United States Bicentennial Quarter (Reverse)

This item is a 1776-1976 United States Bicentennial Quarter Dollar, specifically showing the reverse side featuring a colonial drummer. Produced to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, this coin is struck in a copper-nickel clad composition, consisting of a pure copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Physically, the coin is approximately 24.26 mm in diameter with a reeded edge. The reverse design, created by Jack L. Ahr, showcases a revolutionary-era drummer facing left next to a victory torch encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "QUARTER DOLLAR" are clearly visible. Regarding condition, the coin shows moderate signs of circulation wear, particularly visible on the high points of the drummer's chest and the drum. The surface exhibits a dull, slightly oxidized patina with minor scuffing and small contact marks typical for a coin in 'Very Fine' to 'Extra Fine' condition. There are no obvious mint marks on this side, as that would be located on the obverse. This specific commemorative design was only minted during 1975 and 1976.

I have conducted a professional visual examination of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Reverse). This piece features the iconic colonial drummer design by Jack L. Ahr, celebrating the American Revolution Bicentennial. Based on the provided imagery, the coin appears authentically struck in the standard copper-nickel clad composition. The condition is consistent with a 'Very Fine' (VF) to 'Extra Fine' (EF) grade, displaying flattened details on the drummer's lapel and chest, as well as moderate contact marks on the drum surface and field. In today's numismatic market, over 800 million of these coins were minted for circulation. Consequently, circulated examples without a mint mark (Philadelphia) or with the 'D' (Denver) mint mark remain extremely common. Unless a specimen is in nearly perfect Mint State (MS67 or higher) or contains a rare mint error, it does not carry a premium over its face value. This specific coin shows too much wear and oxidation to qualify for a collector premium. Comparables show that bulk lots of these coins typically trade at face value. While I can confirm the design and surface wear patterns via image, a physical inspection would be required to rule out sophisticated counterfeits or to detect subtle cleaning that might affect a formal grade. For high-value authentication, weight verification and metallurgical testing would be standard, though typically not performed on coins of this commonality. As it stands, the appraisal reflects its utility as legal tender.