The coin featuring the image of the iconic Cuban singer Celia Cruz (1925-2003) will officially circulate in the United States starting on August 12th as part of the American Women Quarters 2024 program through which the government of that country recognizes five distinguished female figures of the nation.
The launch of the coin featuring the smiling face of the Cuban Guarachera and the inscription in Spanish of her famous expression "¡Azúcar!" will take place at a ceremony, currently in preparation, confirmed to the digital site Café Fuerte by the United States Mint (US-MINT), attached to the Department of the Treasury.
Celia will be the fourth female figure recognized this year by the American Women Quarters program, which will release 500 million 25-cent coins (approximately $125 million), although that amount could be higher depending on demand.
The Queen of Salsa, who became a naturalized US citizen in 1977, is the first Afro-Latina personality whose image will be immortalized on a coin in the United States.
Even though the circulation of the minted piece will not materialize until mid-August, collectors can already purchase a proof set with the five coins issued this year, according to Brent Thacker, spokesperson for the Mint, as reported by Café Fuerte.
On the institution's digital site, three set options are offered, at $23, $35 (double set), and $80 (silver edition) dollars. The rolls and bags with the coins will go on sale online on August 19, as specified by the source. Shipments will only be made to the USA, Puerto Rico, and the US territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
Thacker added that there is no limit set for the issuance of coins in the program beyond the 500 million corresponding to each of the recognized figures. Depending on demand, the Mint will strike the number of 25-cent pieces requested by the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB).
"Celia's coin will be a piece of exceptional numismatic and cultural value for her admirers in the United States and the world, even within Cuba, where the announcement has aroused interest and admiration," says journalist Wilfredo Cancio Isla. "For the admirers of the Guarachera de Cuba, the news emerges at a time of special significance and presence of her musical legacy around the world, on the eve of the celebration of her centenary next year."
Celia, one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century, was born in Havana on October 21, 1925. In 1960, she went into exile and her music was banned in the media by the Castro regime. However, Cubans living on the island circumvented the censorship and continued to listen to her in private.
Among the numerous recognitions and awards granted to the Cuban artist are three American Grammy awards, four Latin Grammys, and the Presidential Medal of the Arts.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under: