The highly anticipated design, which was finally unveiled, features the new Cuban Rumba dress donned by Celia Cruz. Americans will have to wait until 2024 to get their hands on it, although. The design of the quarter showcases Cruz with her signature phrase “Azúcar!” Inscribed on it and holding a microphone in her hand, exuding joy.
The artist-winning Grammy-award three-time late is being honored with the coin, which will feature five women from the years 2022-2025 on the reverse side of a quarter. These women include Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, who was the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, and Patsy Mink, who was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress.
Hemphill describes Cruz as a dynamic and colorful person whom she wanted to design. Cruz, who became one of the few successful women in the male-dominated genre of music throughout the late-to-mid 1900s, was known as the “Queen of Salsa.” She was the first ever Afro-Latina to be featured on a coin, and Hemphill, the U.S. Medallic artist who began designing the coin this spring, had the honor of working on it.
Hemphill states, “I felt so many individuals to give a little bit more than a regular depiction of a character, and she was clearly a hero and a superstar.”
TIME interviewed Hemphill regarding the creation of the design for the coin.
Hemphill states that the process of designing the coin for the U.S. Mint was laborious. A few artists were tasked with working on the design project for a coin to honor Cruz during the month of March. Omer Pardillo, the former executor and manager of her estate, also participated in the kick-off call but the artists conducted their own research on the honoree. Pardillo worked as a liaison during the design process and brainstorming.
Hemphill states, “I examined her BBC documentary, I extensively listened to her music on YouTube, and I attempted to grasp her identity.” Hemphill received feedback and guidance from the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum and the National Women’s History Museum. Dr. Ariana Curtis, Curator of Latinx Studies from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, provided consultation on the historical precision of the image.
Hemphill’s artwork was selected by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, although the final determination rests with the CFA and CCAC, who present the design that they believe most accurately represents the person being honored. According to Hemphill, the U.S. Mint conducts the initial evaluation of the designs before sending images to the CCAC and CFA, which provide guidance on all U.S. Coins and medals. Six designs were put forward for evaluation, giving artists a few weeks to produce a digital depiction of the quarter. The design procedure operates as a form of competition.
Hemphill, the sculptor and designer of the coin, had a rare opportunity to visit Cuba in the 1950s, and she thinks she may have seen footage of her grandparents during that time. She was tremendously impressed by it, although she said she wasn’t familiar with Cruz.
Hemphill says that before the sculpture is digitally scanned, all the final adjustments are done on the software. Hemphill spent the next three weeks sculpting the basic figure with hard clay, making a few refinements before moving on to the actual sculpting. She says, “I sculpted the dress, the fringe, and the earrings without any hair, microphone, or hand. The diameter of the circle is eight inches, based on an actual coin.”
Working on a legendary coin
Hemphill, who has also participated in the creation of coins commemorating Grand Canyon National Park for the 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Program and the 2011 Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Congressional Gold Medals, expresses both nervousness and excitement regarding the design. She describes the task as extremely challenging and expresses her desire for positive reception and appreciation of her work. If her hopes are fulfilled, she will experience great satisfaction.
The Cuban-born singer is remembered for her contributions to the salsa genre, cementing its popularity and increasing its popularity as one of the most popular genres of Latin music. She is an iconic figure for both Latinos abroad and in the United States.
In a statement to TIME, Pardillo expressed, “Despite her humble beginnings, she has managed to captivate the world with her exceptional charisma and talent, making it a significant honor for her to become the first Afro-Latina.”
Pardillo stated, “She was a global figure.” Pardillo continued, “All Latinos should feel immense pride in this remarkable achievement, as Celia not only embodies the Cuban community but also represents Latinos worldwide.”