Francisco Mint exclusively as a proof coin for collector sets. All circulating 2009 Virgin Islands Quarters would carry a “P” or “D” mintmark.
Q: How do I get my 2009-S Virgin Islands Quarter graded?
A: You can submit it to PCGS or NGC through their websites. Before spending money on professional grading, use a tool like CoinHix to assess whether the coin’s potential value justifies the cost of submission.
