On July 4, 1976, the United States celebrated the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The commemoration of the nation's bicentennial went on for months. The United States Mint began issuing bicentennial coinage beginning in 1975 dated 1776-1976. That's why you can't find a 1975 dated Quarter.

Festivities included elaborate fireworks displays over major USA cities. Those in Washington, D.C were presided over by President Gerald Ford and televised nationally. A fleet of tall-masted sailing ships gathered in New York City for the occasion.

Many commercial products were marketed in packages tying them to the Bicentennial.