The Quarter of Celia Cruz, the legendary Queen of Salsa and a prominent Cuban icon, is now in circulation. This announcement was made by the Celia Cruz Estate and its executor, Omer Pardillo-Cid, marking a significant moment as the coin enters circulation. The U.S. Mint began shipping the Celia Cruz quarter on August 5, 2024, as part of a broader initiative that spans from 2022 to 2025, featuring five quarters each year.
Celia Cruz, who died in 2003, made history as the first Afro-Latina to appear on U.S. currency. “Celia received so many accolades during her lifetime that it was hard to expect a greater honor than what she had already accumulated 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 have been honored by the U.S. Mint in this way is something that would have surprised her greatly since she was a simple and humble woman.”
This milestone is part of the American Women Quarters Program, which aims to honor the achievements of American women through a series of commemorative coins. The U.S. Mint announced that Cruz will be featured on a quarter in 2024, alongside four other remarkable women.
The program will also celebrate Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War-era surgeon and women’s rights advocate; Pauli Murray, a poet and civil rights activist; and Zitkala-Ša, a Native American writer and activist. Each of these women has made significant contributions to American history, and their inclusion in the program highlights the diverse achievements of women throughout the nation.
Cruz, born in Havana in 1925, became one of the most influential Latin artists of the 20th century. Her vibrant performances and powerful voice captivated audiences worldwide, earning her numerous accolades, including four Latin Grammy Awards and a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy. The quarter featuring Cruz will depict her in a dynamic pose, capturing her infectious energy and spirit, with her famous catchphrase “¡AZÚCAR!” inscribed alongside her image.
