This Brazilian banknote represents the 3rd denomination of the 2nd Cruzeiro (2nd Family, Series 1981-85). The 2nd Cruzeiro was adopted in 1970, after the renaming of the Cruzeiro Novo. The Series 1981-85 (2nd Family) were preceded by the notes of the 1st Family. Which include the color-coded Series 1970 and a commemorative 500 Cruzeiro (1972).
Notably nearly all notes of the Series 1981-85 feature mirrored artwork. This feature was first introduced on the 1,000 Cruzeiro (1978). It can be identified from its 2nd Family variant, by its brownish color scheme. The non-mirrored 2nd Cruzeiro notes were later reissued, as the provisional Cruzado Overprint (1986).
In 1986, the Cruzado replaced the 2nd Cruzeiro.
Observe
The observe features a mirrored image of Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca (1827-1892), the 1st President of Brazil. He established the Republic of Brazil in 1889. After staging a coup against Emperor Pedro II. In which he proclaimed himself the provisional president. He was elected in 1891 and was forced to step down in the same year. Due to political outrage, after he disbanded the National Congress.
The note's offset title reads, the (trans.) "Central Bank of Brazil". At the upper-left and right are number "500"s, referring to the note's 500 Cruzeiros value. Below the right number "500" is one of the note's dual watermarks. When backlighting the note will expose a mirrored Marshal da Fonseca watermark. Doing so will also complete the registration element below it.
The note's "footer" is an exact mirrored copy of the beforementioned.
Reverse
The reverse features a mirrored image of a painting titled the "Proclamation of the Republic". It depicts a group of parliamentarians discussing amongst themselves. This is used to represent the discussions made during the drafting of the 1889 Constitution. Which took place shortly after Marshal da Fonseca overthrew the Brazilian monarchy.
The title above reads (trans) "Five Hundred Cruzeiros". To the left is a number "500", with a signature below it. This signature represents the President of the National Monetary Council. At the note's upper-right is one of the note's serial numbers (A 2389073535A). Below the serial number is the second half of the observe registration element.
Just the observe, the reverse "footer" is an exact mirrored copy of the upper half.
2nd Cruzeiro Gallery
Gallery will be updated as new banknotes are databased)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 154 x 74 mm or 6.06 x 2.91 in, larger than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are large sized protective sleeves.
The 2nd Cruzeiro ISO code was BRB, it used Cr$ as its official symbol.
The 2nd Cruzeiro was subdivided into 100 Centavos, all coins were in Cruzeiro values.
The some Centavo coins of the Cruzeiro Novo, circulated alongside the 2nd Cruzeiro.