50 Brazilian Cruzeiros Banknote (Deodoro Da Fonseca)

50 Cruzeiros Cruzeiro (Issued 1970-1980)

The 50 Cruzeiros note forms part of the Banco Central do Brasil’s Cruzeiro series issued across the 1970s, sitting within a family of denominations that shared a consistent design language of intaglio-engraved portraiture, guilloché patterning, and a restrained violet-purple colour palette. Across the series, each denomination was distinguished by its central vignette and portrait subject, with the 50 Cruzeiros note carrying particular civic weight through its depiction of a founding figure of the Brazilian Republic. The note was produced during a period of significant monetary activity in Brazil, circulating widely before the Cruzeiro was eventually superseded by successive currency reforms. Its design reflects the formal engraving traditions common to South American central bank issues of the era.

On the front, the dominant feature is a finely engraved circular portrait vignette positioned to the right of centre, depicting Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, the military leader who proclaimed the Republic of Brazil in 1889 and served as the country’s first President. He is shown in military uniform with decorations visible at his chest, his full beard and moustache rendered in precise intaglio engraving that conveys considerable depth and detail. The overall colour of the front is a soft violet-purple, with the left-hand portion of the note occupied by a bold numerical “50” set within an oval of intricate guilloché lacework, featuring layered geometric rosette patterns in darker purple tones against a lighter background. A series of fine vertical ruling lines runs between the left panel and the central field, providing visual separation and an additional anti-counterfeiting texture. The issuing authority is clearly stated in the header as “BANCO CENTRAL DO BRASIL” in bold serif capitals, printed in dark ink across the upper portion of the note. Centrally below the header, the denomination is spelled out as “CINQUENTA CRUZEIROS” in capital lettering. Two facsimile signatures appear in the lower central area, attributed to the Presidente and Vice-Presidente of the Banco Central do Brasil, printed in dark ink. The serial number “A02143 028896” appears twice — once in the upper left area and once in the lower right — in dark numerals against the lighter background field. The numeral “50” also appears in the upper right corner within a panelled border of guilloché work, echoing the design motif of the left panel.

The reverse of the note is printed in a similar violet-purple palette, with dark brown used to distinguish the central oval vignette. That vignette depicts an allegorical or genre scene of Brazilian labour, showing several figures engaged in agricultural or artisanal work — one figure is shown carrying a large vessel or load on their head, while others appear to be working at ground level with tools or produce, set against a composition of steps or tiered ground. The scene is engraved with considerable detail, capturing the figures in active poses and rendering drapery and physical effort with tonal depth. The header “BANCO CENTRAL DO BRASIL” is repeated across the top of the reverse in the same serif capitals. The denomination “50” appears in the upper left corner within a bordered panel, and “CINQUENTA CRUZEIROS” is printed in capital letters along the lower portion of the note. To the right of the central vignette, a vertical security panel features fine-line guilloché work incorporating the numeral “50” in a contrasting tone, mirroring the design approach seen on the front. A small text credit line is visible beneath the central vignette, attributing the engraving. The right-hand edge carries fine repetitive micropattern work consistent with the security printing standards of Brazilian central bank issues of this period.

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• Indicate the quantity of 50 Cruzeiros Cruzeiro banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Wondering who buys foreign coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com does — bring your Brazilian Cruzeiros banknotes together with any other old or withdrawn currency and exchange it all for cash in one place.

Other Brazilian Cruzeiros you can exchange: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000.