This Brazilian banknote represents the 2nd variant of the 2nd denomination of the First Cruzeiro (Series 1953, 2nd Print "Valor Recebido"). Issue from 1956-1958 it represented the last version of 2 Cruzeiro. Notably it differs from its 1955 (1st Variant) predecessor, with it's more vibrant observe. Yet despite this, it also features a more muted reverse. Being an unusual example of a "orange back" note.
It should be noted, unaware collector can occasionally mistake Valor Recebido notes. For the later Valor Legal notes, which lack additional text below their header. Fortunately for collectors inflation lead to the exclusion of the 1 and 2 Cruzeiro from the Valor Legal family. Making an already somewhat complicate area of collection slightly easier.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of army officer, politician and Brazilian Empire monarchist Luiz Alves de Lima e Silva (1803-1880). Later known as “The Duke of Caxias”, during his youth he fought in the Brazilian War of Independence (1822-1825). Remaining a loyal follower of King Pedro I and his successor King Pedro II. During his career he served as Commander in Chief of Imperial Brazil.
The note's header reads (trans.) "Republic of United States of Brazil". The official name of the First Brazilian Republic (1889-1930). Directly below this header is a notification, which is read together with the note's header and footer. It roughly translates to, the "Republic of United States of Brazil will pay the bearer to the amount of Two Cruzeiros Valor Recebido".
Which is reinforced by numerous number "2"s, located throughout the note. Including it's borders and hidden amongst its underprint. In regards to the main references, the upper corners feature floral style guilloché backings. While the lower corners instead feature spade-shape backings. Additionally flanking the portrait are guilloché "wings", which feature small number "2"s at their ends.
Other notable features of the note includes its dual serial numbers (000218), which run diagonal from each other. Opposite of the serial numbers are series indicator (Estampa 2A), representing British printer Thomas De La Rue, London. Additionally the signatures of the Director of Amortization and Minister of Finance can be seen, flanking the lower portrait.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras (AMAN), in Resende. Which serves as the premier military collage of the Brazilian Army. It was first built in 1792, under the reign of Maria I of Portugal. The note's artwork depicts the current AMAN campus, completed in 1944. Which was built in response to an expansion and modernization of the Brazilian military.
The note's header and footer are read as a pair. Together they translate to, the "Republic of United States of Brazil". Besides the header are a pair of small number "2"s, representing the note's face value. Six additional number "2"s can be seen flanking the main art, on decorative guilloché backings.
Some minor staining can be seen from excess ink. This small defect can be seen in other US Dollar inspired banknotes of the era. Such as the Mexican 1 Peso printed by the American Bank Note Company, from 1936 to 1970.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 157 x 67 mm or 6.18 x 2.64 in, slightly wider than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are standard sized protective sleeves.
The First Cruzeiro lacked an official ISO code, it used Cr$ as its official symbol.
Brazil's AMAN academy is a rough analogue to US Army's West Point Academy.