Puerto Rico Quarter

The Puerto Rico quarter is the second in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. In 1493, explorer Christopher Columbus arrived at Puerto Rico (this Spanish name means “rich port”). The island soon became a Spanish colony and remained one for hundreds of years.

Although other nations tried to conquer Puerto Rico, Spain maintained its rule until the Spanish-American War. The island was ceded to the United States in 1898, and its residents became American citizens in 1917. This territory has had its own constitution since it became a commonwealth in 1952.

Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, is well-fortified to protect it from attacks by sea. The city is surrounded by massive stone walls with sentry boxes built into the walls where guards stood watch. A major element in Puerto Rico’s quarter design is a sentry box overlooking the sea. This box reminds us of Puerto Rico’s rich history, defensive strength, and strategic location in the Caribbean Sea.

The other main image on the Puerto Rico quarter is the hibiscus flower. This symbol speaks of the island’s natural history and tropical beauty. The island’s motto, “Isla del Encanto,” is also inscribed. This Spanish phrase means “Isle of Enchantment.”