Celia Cruz, the iconic Queen of Salsa, has once again made history by becoming the first Afro-Latina to appear on U.S. currency. The U.S. Mint officially announced that a commemorative quarter featuring Cruz has entered circulation as part of the 2025 American Women Quarters Program. This historic honor coincides with the centennial of Cruz’s birth and adds to her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

The quarter, which depicts Cruz in traditional Cuban attire with her famous slogan "¡Azúcar!" in relief, is part of a series celebrating the achievements of five exceptional women. In addition to Cruz, the 2025 honorees include Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Pauli Murray, and Zitkala-Ša. The program is designed to highlight the significant contributions of women to the nation’s history, and Cruz’s inclusion marks a groundbreaking moment for the Afro-Latina community.

"This is a tremendous honor that Celia would have never imagined," said Omer Pardillo-Cid, Cruz’s last artistic representative and executor of her estate. "Celia received countless accolades during her lifetime, but this recognition by the U.S. Mint is truly unique and eternal."

The release of the quarter is just one of many tributes planned for Cruz in 2025. Earlier this year, a commemorative album titled Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar was released, featuring never-before-heard live recordings from the 1980s. The album has already become a collector’s item, further cementing Cruz’s enduring influence on music and culture.

In addition to the coin’s release, Leon Medical Centers in South Florida has partnered with the Celia Cruz Estate to distribute the quarter in special commemorative packaging. Benjamin León, Jr., Chairman and Founder of Leon Medical Centers, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: "Celia’s music and spirit have inspired countless people, and this commemorative quarter is a beautiful tribute to her incredible contributions. As a Cuban exile, this project is deeply personal to me, and I’m honored to share this moment with our community."

Celia Cruz’s cultural footprint continues to grow, even two decades after her passing. From receiving numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs and four Latin GRAMMYs, to being immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp and in a Barbie® doll, Cruz’s legacy remains vibrant. This new honor from the U.S. Mint solidifies her place as a trailblazer and a beloved figure in American and Latino history.