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Virgin Islanders Pick New Quarter
 | By David L. Ganz, Numismatic News
July 01, 2008 |
American Virgin Island residents overwhelmingly prefer a naturalist theme for their 2009 territorial quarter over a choice of an historical or philosophical theme. The Virgin Islands "Beauty Design" out polled "First in Freedom" by a 3:2 margin and a 2:1 margin over the so-called "Three Queens" design.
Government committees designed to offer professional input could not have disagreed more. The Commission of Fine Arts wrote to Mint Director Edmund Moy on May 23 that, "The Commission recommended alternative #2 showing the three women representing the islands. However, the Commission members suggested that the island maps be eliminated and the depiction of the women be enlarged as the primary design feature."
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee reported to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on June 3 that "U.S. Virgin Islands: Design VI-03 was narrowly preferred by the committee." The people voting agreed with the CCAC.
This design includes the three major islands; the territory's official bird, the yellow breast or banana quit; and the official flower of the Virgin Islands, the yellow cedar or yellow elder.
Also depicted: a beach with a tyre palm, a species native to the Virgin Islands. The inscription, "United in Pride and Hope," is the official motto of the territory found on the territorial seal.
"I am proud to forward a recommendation to the U.S. Mint for the V.I. commemorative quarter design," said Gov. John deJongh Jr., according to a Government House news release.
Residents voted electronically and by paper ballot for a period of three weeks.
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