Northern Mariana Islands
Return To Index
Issued Date: November 30, 2009
Description: The 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter, the final release in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories program, features a scenic reverse honoring the territory's natural resources and culture. Designed by Richard Masters www.statequarterguide.com and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill www.statequarterguide.com, it depicts a limestone latte stone, a Carolinian canoe, two white fairy terns, and a mwar (head lei).
Key Details of the Design:
Reverse Scene: A sandy beach featuring a prominent latte stone (a traditional pillar used by the Chamorro people www.usmint.gov for building) near the shore.
Cultural Elements: A traditional Carolinian canoe is shown on the water, while a mwar (head lei) www.usmint.gov composed of local flowers (plumeria, langilang, angagha, and teibwo) frames the bottom of the design.
Wildlife: Two white fairy terns (local birds) are shown flying overhead.
Inscriptions: The design includes the text "Northern Mariana Islands," "E Pluribus Unum," and the year 2009.
Obverse: Features the standard portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan.
Description: The 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter, the final release in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories program, features a scenic reverse honoring the territory's natural resources and culture. Designed by Richard Masters www.statequarterguide.com and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill www.statequarterguide.com, it depicts a limestone latte stone, a Carolinian canoe, two white fairy terns, and a mwar (head lei).
Key Details of the Design:
Reverse Scene: A sandy beach featuring a prominent latte stone (a traditional pillar used by the Chamorro people www.usmint.gov for building) near the shore.
Cultural Elements: A traditional Carolinian canoe is shown on the water, while a mwar (head lei) www.usmint.gov composed of local flowers (plumeria, langilang, angagha, and teibwo) frames the bottom of the design.
Wildlife: Two white fairy terns (local birds) are shown flying overhead.
Inscriptions: The design includes the text "Northern Mariana Islands," "E Pluribus Unum," and the year 2009.
Obverse: Features the standard portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan.