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Cascudo, Documenter Of Brazilian Culture: 50,000 Cruzeiros (Brazil, 1992)-Article

Updated: Mar 17, 2022

This Brazilian banknote represents 7th denomination of the Third Cruzeiro (Series 1990). The Third Cruzeiro was preceded by the short-lived Cruzado Novo. Which circulated from 15 January 1989 and 15 March 1990. Both the Cruzado Novo and Third Cruzeiro were of equal value. As the currency was simply renamed. Making the change itself logistically questionable.


Notably the first 3 denominations of the Series 1990-93, are based on renamed Cruzado Novo notes. The remaining denominations mostly featured unique portraits of famous Brazilian. Although due to rampant inflation the Third Cruzeiro was replaced by the equally short lived Cruzeiro Real. The exchange rate was 1,000 Cruzeiros to 1 Cruzeiro Real.

Observe

The observe features a portrait of anthropologist Luís da Câmara Cascudo (1898-1986). Cascudo dedicated his life to studying Brazilian. By documenting the music and folklore of the common people. To the left, is a scene from "Jangadeiros". A story about 4 impoverished fisherman, riding on a jangada (sailing raft). With the goal of giving their grievances to President Vargas.


The note's header is off-set to the upper-left. It reads, the (trans.) "Central Bank of Brazil". Notably the second "O" (DO) aligns with a faint security thread. Below the header is one of the note's dual-serial numbers (A 2288057817 A). The second number can be seen at the lower-right.


At the lower-left is a large number "50 000". Its (trans.) "Fifty Thousand Cruzeiro" text value is listed to the left. A second number "50 000" can be seen at the upper-right. Below is a pair of signatures, representing the Minister of Finance (top) and Central Bank President (bottom).


Above these signatures is a "mask" registration element. Backlighting the note with bright light, will complete the light puzzle effect. Doing so will also expose a mirrored Câmara Cascudo portrait, opposite of the "mask". The remainder of the observe features a "snake skin" underprint.


Reverse

The reverse depicts a scene from the comedic folk play Bumba-meu-boi. The story is centered around the death and resurrection of the "Ox". The play is interactive and audience participation is encouraged. Each of the characters wear colorful and elaborate costume. The illustration depicts a "Indio" (left), the "Ox" (center), and a "Cowboy" (right).


Similar to the observe, the reverse has number "50 000"s at its upper-right and lower-left corners. Although the text value now features a decorative backing. It extend from the lower center, to the watermark area, at the right. The beforementioned security thread roughly aligns, with the letter "A" in "Cinqüenta" (Fifty).


If one looks closely at the underprint, faint outlines of extra characters can be made out in the background. Additionally blue and red fibers can be seen on the note's unprinted sections.


Third Cruzeiro Gallery

(Gallery will be completed, as more banknotes are databased)

 

Additional Notes

  • This note's dimensions are 140 x 65 mm or 5.51 x 2.56 in, slightly smaller than a US Dollar.

  • The preferable method to preserve this note are standard sized protective sleeves.

  • The Cruzado Novo ISO code was BRN, it used NCz$ as its official symbol.

  • The 3rd Cruzeiro ISO code was BRE, it used Cr$ as its official symbol.

  • Both the Cruzado Novo and 3rd Cruzeiro were sub-divided into 100 Centavos.

  • The coins of both the Cruzado Novo and 3rd Cruzeiro were used in circulation.

  • The Centavo denominated coins of the Cruzado Novo were retained, while the 3rd Cruzeiro coins were issued in full Cruzeiro denominations.

  • The unissued 1 Cruzado Novo coin is known as the "Cruz de Cristo" (Christ's Cross).

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