From our Bureau of Artists Loathed by Castro, Inc. with some assistance from our Bureau of Poorly-Designed, But Lovable Coins
Celia Cruz loved annoying Castro, Inc. and the dictatorship retaliated by making her a non-person in Castrogonia. Much like George Orwell’s dystopia in the novel 1984, Castro, Inc.’s Ministry of Truth put great effort into denying her existence, especially because she was a black woman who dared to reject and denounce the racist white supremacist military junta that took over her homeland and destroyed it.
Too bad the U.S. Mint didn’t hire a more talented designer for the coin, which is among the least attractive it has ever released. She deserved something classier. But that’s immaterial. What matters most is the fact that the U.S. Mint has just delivered a mighty “bofetada” (face slap) to Castro, Inc. and a hearty thanks to the contribution made to American culture by one of Cuba’s most talented, flamboyant, charming, and outspoken anti-Communist anti-racist artists.
Loosely translated from CiberCuba
A 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 2024 American Women Quarters program, through which the U.S. government recognizes five distinguished female figures in the nation.
“Great news for Celia Cruz fans and Latin music lovers! The limited edition coins featuring Celia Cruz’s image have started circulating in the United States,” announced the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on their Facebook profile.
The diplomatic representation described the event as a “historic milestone” because “Celia is the first Afro-Latina figure to appear on a U.S. coin.”
According to the description provided by the U.S. Mint, the obverse (heads) shows a portrait of George Washington, composed and originally sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first U.S. president’s birth.
On the reverse side, Celia Cruz is depicted with her dazzling smile while performing in a rumba-style dress. Her signature phrase “¡AZÚCAR!” is inscribed on the right.
The release of this commemorative coin was moved up by a week, confirmed Brent Thacker, a spokesperson for the U.S. Mint, to the digital site Café Fuerte.
As of Wednesday, August 7th, bags and paper-wrapped rolls with coins minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco are available for online purchase, according to the entity.
Additionally, the institution confirmed that by the end of August, these coins will be available in other local financial institutions, so they recommended checking availability.
The Queen of Salsa, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1977, is the first Afro-Latina figure whose image will be immortalized on a U.S. coin.
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 from media by the Castro regime. However, Cubans on the island managed to bypass censorship and continued to listen to her music in private.
Among the numerous accolades and awards given to the Cuban artist are three American Grammy Awards, four Latin Grammys, and the Presidential Medal of the Arts.
Yes, it’s rather crude, but standards have fallen for coinage like they have in general.