The 2009-S Guam Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in circulated condition to over $15 or more in pristine proof grades, making it a small but genuinely collectible piece from one of America’s most unique coin series.
If you recently came across one of these coins in an old collection or a dusty coin folder, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down exactly what the 2009-S Guam Quarter is worth, what makes certain versions more valuable than others, and how to tell if yours might be worth more than face value.
What Is the 2009-S Guam Quarter?
The 2009-S Guam Quarter is part of the DC and U.S. Territories Quarter Program, a special series the U.S. Mint released in 2009. That year, instead of featuring American states, the program honored six U.S. territories and the District of Columbia — and Guam was one of them.
The “S” in the coin’s name tells you it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is known for producing proof and collector-quality coins rather than coins for everyday circulation. That’s an important detail, because it means the 2009-S Guam Quarter was made specifically for collectors and coin sets — not to spend at the grocery store.
The reverse design of this quarter shows a scene inspired by Guam’s motto “Tano Y Chamorro” (Land of the Chamorro), featuring an outline of the island, a flying proa (a traditional Chamorro sailing canoe), and a latte stone — a type of ancient limestone pillar used by the Chamorro people. It’s a beautiful and culturally rich design that stands out in any collection.
If you want a quick way to identify any coin in your collection, a good coin identification app can help you scan and confirm exactly what you have in seconds. CoinKnow is one of the most popular options for everyday collectors.
How Much Is the 2009-S Guam Quarter Worth?
The value of a 2009-S Guam Quarter depends heavily on its condition, its specific strike type (proof vs. clad), and whether it has been graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Here’s a quick look at typical values:
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-S Clad Proof | PR65 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| 2009-S Clad Proof | PR69 DCAM | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| 2009-S Silver Proof | PR65 | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| 2009-S Silver Proof | PR70 DCAM | $20.00 – $40.00+ |
The silver proof versions are naturally worth more because they contain 90% silver, giving them both numismatic and precious metal value. For the most current pricing data, you can check out detailed 2009 quarter values including the Guam issue to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
Silver vs. Clad — Which Version Do You Have?
One of the most common questions people ask about the 2009-S Guam Quarter is whether their coin is silver or clad. This matters because the silver version is worth noticeably more.
The easiest way to tell is to look at the edge of the coin. A clad quarter will show a copper-colored stripe running through the middle of the edge — that’s the copper core sandwiched between two layers of nickel. A silver proof quarter will have a uniformly silver-gray edge with no visible layers.
You can also check which proof set it came from. The standard proof set from the U.S. Mint contained clad versions, while the Silver Proof Set was sold separately and at a higher price. If you still have the original Mint packaging, that will tell you exactly which version you own.
CoinKnow makes this process even easier — just snap a photo and the app can help you identify the coin type and give you an estimated value range based on current market data.
Key Factors That Affect the 2009-S Guam Quarter Value
Beyond strike type and condition, a few other factors can push your coin’s value higher or lower:
Grade: A coin graded PR70 Deep Cameo (the highest possible proof grade) is worth significantly more than an ungraded example. Even the difference between PR68 and PR69 can add $5 to $10 in value.
Original packaging: If the coin is still in its original U.S. Mint proof set box with the certificate of authenticity, collectors tend to pay a small premium.
Eye appeal: Coins with sharp cameo contrast — a frosted, mirror-like relief against a deeply reflective background — are more desirable and fetch higher prices.
Professional grading: Having your coin certified by PCGS or NGC adds credibility and can increase resale value, especially if it grades PR69 or PR70.
For a coin that started its life worth just 25 cents, a top-grade silver proof 2009-S Guam Quarter can genuinely surprise you. CoinKnow users often discover that coins they overlooked are worth far more than expected once properly identified and graded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many 2009-S Guam Quarters were made?
A: The U.S. Mint struck approximately 2.6 million clad proof 2009-S Guam Quarters and around 996,000 silver proof versions. The lower mintage of the silver proof makes it the more collectible of the two.
Q: Is the 2009-S Guam Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare by most standards, but it is a limited-issue collector coin that never circulated. The silver proof version, with under one million minted, is considered moderately scarce in high grades.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2009-S Guam Quarter?
A: eBay is the most active marketplace for these coins, where you can see what buyers have actually paid in recent sales. Coin shows and local dealers are also good options, especially if your coin is already certified by a grading service.
