Northern Mariana Islands Quarter - Click to Enlarge
The United States Mint will officially launch the commemorative quarter for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), in Garapan, Saipan, at 9:30 a.m. (local time) December 10, 2009.
After the ceremony United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart, Governor Benigno R. Fitial, First Lady Josie Fitial and Lt. Governor Eloy Inos will present a new Northern Mariana Islands quarter to more than 1,000 children in attendance who are 18 years old or younger. In addition, the public also may exchange their currency for $10 rolls of Northern Mariana Islands quarters.
The Northern Mariana Islands quarter was released into circulation November 30, 2009. It is the sixth-and final-coin in the United States Mint 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program.
The coin's reverse design is by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Richard Masters and was sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
The design includes a large limestone latte, the supporting column of ancient indigenous Chamorro structures; a canoe of the indigenous Carolinians representing the people's seafaring skills across vast distances; and two white fairy tern birds flying overhead. A Carolinian mwar (head lei)-symbolic of the virtues of honor and respect-borders the bottom of the design near the inscription, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS.
NOTE: On the eve of the launch, Wednesday, December 9, 2009, the public and news media are invited to a Public Coin Forum at the American Memorial Park Visitor's Center, where they can learn about new United States Mint coin programs and ask questions about the future of U.S. coinage.
For a digital image of the Northern Mariana Islands quarter, go to:
http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/?action=Photo#2009DCTerri
WHAT
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange
Coin Collectors Forum Hosted by Deputy Director Andy Brunhart
WHO
United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart
Governor Benigno R. Fitial
First Lady Josie Fitial
Lt. Governor Eloy Inos
CNMI Quarter Commission member Catherine Perry Anderson, Mistress of Ceremonies
WHEN
Launch Ceremony: Thursday, December 10, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. (GMT +10)
Collectors Forum: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (GMT +10)
WHERE
Launch Ceremony: American Memorial Park Amphitheater, Beach Road, Garapan, Saipan
Collectors Forum: American Memorial Park Visitor's Center, Beach Road, Garapan, Saipan
Contact:
Press inquiries: Genevieve Billia 202-354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)
[Coin Collecting News editor: For more information on the new quarter, visit the COINS section of the web site and read 2009 DC & US Territories Quarters.]
