DALLAS — Celia Cruz is the “Queen of Salsa.”
The Afro-Latina proudly represented her Cuban heritage and brought a new, trademark style to countless stages in her career. Now, she’s being commemorated with her very own coin as part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters collection.
The icon’s niece and namesake, Celia Cody, shared, “Tia as we called her, was really funny. Her laugh sounded like tinkling bells.”
Her family was close-knit, living together in a multi-generational home in Queens, New York. If you’ve never heard of Celia Cruz - you’re missing out on the sound and feel of unbridled joy.
The coin designer and sculptor, Phebe Hemphill, incorporated her signature catchphrase “Azucar!” inscribed on the right. It’s somewhat rare for one person to design and execute a coin for the U.S. Mint.
“I had to convey Celia’s spirit and joy and energetic stage presence while performing. So I thought the design had to have a lot of energy," Hemphill said.
Cruz’s style was not only unique, it was flamboyant and eye-catching.
“She was just authentically herself. She brought Cuba with her wherever she went and Afro-Cuba. She was very involved in her styling so the wigs and the nails, all of that was important to her," Cody said.
The quarter features one of Cruz’s most iconic looks, which is part of history itself.
“I was urged to use the famous rumba dress that she donated to the Smithsonian. I guess that’s my favorite part,” Hemphill laughed.
There have been countless honors for the Queen of Salsa, but Cody believes, “To have a quarter, that just embodies who she was in her life and what she meant to Latinos and non-Latinos all over the world.”
This is also an honor for Hemphill.
“This is the pinnacle, really. To have a little piece of my sculpture in somebody’s pocket is kind of cool," said Hemphill.
A piece of American history that Cody knows Cruz would be proud of.
“She loved this country. She loved what she did. She did everything with passion and it’s beautiful that she’s being recognized," Cody said.
Celia Cruz is one of 20 women being highlighted in the American Women Quarters program. It was released on August 5.
These quarters will be available in three different product options:
- A set of two rolls for $40
- A set of three rolls for $60
- 100-coin bags at $45 apiece
In regards to the three-roll set, one of the rolls includes quarters from the San Francisco Mint, adding a unique level of rarity because, unlike those minted in Philadelphia and Denver, these quarters are not found in general circulation.
You can learn more online here.