Celia Cruz

The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington, originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. A recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar John Flanagan design.

The reverse (tails) features a dynamic depiction of Celia Cruz flashing her dazzling smile while performing in a rumba style dress. Her signature catchphrase “¡AZÚCAR!” is inscribed on the right.

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2024 Celia Cruz Quarter – Honoring the Queen of Salsa in the American Women Quarters™ Program

The 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter marks the 14th release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a U.S. Mint initiative celebrating the achievements and legacies of trailblazing women in American history. This commemorative coin pays tribute to Celia Cruz, the legendary Cuban-American singer whose powerful voice, vibrant personality, and cultural influence made her one of the most iconic Latin artists of the 20th century.

Born Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba, Cruz grew up in the lively, working-class neighborhood of Santos Suárez. Surrounded by a rich tapestry of musical traditions, she was inspired early on by the rhythms and melodies of Afro-Cuban music. Her passion for singing was evident from a young age, and her family supported her talent by taking her to perform in local cabarets. She later studied voice, music theory, and piano at the prestigious National Conservatory of Music in Havana, laying the foundation for a groundbreaking career.

Cruz’s rise to fame began in the late 1940s when she won a singing contest on the popular Cuban radio show “The Tea Hour.” Her success on the airwaves led to her recruitment by Las Mulatas Del Fuego, a touring dance group that introduced her to audiences across Latin America. In 1950, she became the lead female vocalist for La Sonora Matancera, Cuba’s most celebrated orchestra. Her dynamic performances and commanding stage presence quickly made her a household name.

Following the Cuban Revolution, Cruz made the life-changing decision not to return to her homeland. She emigrated to the United States, where she married Pedro Knight, her longtime friend and trumpet player. In the U.S., Cruz became a central figure in the emerging salsa music movement, joining the Tito Puente Orchestra and helping to shape the genre’s sound throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Salsa, a fusion of Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American musical styles, became a powerful cultural force—and Cruz was its reigning queen.

In 1974, Cruz signed with Fania Records, a label dedicated exclusively to salsa music. She became the only woman in the Fania All-Stars, a supergroup of salsa legends, and one of the few women to achieve lasting success in the male-dominated world of Latin music. Her electrifying performances, flamboyant costumes, and signature catchphrase “¡AZÚCAR!” (meaning “sugar”) became symbols of joy, resilience, and pride in Afro-Latino identity.

Celia Cruz’s influence extended beyond music. She appeared in several Hollywood films, earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Three Grammy Awards
• Four Latin Grammy Awards
• Presidential Medal of Arts
• Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award (posthumously)
• Induction into both the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame and the International Latin Music Hall of Fame

Cruz passed away on July 16, 2003, in New Jersey, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and fans around the world. Her music, style, and spirit remain enduring symbols of cultural pride and artistic excellence.

Design Details of the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter

The obverse (heads) of the coin features a historic portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932 to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday. Although Fraser’s design was initially recommended, it was not selected at the time. The American Women Quarters™ Program now honors her artistic contribution by showcasing this elegant and timeless depiction of the first U.S. president.

The reverse (tails) of the coin showcases a vibrant image of Celia Cruz mid-performance, radiating energy and charisma. She is depicted in a flowing rumba-style dress, flashing her iconic smile. The design captures her dynamic stage presence and celebrates her role as a cultural ambassador. Her famous exclamation “¡AZÚCAR!” is inscribed to the right, immortalizing the phrase that became synonymous with her joyful spirit and musical legacy.

Why the Celia Cruz Quarter Matters

The release of the Celia Cruz Quarter is more than a numismatic milestone—it’s a celebration of diversity, resilience, and artistic achievement. As part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, this coin honors a woman who broke barriers, uplifted her community, and brought Latin music to the global stage. Collectors, educators, and fans alike will appreciate the historical significance and cultural impact of this beautifully crafted coin.

Whether you’re a coin collector, a fan of Latin music, or someone passionate about honoring influential women in history, the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter is a must-have piece that commemorates a true legend.