WASHINGTON D.C. (CelebrityAccess) — The Estate of Celia Cruz, announced that the Cuban music legend is one of five women selected to appear on U.S. currency through the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program in 2025.
Known as the Queen of Salsa, Cruz passed away in 2003 after leaving an indelible mark on modern Latin music. During her lengthy career, Cruz received countless awards and recognitions during her lifetime, including three Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammys and was named number 18 on Rolling Stones Magazine’s list of the 200 best singers.
Cruz was one of five women selected to appear on quarters issued by the U.S. mint in 2025 alongside Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Pauli Murray and Zitkala-Ša. It is the first time that an Afro-Latina has been honored in this way.
On her quarter, Cruz will appear in relief, dressed in traditional Cuban garb alongside of her traditionally motto ¡Azúcar!, the Spanish word for Sugar.
“Celia received so many accolades during her lifetime that it was hard to expect a greater honor than those she had already accumulated during her legendary career. 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,” said Omer Pardillo-Cid, Cruz’s last artistic representative and the executor of her estate. “The adjective ‘unique’ has been used a great deal, but I really can’t find another that is more correct to describe Celia Cruz. Unique and eternal.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Celia Cruz Estate to celebrate the legacy of Celia Cruz,” said Benjamin León, Jr., Chairman and Founder of Leon Medical Centers. “Celia’s music and spirit have been an inspiration to countless people, and this commemorative quarter and carrying case is a beautiful tribute to her incredible contributions to music and culture. As a Cuban exile, this project holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to share this moment with our Leon community.”
