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The Last Emperor Of Brazil: 10 Centavo (Brazil, 1967)-Article

Updated: Apr 12

This Brazilian banknote represents the 3rd denomination of the Cruzeiro Novo Overprint (1967). Which was a provisional currency issued in 1967, as a temporary replacement for the 1st Cruzeiro. As rampant inflation had dramatically reduced their purchasing power. The notes of 1st Cruzeiro (Estampa 2, Series 1953) served as the basis for this temporary currency.


These notes can be identified by their special stamp. Which revalues the note to 1,000th of the note's original face value. On 14 May 1970, the notes were replaced by the 2nd Cruzeiro (Series 1970, First Family). Notably in 1970, the term "Novo" was dropped from "Cruzeiro Novo". Thus occasionally causing confusion amongst unaware collectors.

Observe

The observe depicts Dom Pedro II (1825-1891), the 2nd Emperor of Brazil. Pedro II served as the last Emperor of Brazil, after a 58 year long rule. He inherited an empire from his father, during a period which it was near collapse. Regardless of these circumstances this he managed to recover Brazil, turning it into an emerging world power. Strangely despite his popularity he was overthrown, in 1889.


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 reference to the Brazilian "National Treasury", running along the top of the portrait. While below the portrait lists the note's (trans.) "Hundred Cruzeiros Legal Value".


Which is reinforced by numerous number "100"s, located throughout the note. Including it's borders and hidden amongst it's underprint. Although notably this is only relevant to the note's original face value. Toward the portrait's right is a stamp, which revalues the note to 10 Centavo or 0.10 Cruzeiro Novo. As before mentioned this is 1,000th of the note's original face value.


Other notable features of the note includes its dual serial numbers (062075), which run diagonal from each other. Opposite of the serial numbers are series indicators (Estampa 2A), representing British printer Thomas De La Rue, London. Additional the signatures of the Central Bank President and Minister of Finance can be seen, flanking the lower portrait.


Reverse

The reverse depicts Antônio Parreiras' painting “Cultura Nacional”, an allegory for the Brazillian National Culture. The work Antônio Parreiras' can be seen in numerous Brazilian government sponsored projects. Such as this note's reverse art, which depicts a goddess leaning on a globe. While surrounded artistic items, such as scrolls, a wood palette, and sheet music.


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 "100"s, representing the note's previous face value. Six additional number "100"s can be seen flanking the main art, on decorative guilloché backings.


Unlike the observe the reverse border is broad and even. 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 Cruzeiro Novo ISO code was BRB, it used NCr$ as its official symbol.

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