WASHINGTON - Collectors can begin placing their orders for the United States Mint 2009 District of Columbia & U.S. Territories Quarters Proof Set^TM, the United States Mint announced today.  The set, released January 5, 2009, contains six commemorative quarter-dollars honoring the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories - the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Genuine United States Mint proof coins are manufactured at the United States Mint at San Francisco.  Unlike coins produced for general circulation, these coins are extraordinarily brilliant, with sharp relief and a mirror-like background.  A frosted, sculpted foreground gives proof coins a cameo effect.  To protect their pristine finish, the coins of the United States Mint 2009 District of Columbia & U.S. Territories Quarters Proof Set are sealed in a protective lens. The set includes an official United States Mint Certificate of Authenticity. 

The United States Mint 2009 District of Columbia & U.S. Territories Quarters Proof Set is priced at $14.95.  Collectors may place their orders at the secure Web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  All domestic orders will be accessed a $4.95 shipping and handling fee.