The Celia Cruz Estate, along with its executor Omer Pardillo-Cid, has proudly announced that a new coin honoring the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz has officially been released. Known as one of the most cherished and influential artists of the 20th century, Cruz is among five remarkable women featured in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program™ for 2025. This program celebrates her as the first Afro-Latina to ever grace U.S. currency. The quarter showcases Cruz in traditional Cuban attire, alongside her famous catchphrase, “¡Azúcar!”
As 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of Cruz’s birth, this coin is just one of many tributes planned to honor her legacy. Earlier this year, a special album titled Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar (Celia Cruz Live: 100 Years of Azúcar) was released, featuring never-before-heard live recordings from her concerts in the 1980s. Produced by Loud And Live Studios and distributed by InnerCat, this album quickly became a must-have for collectors, available both digitally and as a limited-edition vinyl.
Ventris C. Gibson, Director of the U.S. Mint, highlighted the significance of this honor, stating, “Each woman recognized through this program has made unique contributions that have deeply influenced our nation’s history.”
The American Women Quarters is a four-year initiative authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, celebrating the impactful achievements of women in the U.S. Besides Cruz, this year’s honorees include Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Pauli Murray, and Zitkala-Ša. Celia Cruz stands out as the first Afro-Latina to receive this prestigious recognition.
Omer Pardillo-Cid, Cruz’s longtime artistic representative, expressed his deep pride in this milestone, saying, “Celia achieved so much during her lifetime that it seemed impossible to surpass her accolades. However, this honor from the U.S. Mint would have amazed her, as she always remained humble despite her fame. The word ‘unique’ is often overused, but there’s no better way to describe Celia Cruz—she was truly one-of-a-kind and will remain eternal.”
Born in Havana in 1925, Celia Cruz left an indelible mark on the world with her vibrant music and infectious energy. Even two decades after her passing in 2003, her legacy continues to flourish, making her the most celebrated Hispanic singer in history. Throughout her career, Cruz earned numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs® and four Latin GRAMMYs®. Her influence was further immortalized by the U.S. Postal Service with a stamp in the Latin Music Legends Forever series, and Rolling Stone® magazine recognized her as one of the 200 greatest singers of all time, ranking her at number 18. Recently, Mattel® honored Cruz with a Barbie® doll in its Inspiring Women series.
In celebration of this historic moment, Leon Medical Centers, a leading healthcare provider in South Florida, has partnered with the Celia Cruz Estate to distribute the commemorative coin in special packaging. People interested in acquiring this exclusive keepsake can visit CeliaCruzAtLeon.com to register. Notifications will be sent out when the coin and its case are ready for pickup at Leon Medical Centers.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Celia Cruz Estate in celebrating her incredible legacy,” said Benjamin León, Jr., Chairman and Founder of Leon Medical Centers. “Celia’s music and spirit have inspired countless people, and this commemorative quarter is a beautiful tribute to her contributions to music and culture. As a Cuban exile, this project is particularly meaningful to me, and I’m honored to share this moment with our Leon community.”
About the Celia Cruz Estate:
The Celia Cruz Estate is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Celia Cruz. It manages her intellectual property, including copyrights, trademarks, and image rights, and oversees the Celia Cruz Legacy Project Archive and Research Center, which houses materials, documents, photographs, and personal artifacts to keep her memory alive for future generations. For more information, visit celiacruz.com.
About the United States Mint:
Established by Congress in 1792, the U.S. Mint is the nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, producing coins for circulation, numismatic collections, and commemorative purposes. Operating under the Department of the Treasury since 1873, the Mint is self-sustaining and functions at no cost to taxpayers.
About Leon Medical Centers:
Founded by the León family in 1996, Leon Medical Centers has become a leading healthcare provider in Miami-Dade County, serving nearly 40,000 Medicare patients across eight centers. In 2022, the León family launched Leon Health, a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, to enhance patient care with personalized attention.
