The image of the legendary singer Celia Cruz is now depicted on one US quarter. Widely known as the Queen of Salsa, the late Cuban artist was chosen along with four other exemplary women from history to be featured in the American Quarter as part of the American Women Quarters program this year. She also makes history as the first Afro-Latina to appear on the coin.
“Celia received so many accolades during her lifetime that it was difficult to expect a greater honor than she had already amassed during her legendary career,” said Omer Pardillo-Cid, Cruz's last artistic representative. and the executor of her estate, in a Press. release. “But to be honored by the US Mint in this way is something that would have surprised her greatly since she was a simple and humble woman.”
Celebrated for her iconic cry of “¡Azúcar!” — a phrase also inscribed on the coin — Cruz is recognized as a cultural icon and an influential singer in history, with nearly 40 albums. In the American quarter, she is depicted in her usual Cuban attire, captured with her characteristic vivacity.
The other 2024 US Mint honorees include Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color to serve in Congress; Mary Edwards Walker, women's rights activist and Civil War-era surgeon. poet, activist and lawyer, Rev. Dr. Paul Murray. and Native American author, composer, educator and political activist Zitkala-Ša. The four-year American Women Quarters Program “celebrates the achievements and contributions of the women of the United States.” states the official website, which also sells the coins individually and in sets.
“All of the women honored have unique achievements that have significantly impacted our nation's history,” said Ventrice S. Gibson, director of the Mint, in a news release.
Pardillo-Cid also announced that starting August 19, Leon Medical Centers in South Florida will distribute the Celia Cruz commemorative coin in special packaging. The centers are located in Miami-Dade County, home to nearly two million Hispanics, mostly Cubans. “This recognition is a source of tremendous pride for all Cubans and for all Hispanics in general,” said Benjamín León Jr., president and founder of Leon Medical Centers, in a press release.
For each year beginning in 2022 and running through 2025, the US Mint will issue five new reverse designs. The head of the coin will still feature George Washington, but with a slightly different design than last quarter's program.
Watch the Mint's celebration of the coin below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/celia-cruz-quarter-us-mint-1235747402/