The coin featuring the image of the iconic Cuban singer Celia Cruz (1925-2003) officially began circulating in the United States on August 5th.
The special edition is part of the American Women Quarters 2024 program with which the government of that country honors five illustrious female figures of the nation.
"Great news for fans of Celia Cruz and Latin music! Limited edition coins featuring the image of Celia Cruz have started circulating in the United States," announced the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on its Facebook profile.
The diplomatic representation classified the event as "a historic milestone!" because "Celia is the first Afro-Latin figure to appear on a U.S. coin."
In the description provided by the U.S. Mint, it is stated that the obverse (heads) features a portrait of George Washington, originally designed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the first president of that country.
On the other hand, the reverse side features a Celia Cruz displaying her stunning smile while performing in a rumba-style dress. Her characteristic motto "¡AZÚCAR!" is inscribed on the right.
The release of this commemorative coin was advanced by a week from the originally planned date, confirmed Brent Thacker, spokesperson for US-Mint, to the digital site Café Fuerte.
Since Wednesday, August 7, the bags and rolls wrapped with the coins manufactured in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco have been available for sale online, the entity reaffirmed.
Likewise, the institution confirmed that before the end of August, these will be available in other local financial institutions, so they recommended checking the availability.
The Queen of Salsa, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1977, is the first Afro-Latino personality whose image will be immortalized on a coin in the United States.
Celia, one of the most popular Latina artists of the 20th century, was born in Havana on October 21, 1925. In 1960, she left for exile, and her music was banned from the media by the Castro regime. However, Cubans living on the island circumvented the censorship and continued to listen to her privately.
Among the numerous awards and honors granted to the Cuban artist are three American Grammy Awards, four Latin Grammy Awards, and the Presidential Medal of the Arts.
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