The distinctive reverse design on the United States 1976 Bicentennial quarter was a drummer boy.
The quarter was part of a special coin series marking the 200th anniversary of American independence. Jack L. Ahr designed the quarter’s reverse, which shows a colonial drummer facing left with a torch and thirteen stars. The design replaced the usual eagle reverse for the special issue.
The Bicentennial quarter was dated “1776–1976,” linking the colonial declaration to the anniversary year. Similar dual dating appeared on the special half dollar and dollar issued for the Bicentennial.
The drummer boy is often confused with the Liberty Bell because the bell was a major symbol of the 1976 celebrations and appeared on other commemorative items. On the quarter itself, however, the most recognizable special image is the colonial drummer.