WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that it will issue into circulation the commemorative quarter-dollar honoring the District of Columbia on January 26, 2009.  At noon Eastern Time the same day, customers can begin ordering coin options featuring the District of Columbia quarter that include a two-roll set and a 100-coin bag, both priced at $32.95, and a 1,000-coin bag priced at $309.95.

The design on the reverse (tails side) of the District of Columbia quarter-by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart-features an image of celebrated musician Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington seated at a piano.  The design includes the inscriptions DUKE ELLINGTON and the District of Columbia's official motto, JUSTICE FOR ALL.

The coins contained in the bags and rolls were struck on the main production floors of the United States Mint facilities at Denver and Philadelphia for general circulation.  The two-roll set includes one roll each of 40 coins-bearing the "D" and "P" mint marks wrapped in distinctive packaging designating the District of Columbia and the mint mark.  Each canvas bag has a tag designating the District of Columbia and the mint mark. 

Customers can purchase the bags and two-roll sets of District of Columbia quarters at the United States Mint's secure Web site, www.usmint.gov, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  Domestic orders include a $4.95 fee per order for shipping and handling.  Quarter bags of 1,000 coins will have an additional charge of $7.95 per bag because of their weight and size.