This Brazilian banknote represents the 6th denomination of the Third Cruzeiro (Series 1990-93). The Third Cruzeiro was preceded by the short-lived Cruzado Novo. Which circulated from 15 January 1989 and 15 March 1990. Both the Cruzado Novo and Third Cruzeiro were of equal value. As the currency was simply renamed. Making the change itself logistically questionable.
Notably the first 3 denominations of the Series 1990-93, are based on renamed Cruzado Novo notes. The remaining denominations mostly featured unique portraits of famous Brazilian. Although due to rampant inflation the Third Cruzeiro was replaced by the equally short lived Cruzeiro Real. The exchange rate was 1,000 Cruzeiros to 1 Cruzeiro Real.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of Dr. Vital Brazil (1865-1950). Founder of Instituto Butantan, the world first dedicated institution for the study of toxicology and venomous animals. Dr. Brazil and his team created a range of antivenoms. Used to counter possibly fatal envenomation by spiders, scorpions, and snakes. The illustration to the left, depicts the collection process.
The note's header is off-set to the upper-left. It reads, the (trans.) "Central Bank of Brazil". Notably the second "O" (DO) aligns with a faint security thread. Below the header is one of the note's dual-serial numbers (A 6958064141 A). The second number can be seen at the lower-right.
At the lower-left is a large number "10 000". Its (trans.) "Ten Thousand Cruzeiro" text value is listed to the left. A second number "10 000" can be seen at the upper-right. Below is a pair of signatures, representing the Minister of Finance (top) and Central Bank President (bottom).
Below these signatures is a "snake head" registration element. Backlighting the note with bright light, will complete the light puzzle effect. Doing so will also expose a mirrored Dr. Brazil portrait, opposite of the "snake head". The remainder of the observe features a "snake skin" underprint.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a Mussurana swallowing a Jararaca whole. Mussurana feed almost entirely on venomous snake and are resistant to their venom. Although venomous themselves, Mussurana are relatively harmless to humans. Due to their mild venom and rear mounted fangs, thus are seen as beneficial. The Butantan Institute has a statue dedicated to their fight against venomous snakes.
Similar to the observe, the reverse has number "10 000"s at its upper-right and lower-left corners. Although the text value now features a decorative backing. It extend from the lower center, to the water mark area, at the right. The before mentioned security thread roughly aligns, with the letter "M" in "Mil" (Thousand).
The underprint features some "snake skin" underprint, with additional elements. Such as the "doorway" patterns, at the upper left. Some blue and red iridescent fibers can be seen on the note's unprinted sections.
Third Cruzeiro Gallery
(Gallery will be completed, as more banknotes are databased)
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 Cruzado Novo ISO code was BRN, it used NCz$ as its official symbol.
The 3rd Cruzeiro ISO code was BRE, it used Cr$ 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).