What is a Guam US quarter?
A Guam US quarter is a 25-cent piece that was issued by the United States Mint from 2009 to 2010. The coin features a design that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory.
The obverse of the coin features a of the Seal of Guam, which depicts a proa (a traditional Chamorro sailing canoe) in the foreground, with a palm tree and two latte stones (ancient Chamorro megalithic structures) in the background. The reverse of the coin features an of the Statue of Liberty, with the "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" inscribed above and below the figure, respectively. The coin's edge is inscribed with the "Guam" and "2009-2010".
The Guam US quarter was the first coin in the US Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters series, which featured a different national park or other national site on each coin. The coin was designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz.
The Guam US quarter is a popular collector's item, and it is also used in everyday circulation. The coin is a reminder of Guam's rich history and culture, and it is a symbol of the island's close ties to the United States.
Guam US Quarter
The Guam US quarter is a 25-cent piece that was issued by the United States Mint from 2009 to 2010. The coin features a design that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory.
- Obverse: Seal of Guam
- Reverse: Statue of Liberty
- Edge: Inscribed with "Guam" and "2009-2010"
- Designer: Richard Masters
- Sculptor: Jim Licaretz
- Mintage: 31,132,000
- Composition: Clad (copper-nickel)
These key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of the Guam US quarter, from its design and mintage to its historical significance. The coin is a reminder of Guam's rich history and culture, and it is a symbol of the island's close ties to the United States.
1. Obverse
The obverse of the Guam US quarter features the Seal of Guam, which is a symbol of the island's history and culture.
- The proa represents the Chamorro people's seafaring traditions.
- The palm tree represents the island's tropical climate.
- The latte stones represent the ancient Chamorro culture.
- The stars and stripes represent Guam's status as a US territory.
The Seal of Guam is a reminder of the island's rich history and culture, and it is a symbol of Guam's close ties to the United States.
2. Reverse
The reverse of the Guam US quarter features the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in 1886. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frdric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower. The statue is made of copper and stands 151 feet tall.
The Statue of Liberty is a powerful symbol of the United States and its values. The statue represents the country's commitment to freedom, democracy, and opportunity. The statue is also a reminder of the strong friendship between the United States and France.
The inclusion of the Statue of Liberty on the Guam US quarter is a reminder of Guam's close ties to the United States. Guam is a US territory, and its people are US citizens. The statue is a symbol of Guam's commitment to the values of the United States, and it is a reminder of the island's strong relationship with the mainland.
3. Edge
The edge of the Guam US quarter is inscribed with the word "Guam" and the years "2009-2010". This inscription serves several important purposes:
- Identification: The inscription helps to identify the coin as a Guam US quarter, distinguishing it from other US quarters and coins from other countries.
- Commemoration: The inscription commemorates the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory. The years "2009-2010" represent the years that the coin was issued.
- Security: The inscription helps to prevent counterfeiting by making it more difficult to create fake coins. The inscription is difficult to replicate, and it is a distinctive feature of genuine Guam US quarters.
The inscription on the edge of the Guam US quarter is a small but important detail that serves several important purposes. It helps to identify the coin, commemorate a significant event in Guam's history, and prevent counterfeiting.
4. Designer
Richard Masters is an American coin designer who is best known for his work on the Guam US quarter. Masters was born in 1959 in New York City, and he studied art at the School of Visual Arts. After graduating, Masters worked as a freelance designer for several years before joining the United States Mint in 1991.
At the Mint, Masters designed a number of coins, including the Sacagawea dollar, the American Buffalo nickel, and the National Park quarter series. The Guam US quarter was one of the first coins in the National Park quarter series, and it was released in 2009. The coin features a design that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory.
Masters' design for the Guam US quarter is a beautiful and evocative tribute to the island's history and culture. The obverse of the coin features a proa, a traditional Chamorro sailing canoe, in the foreground, with a palm tree and two latte stones (ancient Chamorro megalithic structures) in the background. The reverse of the coin features a statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. The coin's edge is inscribed with the word "Guam" and the years "2009-2010".
The Guam US quarter is a popular collector's item, and it is also used in everyday circulation. The coin is a reminder of Guam's rich history and culture, and it is a symbol of the island's close ties to the United States.
5. Sculptor
Jim Licaretz is an American sculptor who is best known for his work on the Guam US quarter. Licaretz was born in 1951 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and he studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. After graduating, Licaretz worked as a freelance sculptor for several years before joining the United States Mint in 1995.
At the Mint, Licaretz sculpted a number of coins, including the Sacagawea dollar, the American Buffalo nickel, and the National Park quarter series. The Guam US quarter was one of the first coins in the National Park quarter series, and it was released in 2009. The coin features a design that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory.
Licaretz's sculpture for the Guam US quarter is a beautiful and evocative tribute to the island's history and culture. The obverse of the coin features a proa, a traditional Chamorro sailing canoe, in the foreground, with a palm tree and two latte stones (ancient Chamorro megalithic structures) in the background. The reverse of the coin features a statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. The coin's edge is inscribed with the word "Guam" and the years "2009-2010".
The Guam US quarter is a popular collector's item, and it is also used in everyday circulation. The coin is a reminder of Guam's rich history and culture, and it is a symbol of the island's close ties to the United States.
6. Mintage
The mintage of a coin refers to the number of pieces that are produced. The mintage of the Guam US quarter is 31,132,000. This means that 31,132,000 Guam US quarters were produced by the United States Mint.
The mintage of a coin is an important factor in determining its value. Coins with a lower mintage are generally more valuable than coins with a higher mintage. This is because coins with a lower mintage are rarer. The Guam US quarter has a relatively low mintage, which makes it a more valuable coin than some other US quarters.
The mintage of a coin can also be used to track the production of the coin over time. The mintage of the Guam US quarter can be used to track the production of the coin from 2009 to 2010. This information can be used to understand the popularity of the coin and to track the demand for the coin over time.
The mintage of the Guam US quarter is an important factor in determining its value and its popularity. The mintage of the coin can also be used to track the production of the coin over time.
7. Composition
The composition of a coin refers to the materials that are used to make the coin. The Guam US quarter is clad, which means that it is made of two different metals. The core of the coin is made of copper, and the outer layer of the coin is made of nickel. This clad composition gives the coin its distinctive silver color.
The clad composition of the Guam US quarter is important for several reasons. First, it makes the coin more durable. Copper is a soft metal, and nickel is a hard metal. By cladding the copper core with a layer of nickel, the coin is less likely to be damaged or worn. Second, the clad composition makes the coin more resistant to corrosion. Copper is a reactive metal, and it can easily corrode when it is exposed to air and moisture. The nickel layer protects the copper core from corrosion, which helps to keep the coin looking new.
The clad composition of the Guam US quarter is also important for its aesthetic appeal. The silver color of the coin is more attractive than the copper color of the core metal. The clad composition also helps to give the coin a more uniform appearance.
The clad composition of the Guam US quarter is an important factor in its durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The coin's clad composition is a key part of its design, and it helps to make the coin a valuable and attractive addition to any coin collection.
FAQs about Guam US Quarters
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Guam US quarters, offering concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What is the significance of the Guam US quarter?
Answer: The Guam US quarter was issued in 2009 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory. It is the first coin in the US Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters series, which features a different national park or other national site on each coin.
Question 2: What are the design elements of the Guam US quarter?
Answer: The obverse of the coin features the Seal of Guam, which depicts a proa (a traditional Chamorro sailing canoe) in the foreground, with a palm tree and two latte stones (ancient Chamorro megalithic structures) in the background. The reverse of the coin features a Statue of Liberty, with the words "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" inscribed above and below the figure, respectively. The coin's edge is inscribed with the words "Guam" and "2009-2010".
Question 3: Who designed and sculpted the Guam US quarter?
Answer: The Guam US quarter was designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz.
Question 4: What is the composition of the Guam US quarter?
Answer: The Guam US quarter is clad, which means that it is made of two different metals. The core of the coin is made of copper, and the outer layer of the coin is made of nickel.
Question 5: How many Guam US quarters were minted?
Answer: 31,132,000 Guam US quarters were minted.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the Guam US quarter, covering its significance, design, creators, composition, and mintage. Understanding these aspects allows for a deeper appreciation of this commemorative coin and its place in US numismatic history.
Transition to the next article section: History and Cultural Significance of the Guam US Quarter
Conclusion
The Guam US quarter, issued in 2009 to mark the 100th anniversary of Guam's establishment as a US territory, holds significant historical and cultural value. It is a tangible reminder of Guam's unique heritage, its journey as a US territory, and its close ties to the United States.
The design of the quarter, featuring the Seal of Guam on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse, encapsulates the island's blend of indigenous Chamorro culture and American influence. The coin serves not only as a commemorative piece but also as a symbol of Guam's ongoing relationship with the US and its commitment to the values of freedom and democracy.
The Guam US quarter stands as a testament to the rich history and vibrant culture of Guam. It is a valuable addition to any coin collection and a meaningful keepsake for those with ties to the island. As a reminder of Guam's unique identity and its enduring connection to the United States, the Guam US quarter continues to hold significance for generations to come.
