This Brazilian banknote represent the 2nd denomination, of the 2nd Cruzeiro (Series 1970, First Family). The Series 1970 replaced the provisional Cruzeiro Novo Overprint, which were introduced in 1967. Unlike the earlier 1st Cruzeiro notes, which were partially based on pre-1971 US Dollars. The notes of the Series 1970, have a radically different color-coded appearance.
Notably in 1970, the term "Novo" was dropped from "Cruzeiro Novo". As such it can initially be somewhat confusing, when studying the general history of Brazilian banknotes. As general rule, only the Cruzeiro Novo Overprint are true Cruzeiro Novo notes. Although the 2nd Cruzeiro, which replaced them differed only in name.
The Series 1970 was superseded by the colorful Second Family series, issued from 1981-1985.
Observe
The observe depicts Dom Pedro I (1798-1834), the 1st Emperor of Brazil. Dom Pedro fled to Brazil, after the 1807 French invasion of Portugal. Where he became Regent, after his father's was recalled back to Portugal, during the Liberal Revolution of 1820. Which he used as an opportunity to declare Brazilian independence, in 1822. And later became Brazil's self-declared Emperor, in 1824.
The header above reads, (trans.) the "Central Bank of Brazil". The note's "Five Cruzeiros" is listed at the center. On a rippled strip, running horizontally along the note's center. Directly below are the signatures of the Monetary Council and Central Bank Presidents.
Along the upper-left and lower-right are the note's dual serial numbers (B 04206 075008). An usual feature of these serial numbers is their split nature. In order to fit the 12-digit long serial number, it has been broken into 2 separate rows. Providing the impression of a double serial number.
Running vertically from the center-left of the note, are closely packed "bars". These bars serve multiple passive security functions. At the bottom is a latent image reading "5", representing the note's Five Cruzeiro face value. Above this latent text is a hidden watermark area, it depicts Dom Pedro I when properly back lit.
To the left of the watermark is a large number "5", on an elaborate guilloché backing. This simply refers to the note's before mentioned face value. As does the number "5", at the upper-right corner.
Reverse
The reverse features an 18th century depiction of the Praça 15 de Novembro (15th November Park), in Rio de Janeiro. The park forms the former city center of Rio de Janeiro. It's historic buildings include the former Imperial Place and the Brazilian Mint. At the bottom of the image is the Mestre Valentim Fountain, along the Guanabara Bay.
In regards to the reminder of the reverse, it somewhat mirrors the observe with some mirror format changes. Notably underprint and center strip has been changed to a different shade. While the "Cinco Cruzeiros" text has been dropped to the lower center. The serial numbers and signatures have also been omitted. The fine text as lower-right, references the Brazilian Mint.
1970 Cruzeiro Gallery
(Gallery contains all denominations of the Series 1970 Cruzeiro)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 152 x 70 mm or 5.98 x 2.76 in, slightly larger than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are standard sized protective sleeves.
The Cruzeiro novo ISO code was BRB, it used NCr$ as its official symbol.