A Colonial drummer appeared on the reverse of the Washington quarter in the United States Bicentennial coinage of 1975–1976.
The United States Mint temporarily redesigned the reverses of the quarter, Kennedy half dollar, and Eisenhower dollar to mark the 200th anniversary of American independence. The quarter’s design showed a Colonial drummer beside a torch and thirteen stars, symbolizing the original states.
All three circulating Bicentennial coins carried the dual date 1776–1976, although the Mint struck them during both 1975 and 1976. The quarter design was selected through a national competition and became one of the most recognizable numismatic symbols of the Bicentennial.
The half dollar used an image of Independence Hall, while the dollar showed the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon. These coins were legal tender rather than ordinary commemorative medals, so millions entered everyday circulation. Their large production explains why examples remain common today.