1776-1976 Washington Bicentennial Quarters – 2-Coin Collector Set (P & D Mint Marks, AU)

Designation: 1776–1976 United States Washington Bicentennial Commemorative Quarter Dollars
Mintage Year: Dual-dated 1776–1976 (Struck during 1975 and 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary)
Mint Locations Included: Philadelphia Mint (Struck without a mint mark) & Denver Mint (“D” Mint Mark located on the obverse)
Denomination: Twenty-Five Cents ($0.25 USD each / $0.50 Total Face Value)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% Copper / 25% Nickel bonded to an inner core of pure Copper)
Grade/Condition: Choice About Uncirculated (AU55–AU58 Details)
Historical Context & Design Details:
The 200th Anniversary Redesign: To celebrate the American Bicentennial, Congress authorized a temporary reverse design modification for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. This stands as the first time in history that the U.S. Mint altered circulating coin imagery for a national anniversary celebration.
The Obverse: Retains John Flanagan’s classic left-facing profile portrait of President George Washington, updated to feature the unique commemorative dual-date inscription “1776-1976” running along the lower rim.
The Reverse: Showcases the iconic colonial “Colonial Drummer” design by artist Jack L. Ahr. The drummer is flanked on the left by a victory torch encircled by a canopy of thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies.
Individual Coin Condition Notes:
Philadelphia Strike (No Mint Mark): Choice About Uncirculated condition with outstanding overall eye appeal. The coin displays clean fields and retains a significant volume of its original frosty satin mint luster, which flashes brightly around the portrait profile and reverse drummer details. Very light cabinet friction is localized strictly to the highest curls of Washington’s hair template and the drummer’s shoulder jacket.
Denver Strike (“D” Mint Mark): Beautiful branch-mint companion piece. It presents highly reflective, bright silver-white satin fields. High points on Washington’s cheekbone and the central lines of the reverse colonial drum show trace pocket circulation wear but remain exceptionally sharp and distinct. Widespread typical light field chatter is entirely consistent with uncirculated or lightly handled business strikes.
Presentation & Packaging:
Each coin comes individually protected, centered, and housed inside its own clear protective round acrylic display capsule to shield the surfaces against physical handling and environmental oxidation.