The quarter received a colonial drummer reverse for the 1976 Bicentennial, the anniversary before America250.
The United States Mint issued special circulating quarter, half-dollar, and dollar designs for the Bicentennial. Each carried the dual date 1776–1976. The quarter’s reverse, designed by Jack L. Ahr, showed a colonial drummer beside a torch surrounded by thirteen stars.
The half dollar featured Independence Hall, while the Eisenhower dollar depicted the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon. These designs were temporary reverses intended to mark the nation’s 200th anniversary, and the coins circulated widely.
Although the coins were struck in 1975 and 1976, none carried a 1975 date. The dual date was used regardless of the year of manufacture. The Bicentennial coinage is distinct from the ordinary Washington quarter design and from later commemorative issues connected with America250.