5000 Brazilian Cruzeiros Banknote (Tiradentes Red Type)

5,000 Cruzeiros Cruzeiro (Issued 1965)

The historical scene depicted on the reverse of this 5,000 Cruzeiros banknote draws directly from Brazil’s turbulent colonial past, commemorating the martyrdom of Tiradentes — Joaquim José da Silva Xavier — the revolutionary hero whose name appears printed beneath his portrait on the front of the note. Tiradentes led the Inconfidência Mineira of 1789, an early uprising against Portuguese colonial rule, and was subsequently executed, becoming one of Brazil’s most enduring national symbols of independence and sacrifice. His selection for the highest denomination of this Cruzeiro series reflects the profound reverence in which he is held across Brazilian society and civic culture. This note was issued under the authority of the Banco Central do Brasil following its establishment in 1964, making this 1965 example one of the earliest issues from that institution.

On the front, the dominant feature is an oval engraved portrait of Tiradentes positioned to the right of centre, rendered in fine intaglio line work characteristic of the period. His long hair, beard, and period clothing are rendered with considerable detail, and the name “TIRADENTES” appears in small capital lettering directly beneath the portrait frame. The central field of the note is occupied by a large bold numeral “5000” set against an intricate guilloché background of rose and pale green tones, with repeating fine-line rosette and wave patterns providing depth and anti-counterfeiting texture. Smaller “5000” numerals appear in each lower corner in a contrasting serif typeface. At the very top of the note, the full state title “REPÚBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL” is printed in bold capitals, with “TESOURO NACIONAL” appearing immediately below in a slightly smaller typeface. The serial number “007170” appears twice — once in the upper right and once along the left margin — both in dark ink. The text “ESTAMPA 2ª SÉRIE 1812A” appears twice on the face, denoting the print series and stamp classification. Across the lower centre, the denomination is spelled out in full as “CINCO MIL CRUZEIROS” with “VALOR LEGAL” beneath, both in strong uppercase lettering. Two signature lines appear below, accompanied by the titles of the issuing officials, including “MINISTRO DA FAZENDA.” The overall colour palette of the front is dominated by warm rose-red tones over a pale greenish background, with the engraving providing strong contrast throughout. A printer’s credit appears along the very bottom edge of the note, attributing production to Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited.

The reverse is printed in a consistent deep rose-red monochrome and centres on a large, finely engraved historical scene occupying the majority of the note’s central panel. The scene depicts a dramatic interior setting with multiple figures in colonial-era dress gathered around a central figure, the composition suggesting a formal or judicial moment consistent with a scene from the trial or sentencing of Tiradentes. The engraving is detailed, with architectural elements including arched doorways, columns, and a chandelier or ceiling fixture visible in the background, and the figures are rendered with expressive postures and period-appropriate costume. A caption in small text beneath the scene reads “TIRADENTES ANTE O CARRASCO,” identifying this as the moment Tiradentes faced his executioner. The denomination “5000” appears prominently in all four corners of the reverse, and smaller “5000” numerals are set within the side border panels at mid-height. The header at the top of the reverse reads “REPÚBLICA DOS” and the footer bears “ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL” in bold capital lettering, with the printer’s credit “THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED” appearing in fine text along the very bottom margin. The border of the reverse features repeating geometric and guilloché patterns consistent with the front, maintaining a unified visual language across both faces of the note.

This 5,000 Cruzeiros banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com, where old or withdrawn Brazilian Cruzeiros banknotes are bought alongside other foreign currency — ideal for clearing a drawer of mixed coins and notes at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 5,000 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, 1000.