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The most outstanding achievements should not remain in the shadows, though the channels we choose to honor them can vary in form, method, and purpose. The US Mint, the major authority responsible for coin production in the United States, launched several programs aimed at commemorating those who should not be forgotten, either way.
The American Women Quarters program is a unique initiative started in 2022 to recognize and perpetuate the accomplishments of prominent female leaders in US history. The Celia Cruz Quarter 2024 has been among the most anticipated releases within the series, celebrating a cultural icon in metal. But what does this coin look like? Which features identify this coin as unique? And which errors to pay attention to?
Personality Matters: Who Was Celia Cruz?
Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer known as the "Queen of Salsa". She was born in Havana in 1925, and according to her parents, music was a part of her life from the very beginning (even when she was 10 months old only!). Celia's career started in groups, bands, and other music associations, yet her solo presence on the scene was initiated in the 1960s, gradually turning her into one of the most iconic and influential Latin artists of all time.
After her breakthrough as a solo singer on the local stage, Celia Cruz's voice and personality helped her become a worldwide-known star with her personal symbols: her vibrant performances and a catchphrase "¡Azúcar!". And even though she might have undergone numerous challenges as a female in the male-dominated industry, Celia managed to open the sphere to other female artists and inspired new generations to come.
Her legacy lives on, and a coin released to honor her name is one more artifact denoting her success.
Briefly about the Celia Cruz 2024 Quarter
The 2024 quarter Celia Cruz was released on August 5, 2024, and it was one of five 25-cent coins released during that year within the same American Women Quarters program. Just like with other coins, this may boast a unique, exquisitely crafted design with an iconic representation of a famous singer. What does this coin look like?
Obverse: The front side features the familiar profile of George Washington, designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, with the inscriptions "LIBERTY" along the upper rim, "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of the portrait, the year "2024" under the chin of the president, and small mint mark beneath the date.
Reverse: The reverse depicts smiling Celia Cruz dressed in a flowing rumba-style gown, captured mid-performance, with the iconic exclamation “¡AZÚCAR!” to the right of her face, the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the upper rim, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” beneath her catchphrase, the denomination “25C” closer to the center of the coin, and her name “CELIA CRUZ” along the bottom rim.
The Main Characteristics of Celia Cruz 25C | |
Denomination | 25 cents |
Metal Composition | Copper (91.67%), Nickel (8.33%) |
Weight | 5.67 grams |
Diameter | 24.26 millimeters |
Thickness | 1.75 millimeters |
Edge | Reeded |
Mint Marks | “P” for Philadelphia “D” for Denver “S” for San Francisco |
Release Date | August 5, 2024 |
Mintage Numbers | Philadelphia: 149,600,000 Denver: 156,200,000 San Francisco: 542,480 |
Related article: New 2024 Quarters to Watch: Heroines, Designs & Their Value
Types of the 2024 Quarter Celia Cruz Errors to Look For
As a rule, among the most notable errors, one may easily name off-center strikes, doubled dies, broadstrucks, and repunched mint marks, but the diversity of anomalies should impress. In fact, there exist far more peculiar flaws that make coins more desirable to obtain and, hence, valuable. Let us review the 2024 Celia Cruz quarter error list with the variations found on the market.
Major Die Crack
Estimated Value: $1,050
On the reverse side, one may eventually notice a significant crack, often stretching from the rim into the profile of Celia Cruz. This occurs when the die begins to fracture, leaving raised lines on the coin’s surface.
Special Features: Bold, raised "lightning-like" lines cutting across the design.
“In Cod We Trust” Error
Estimated Value: $375
A pun intended. Here comes an interesting misstrike or die deterioration that can cause the word “God” in the motto to appear as “Cod”. This creates a funny phrase which may boost the 2024 Celia Cruz quarter value significantly.
Special Features: “COD” instead of “GOD” in the national motto.
Strike-Through Error (“Third Eye”)
Estimated Value: $30
Some errors may affect the appearance of those depicted on the coin. This is what we can say about the strike-through error for sure. When a piece of debris (often metal or cloth fibers) became lodged between the die and the planchet, there appears an unusual depression or raised area in the middle of Cruz’s forehead.
Special Features: A small dent or bulge on the face of Celia Cruz
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
Estimated Value: $18
The most widespread error is always a doubled die (either on the obverse or reverse sides). Caused by misalignment during the die creation process, this deviation produces a slight doubling in letters and numbers on the coin’s obverse, especially in the date and inscriptions.
Special Features: The faint shadow-like doubling on the words “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and “2024”.
Die Chip – “Wart on Nose”
Estimated Value: $15
When a small piece of metal breaks off the die, this may cause an extra raised blob, commonly found on Washington’s nose. These are minor errors, but still collectible due to their eccentric nickname.
Special Features: A small, raised bump resembling a pimple or wart directly on or near the tip of the nose.
Rim Cud (Edge Blob)
Estimated Value: $14
A cud error may occur when part of the die near the edge breaks off, causing a raised blob of metal to appear along the rim. Though these are generally small, the blobs disrupt the circular symmetry, making it a bit more valuable than the regular pieces.
Special Features: Irregular and thicker edge parts (usually seen at the 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock position)
How Much Is a 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter Worth?
The 2024 Celia Cruz quarter worth is a complex variable that depends on several key factors, namely its condition (grade), mint mark, and errors (if present). However, one should not fall into the trap of the most popular auction platforms – these are generally influenced by competitive bidding and collector excitement, which can inflate final sale prices beyond typical market value. So, how much do different variations of the same coin cost?
Type | Grade (Circulated) | Grade (Uncirculated) | Auction Prices |
Philadelphia (Regular) | $0.25–$0.50 | $1.50–$4.00 | Up to $10 |
Denver (Regular) | $0.25–$0.50 | $1.50–$4.00 | Up to $10 |
San Francisco (Proof) | – | $3.00–$7.00 | Up to $20 |
Doubled Die Obverse | $5.00–$12.00 | $15.00–$25.00 | $30–$50 |
Die Chip | $1.00–$5.00 | $8.00–$15.00 | Up to $20 |
Strike-Through | $10.00–$20.00 | $25.00–$35.00 | Up to $50 |
Rim Cud | $2.00–$6.00 | $10.00–$20.00 | $25–$30 |
Die Crack | $30.00–$80.00 | $100–$250 | Up to $1,050 |
“In Cod We Trust” | $50.00–$150.00 | $200–$300 | $375 or more |
*Prices may change over time. To know relevant values and predict market trends, one should pay attention to special tools like Coin ID Scanner, i.e., an innovative app used to identify, explore, evaluate, collect, and trade coins – all in one place.
The series will end in 2026, and soon after that, all the coins released within the American Women quarter series will instantly become highly collectible modern classics. Obtain coins if you like them, and let your collection thrive!
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