It is safe to say that the low production numbers for Puerto Rico quarters were a source of conversation for those in the industry a couple of months back. For those who were surprised at those historically low levels, they will be shocked to hear of the drop in production for the Guam quarter. And needless to say, the latest US Mint Guam sales figures show demand for the quarters during their first week of sales in bags and rolls is stronger than that experienced by the Puerto Rico quarters.
2009 Quarter Mintage Figures
| 2009 Quarters |
Denver
|
Philadelphia
|
Total
|
| District of Columbia | 88,800,000 | 83,600,000 | 172,400,000 |
| Puerto Rico | 86,000,000 | 53,000,000 | 139,200,000 |
| Guam | 42,600,000 | 45,000,000 | 87,600,000 |
| American Samoa | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
2009 Total Quarter Production: 399,200,000
|
|||
Figures from the US Mint released Tuesday show that only 87,600,000 Guam quarters were produced, with 45 million of those struck in Philadelphia and 42.6 million at Denver. That accounts for only a bit over 63% of what was issued for the Puerto Rico quarters.
More staggering is the comparison to the District of Columbia quarters issued the first part of this year. The total mintage for the Guam quarters only adds up to about 50% of what was produced for those DC quarters.
What is the biggest factor behind the drop? As previously discussed here, the recession has increased the amount of coinage in circulation as people are spending their change instead of hoarding it at home. Consequently, banks are not requesting new coins.
While most experts were predicting low mint levels, it is doubtful they had this kind of drop in mind. Even if the remaining three quarters to be issued this year (American Samoa, US Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands) hold steady with Guam’s quarter production, that will only add up to about 662 million quarters produced this year. Putting that in comparison, several states in the 50 State Quarter series had mintages above that level individually. (See state quarter mintage figures.)
What will this do for collectors? A few months back, Numismatic News editor Dave Harper aptly wrote:
"The Guam issue could make the current frenzy over the Birthplace Lincoln cent look like the appetizer before the speculative banquet."
His prediction could be right. Finding any of DC or Puerto Rico quarters in circulation is extremely difficult. With the lower mintage of the Guam quarters, they are likely to be even harder to find.
Undoubtedly now that the production figures have been released, the US Mint will be inundated with even more orders for bags of the Guam quarters and the two-roll sets from collectors. They will want to insure they are able to get their hands on some.
Speaking of those bags and quarters, here are the latest US Mint sales figures from their launch on Tuesday, May 26, through to Sunday, May 31.
Perhaps it is not too late to book a flight to Guam for the release ceremony on June 4 at Skinner Plaza in Hagåtña. Remember, you will be able to exchange your currency for rolls of the quarters. Take your kids along too, they will get a free Guam quarter just for attending!
