The Northern Mariana Islands quarter was released into circulation November 30, 2009. It is the sixth -- and final -- coin in the United States Mint 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. The coin's reverse design is by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. The design includes a large limestone latte, the supporting column of ancient indigenous Chamorro structures; a canoe of the indigenous Carolinians representing the people's seafaring skills across vast distances; and two white fairy tern birds flying overhead. A Carolinian mwar (head lei) -- symbolic of the virtues of honor and respect -- borders the bottom of the design near the inscription, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS.
NOTE: On the eve of the launch, Wednesday, December 9, 2009, the public and news media are invited to a Public Coin Forum at the American Memorial Park Visitor's Center, where they can learn about new United States Mint coin programs and ask questions about the future of U.S. coinage.
For a digital image of the Northern Mariana Islands quarter, go to:
http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/?action=Photo#2009DCTerri
WHAT: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange Coin Collectors Forum Hosted by Deputy Director Andy Brunhart WHO: United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart Governor Benigno R. Fitial First Lady Josie Fitial Lt. Govenor Eloy Inos CNMI Quarter Commission member Catherine Perry Anderson, Mistress of Ceremonies WHEN: Launch Ceremony: Thursday, December 10, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. (GMT +10) Collectors Forum: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (GMT +10) WHERE: Launch Ceremony: American Memorial Park Amphitheater, Beach Road, Garapan, Saipan Collectors Forum: American Memorial Park Visitor's Center, Beach Road, Garapan, Saipan
SOURCE United States Mint