GOV. Felix P. Camacho has appointed his executive assistant, Shawn Gumataotao, to lead the local design program for the Guam commemorative quarter dollar.

Guamataotao will also serve as liaison to the U.S. Mint for the District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program.
A provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a series of circulating commemorative quarter-dollar coins in 2009 with reverse designs emblematic of the U.S. territories.

“I encourage everyone to put their most creative talents forward in creating an enduring image on this commemorative coin,” said Governor Camacho.

Over the next month, Gumataotao will lead the effort to receive submissions from island residents of design narratives, which will be narrowed down to two design concepts to be submitted to the U.S. Mint for approval.

“I am confident that Shawn’s leadership will result in a unique Guam quarter,” said Camacho. “This program will leave a positive and lasting impression of our island for decades to come.”

Gumataotao currently serves as Executive Assistant to Governor Camacho. He also serves collateral duties as Special Assistant to the Governor for Federal Relations working with the White House, U.S. Department of the Interior and Interagency Group on Insular Areas in the implementation and management of federal policy and technical assistance programs in Guam.

Gumataotao also provides direct support to the Governor in the dissemination of information regarding his programs and initiatives as the administration’s spokesman.

As part of the program, the Secretary of the Treasury will select a design for the quarter dollars in consultation with the Governor of Guam, the Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

The people of Guam are encouraged to participate in this historic process.

* Six Quarters *

In 2009, the United States Mint will mint and issue six quarter-dollar coins in honor of the District of Columbia and the five United States Territories: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

These coins will be issued in equal sequential intervals in 2009 in the order listed.

The image of George Washington as seen on the obverse of the 50 State Quarters coins will remain unchanged. The reverse of each quarter will be distinctly different with images emblematic of the District of Columbia and each of the United States territories.

Federal law requires the Secretary of the Treasury to approve each reverse design after consulting with the Chief Executive of the District of Columbia or the territory being honored and the Commission of Fine Arts, and after review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

The design evaluation and selection process provides details on the steps the Secretary of the Treasury and the United States Mint will take to develop and approve the reverse designs in this 2009 series.

These coins will be issued for circulation in quantities to meet the needs of the United States—both for commerce and for collectors.

In addition, the Secretary of the Treasury has the authority to mint and issue uncirculated and proof coins, as well as a 90 percent silver version of each coin.

These numismatic versions will be included in the United States Mint’s annual product offerings.