U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter

“United in Pride and Hope” | Caribbean Heritage in Coin Form

Celebrate the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural identity of America’s Caribbean territory with the 2009 U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter, the fifth and final release in the DC and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. Issued by the United States Mint, this beautifully designed coin honors the islands’ diverse heritage, distinctive symbols, and enduring connection to the United States.

Struck as part of a popular continuation of the 50 State Quarters Program, the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter combines compelling history, vibrant symbolism, and classic U.S. coin design, making it an appealing addition to any coin collection, U.S. territory set, or educational display.

A Caribbean Territory with a Global Past

Located in the Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands boast a layered history shaped by exploration, colonization, and cultural exchange. The islands were first inhabited by Arawak and Taíno peoples, followed later by the Carib Indians. In 1493, they were explored by Christopher Columbus, marking the beginning of European influence in the region.

Denmark began colonizing the islands in 1666, and for more than 250 years they were known as the Danish West Indies. During the turbulent Napoleonic Wars, the islands were temporarily occupied by Great Britain from 1801–1802 and again from 1807–1815, before being returned to Danish control.

Recognizing their strategic importance during World War I, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million, acquiring the three main islands—St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John—along with roughly 50 smaller islets.

Governance, Citizenship, and Modern Life

In 1927, Congress granted U.S. citizenship to residents of the Virgin Islands. Further political development followed with the Revised Organic Act of 1954, which established a greater degree of self-government, including a central administration with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands are best known for their stunning landscapes, tropical climate, and cultural vibrancy. Tourism is the territory’s primary economic driver, accounting for most of its gross domestic product and approximately 70% of employment, making the islands a premier destination and an important part of the U.S. economy.

Reverse Design: “Virgin Islands Beauty”

The reverse (tails) of the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter was selected through a public process that encouraged local participation. A review committee organized by Governor John deJongh proposed three design themes reflecting the territory’s heritage. After public voting, the design known as “Virgin Islands Beauty” was chosen and officially approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on July 31, 2008.

The reverse features a thoughtfully composed set of symbols:

• An outline of the three main islands—St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John
• The Yellow Breast (Bananaquit), the official bird of the territory
• The Yellow Cedar (Yellow Elder), the official flower
• A Tyre Palm Tree, representing tropical life and resilience

Together, these elements visually express the territory’s biodiversity, unity, and pride.

The reverse inscription “UNITED IN PRIDE AND HOPE”, the official motto of the U.S. Virgin Islands, underscores optimism, shared identity, and strength rooted in history.

Obverse Design: A Familiar National Icon

The obverse (heads) of the coin features the classic portrait of George Washington, sculpted by John Flanagan and used on the quarter since 1932. This iconic design links the territories program to the broader tradition of U.S. coinage while allowing each reverse to tell a distinct regional story.

Coin Inscriptions

Obverse Inscriptions:

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• LIBERTY
• IN GOD WE TRUST
• QUARTER DOLLAR

Reverse Inscriptions:

• U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
• UNITED IN PRIDE AND HOPE
• E PLURIBUS UNUM
• 2009

A Meaningful Addition to Any Collection

The 2009 U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter is ideal for:

• Collectors completing the DC and U.S. Territories Quarters Program
• Fans of Caribbean and island history
• Educational use in teaching U.S. geography and civics
• A thoughtful, affordable gift with cultural significance

Add the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter to your collection and own a beautifully detailed tribute to an American territory defined by diversity, resilience, and pride.