The quarter received a drummer-boy reverse for the 1976 United States Bicentennial.
The United States Mint temporarily redesigned the reverses of three circulating coins for the anniversary: the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. Jack L. Ahr created the quarter’s reverse, which shows a colonial drummer facing left with a torch and thirteen stars. The design appeared with the dual date 1776–1976.
The half dollar used an image of Independence Hall, while the Eisenhower dollar showed the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon. These designs made the anniversary visible in everyday transactions and helped turn ordinary pocket change into historical memorabilia.
Although the coins carry the date range 1776–1976, examples were struck during both 1975 and 1976. The date does not mean that every coin was physically minted in both years. Collectors also distinguish copper-nickel circulation pieces from special silver-clad versions made for collectors.