Numismatic

2009-S District of Columbia Quarter Proof

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The 2009-S District of Columbia quarter represents a distinctive moment in modern American coinage, celebrating the nation's capital with a striking and artistic reverse design. Struck at the San Francisco Mint in a brilliant clad proof finish, this twenty-five cent piece showcases an exceptional level of detail, characterized by frosted design elements contrasting against deeply mirrored fields. The reverse of the coin honors the rich musical heritage of Washington, D.C., by depicting the legendary jazz composer and musician Duke Ellington. He is shown seated at a grand piano, captured mid-performance. This design is accompanied by the inscriptions DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and DUKE ELLINGTON, alongside the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and the year 2009. The design was sculpted and illustrated by Don Everhart, bringing a sense of movement and elegance to the coin's reverse. On the obverse, the familiar left-facing portrait of George Washington is featured. Originally designed by John Flanagan, this classic depiction is surrounded by the traditional inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR. The small S mint mark is also visible, denoting its origin from the San Francisco Mint's proof production.