1000 Brazilian Cruzeiros Banknote (Barao Do Rio Branco)

1,000 Cruzeiros Cruzeiro (Issued 1978-1980)

Watermark protection formed a key part of the anti-counterfeiting measures employed on the 1,000 Cruzeiros notes issued by the Banco Central do Brasil between 1978 and 1980, with the paper itself carrying embedded security features consistent with Brazilian currency production of the late 1970s. The serial number, printed in a distinct alphanumeric format and repeated twice on the reverse, provided a further layer of document control during an era when Brazil’s currency programme was subject to significant inflationary pressure. Fine guilloché background printing, visible across both faces of the note, was a standard security measure of this period, creating intricate repeating rosette and wave patterns that were difficult to reproduce by photographic means. These combined features reflect the Banco Central do Brasil’s efforts to maintain note integrity during a turbulent monetary period.

On the front, the note is dominated by a large, finely engraved portrait of the Barão do Rio Branco — José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, the celebrated Brazilian statesman and diplomat widely regarded as the father of Brazilian diplomacy — positioned to the right-centre of the composition and identified by the printed caption “BARÃO DO RIO BRANCO” beneath the image. The portrait is rendered in detailed intaglio engraving, showing the Barão in three-quarter profile with his characteristic full moustache and formal dress, the fine line work capturing considerable tonal depth across the face and collar. Immediately to the left of this principal portrait, a second, larger and more stylised engraved face appears in a ghosted, overlapping composition, creating a double-portrait effect that occupies much of the central field. The background behind the portraits features dense guilloché patterning in olive-green and warm brown tones, with geometric latticework panels visible to the left and right of the central imagery. The issuing authority name “BANCO CENTRAL DO BRASIL” is printed in bold serif lettering across the upper portion of the note, with the denomination “1000” appearing prominently in large brown numerals in both the upper-right and lower-left corners. A small diamond-shaped ornamental device in gold and olive tones appears at intervals along the upper register, framing the text. The lower margin carries further text referencing the Banco Central do Brasil, along with printed signature lines. The overall colour palette of the front is a combination of warm olive-green, dark brown, and cream, giving the note a distinguished and sober appearance consistent with high-denomination Brazilian currency of the period.

The reverse presents a striking central engraving of a complex astronomical or navigational instrument — identifiable as an armillary sphere or orrery-type mechanical device — rendered in fine intaglio line work against a background of sinuous guilloché wave patterns in rust-red and pale blue. The instrument is depicted in considerable mechanical detail, with interlocking rings, graduated arcs, axle assemblies, and spherical terminals clearly visible, the engraving conveying both the precision and the symbolic importance of the object. The denomination “1000” appears in large numerals in the upper-left and lower-right corners, while the text “MIL CRUZEIROS” is printed in bold capitals centrally across the upper and lower margins. The serial number “A 1557049817 A” is printed twice — once in the upper-right area and once inverted in the lower-left — in a clear, evenly spaced typeface, consistent with the standard serial numbering format of Banco Central do Brasil issues of this era. A facsimile signature appears in the upper-left corner of the reverse beneath the denomination figure, accompanied by a printed title line identifying the signatory’s official position. The diamond-shaped ornamental devices in olive and gold recur at the right margin, echoing the design motif used on the front. The background guilloché work is rendered in flowing, interlocking curves in terracotta-red and pale grey-blue, providing both visual richness and security depth to the composition.

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• Indicate the quantity of 1,000 Cruzeiros Cruzeiro banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your Brazilian Cruzeiros banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.

Other Brazilian Cruzeiros you can exchange: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 5000.