Introduction
The United States Virgin Islands quarter is the third quarter of 2009 and the fourth in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. The coin worth 25 cents (a quarter) was released on May 22, 2009. The quarters were minted in Philadelphia and Denver and had the mint mark either P or D to distinguish between them.
After being admitted as a territory of the United States in 1917, residents of the United States Virgin Islands pleaded with Congress to become a state but were never granted this right due to their small population. They wanted to be able to vote for president, serve on juries in federal courts, have a voting representative in Congress, and more.
Obverse
Reverse
When you look at the reverse side of this quarter, it’s easy to see why Joseph Menna was chosen as the designer. This Virgin Islands quarter features an engraving of the Yellow Breast or Bananaquit, its official bird; the Yellow Cedar or Yellow Elder, the official flower; and a Tyre Palm Tree. It also has “United in Pride and Hope,” which is the territories motto.
Sculptor of the original model: Joseph Menna
Joseph Menna, who designed the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter and sculpted its original model, is a sculptor and engraver at the Mint. He became the 14th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint in February 2019.
USVI Coin approval date: January 15, 2008
The U.S. Mint approved the Virgin Islands Beauty design on January 15, 2008.
Coin release date: May 22, 2009
The date of the coin’s release is May 22, 2009.
The Virgin Islands quarter is the third quarter of 2009 and the fourth in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program.
The Virgin Islands quarter is in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. The coin celebrates the history, culture, and scenic beauty of these islands by combining an image of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. A banner above reads “United States Virgin Islands.”
Conclusion
Seeing the beautiful landscape of the Virgin Islands in this form is a great reminder to get outside and explore nature. It’s also a great way to learn about U.S. history, geography, and culture. Joseph Menna did an excellent job capturing the island’s beauty in his design.
