District of Columbia DC Quarter Value
2009 · 25¢ · 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.25 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1.50 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $4.50 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $22.50 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-S | Silver proof issue | $5–$10 |
| 2009-P | MS-67+ grades — lower mintage due to reduced circulation in 2009 | $10–$20 |
| 2009-D | Low mintage year; high-grade examples carry a premium | $10–$18 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Don Everhart
- Years
- 2009
- Denomination
- 25¢
- Composition
- 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof)
- Diameter
- 24.3 mm
- Weight
- 5.67 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
District of Columbia DC Quarter: History & Background
The DC quarter features Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz musician, composer, and bandleader who was born in Washington, D.C., in 1899. He is shown seated at a piano with the inscription 'Justice for All.' Ellington composed thousands of pieces, won 13 Grammy Awards, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is the first African American to appear alone on a U.S. circulating coin.
How to Grade a District of Columbia DC Quarter
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects District of Columbia DC Quarter Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for District of Columbia DC Quarters is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $0.25 in Poor to $1.50 in Uncirculated — a 6× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $4.50 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The District of Columbia DC Quarter series has 3 notable key dates. The 2009-S is valued at $5–$10, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof) and a weight of 5.67g, the District of Columbia DC Quarter carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Don Everhart, the District of Columbia DC Quarter (24.3mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: District of Columbia DC Quarter
The District of Columbia DC Quarter (2009) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Don Everhart, this 25¢ coin was struck in 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof) with a diameter of 24.3mm and weight of 5.67 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the District of Columbia DC Quarter series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $0.25 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the District of Columbia DC Quarter in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $4.50+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any District of Columbia DC Quarter valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
District of Columbia DC Quarter: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a District of Columbia DC Quarter worth today?
A District of Columbia DC Quarter (2009) is worth between $0.25 in Poor condition and $1.50 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $0.25. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $4.50 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable District of Columbia DC Quarter?
The most valuable District of Columbia DC Quarter is the 2009-S — silver proof issue. This date is valued at $5–$10 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a District of Columbia DC Quarter?
Grading a District of Columbia DC Quarter starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$0.25) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$1.50) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell District of Columbia DC Quarters?
For common-date District of Columbia DC Quarters in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the District of Columbia DC Quarter?
Yes. Known District of Columbia DC Quarter errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my District of Columbia DC Quarter is real?
Authentic District of Columbia DC Quarters weigh 5.67 grams and measure 24.3 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof). Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a District of Columbia DC Quarter the most?
The four biggest value drivers for District of Columbia DC Quarters are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1.25 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 2009-S command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many District of Columbia DC Quarters were made?
The District of Columbia DC Quarter was produced from 2009. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 2009-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my District of Columbia DC Quarter?
Never clean a District of Columbia DC Quarter or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the District of Columbia DC Quarter a good investment?
District of Columbia DC Quarters in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all District of Columbia DC Quarter dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.