This colorful Brazilian banknote represent the 2nd denomination of Cruzado Novo Overprint (Series 1990). This series was introduced as a stop-gap measure, before the introduction of the 3rd Cruzeiro. As the short-lived Cruzado Novo was in the process of being renamed.
The Cruzado Novo circulated from 15 January 1989 and 15 March 1990. As there was no re-domination, the Cruzado Novo was replace at par (1:1). The first 3rd Cruzeiro notes were simply Cruzado Novo, with an overprint stamp. Such as this particular denomination, which is based on the 100 Cruzado Novo (1989).
Later in 1990, the 100 Cruzeiros note was introduced, replacing the overprint variant.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of poet Cecília Meireles, know for her work with children. The underprint is based on drawing created by Cecília Meireles. It features whimsical depictions birds, flowers, and butterflies. The stamp to the portrait's left converts the note to a "100 Cruzeiro" note.
Beneath this stamp is an excerpt from from her " Canticles" poem (SEE: "Poem Translation"). This except is somewhat cyprid, resembling a riddle. Although it may simply be a case of lost in translation. Nearby is the phrase "Deus Seja Louvado" translated as "God be Praised. This phrase is featured all notes of series.
Above is the note's header and one of its dual serial numbers. The header refers to the "Central Bank of Brazil", as the note's issuer. While the serial number reads "A 8991046037 A", making it somewhat usually long. Below is number "100" and a reference to the note's original "Hundred Cruzados Novo" value. The note's watermark area can be seen above.
To the note's far right, is a positive for a stylized Heron registration/light element. Backlighting this positive will complete the drawing. Below are the signatures of the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank President.
An additional number "100" and serial number can be seen at the upper and lower-right, respectively.
Poem Translation
Be what the ear never forgets.
Repeats itself forever.
In all hearts. In all worlds.
-Canticles-
Reverse
The reverse depicts artwork by Cecília Meireles, representing a child's imagination. As a teacher Meireles advocated for the construction children's libraries. The artwork depicts a pajamaed boy reading a boy, surrounded stars, butterflies, and stylized dancers.
To left is the negative of a observe registration/light element. Notably the note's lower retains its original "Hundred Cruzados Novo" value. Moving toward the far left, is the note's watermark area. The watermark features Liberty in profile, the artwork is titled Effigy of the Republic.
An additional number "100" can be seen on the upper watermark area.
1990 Cruzado Novo Overprint Gallery
(Gallery contains all Cruzado Novo Overprint banknotes)
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 3rd Cruzeiro ISO code was BRE, it used Cr$ as its official symbol.
The Cruzado Novo ISO code was BRN, it used NCz$ 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).