U.S. Mint reveals design for Celia Cruz quarter coin

The U.S. Mint revealed the design for Cuban-American signer and cultural icon Celia Cruz’s 25-cent quarter coin. 

Along with four other women selected as part of the 2024 honorees for the American Quarters Program, the Queen of Salsa is set to be the first Latina artist to be depicted on a quarter coin.

While the head side of the 25-cent coin will have the iconic portrait of George Washington, the tail side will feature a dynamic depiction of Cruz performing in a rumba-style dress, according to the U.S. Mint. In addition to her great smile, her signature catchphrase “Azucar!” will be inscribed on the coin. 

Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer, cultural icon, and one of the most popular #Latin artists of the 20th century. The reverse design of #HerQuarter depicts Cruz flashing her dazzling smile while performing in a rumba style dress. https://t.co/Tya9Ibxp1v pic.twitter.com/DkPEEVrRVC

— United States Mint (@usmint) July 20, 2023

July 16 marked two decades since the three-time Grammy winner and four–time Latin Grammy winner passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 77. However, her music, voice, and energy continue to live among her fans as one of the greatest salsa musicians of all time.

Ursula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz y Alfonso de la Santísima Trinidad, was a Black woman of humble origins that was born in Havana, Cuba in 1925. Her musical career began in the 1940s, but she fled to the U.S. after a performance tour in Mexico. 

Although the salsa genre was mostly dominated by male artists at the time, Cruz helped popularize and spread salsa and Latin music around the world. During her time as a musician, she recorded over 80 studio albums—23 of which went gold. 

Among other recognitions, the Queen of Salsa was also awarded the President’s National Medal of Arts in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. 

“These beautiful designs recognize the achievements of these extraordinary women, and add to the Mint’s rich history of telling our Nation’s story through enduring examples of numismatic art,” Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson, said in a news release.

The other female honorees for the 2024 quarter coins include Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon and women’s rights advocate; Rev. Pauli Murray, a poet, writer, activist, and Episcopal priest; and Zitkala Sa, a writer, composer, educator, and political activist.