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Brazil's currency, the real, is a fascinating topic. The Brazilian real coin is a widely used form of payment in Brazil.
You can find Brazilian real coins in various denominations, including R$0.01, R$0.05, R$0.10, R$0.25, R$0.50, and R$1.00. These coins are made of various metals, including steel, copper, and nickel.
The Brazilian real coin has undergone several design changes over the years, with new coins being introduced in 2010 to commemorate the country's independence. The new coins feature the country's coat of arms and other national symbols.
Origins and History
The Brazilian real has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
The first real was introduced in the mid-17th century and was known as "réis", the apocope of the plural form "reais".
From 1750s, copper coins were in circulation in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 40 réis.
Silver coins were introduced for 75, 150, 300 and 600 réis, and gold coins for 1000, 2000, 4000 and 6400 réis.
The silver coinage was reformed in 1778, with the introduction of 80, 160, 320 and 640 real coins.
Copper 80 réis were introduced in 1811, and copper 10, 20, 37½, 40, 75 and 80 réis were produced between 1823 and 1833.
The Brazilian real has undergone several reforms over the years, with the most significant one being the introduction of the cruzeiro in 1942.
The current real was created in 1994, but there was a previous version of it from the 17th century up to 1942.
The Brazilian government invested ten million dollars to put the new currency in circulation in 1994.
Banknotes of Brazilian reais were printed at the “Casa de la Moneda” in Rio de Janeiro, and 900 million coins were distributed.
Features and Design
The Brazil Real coin has a distinctive design that sets it apart from other currencies. The obverse side features a portrait of the Brazilian Republic's first president, Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca.
The coin's reverse side showcases a stylized image of the Brazilian coat of arms. This design element is a nod to the country's rich history and cultural heritage.
The Brazil Real coin is available in various denominations, including R$0.10, R$0.25, R$0.50, R$1.00, and R$2.00. Each denomination has its own unique design and features.
The coin's material is a combination of copper and nickel, giving it a distinctive look and feel. This composition also makes the coin durable and resistant to corrosion.
The Brazil Real coin has a diameter of 17.5 mm to 25.5 mm, depending on the denomination. This size range allows for easy handling and storage.
The coin's weight ranges from 3.5 grams to 8.5 grams, depending on the denomination. This weight range ensures that the coin is substantial and feels substantial in the hand.
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Modern Brazilian Currency
The modern Brazilian Real has been around since the early 1690s, with the name "Real" surviving all the way to the present day, except for a brief period between 1942 and 1994.
The modern Real is issued by the Banco Central do Brazil, and its international standard currency code is BRL. Its sign is "R$" and the plural form is "reais".
The Real is divided into 100 equal centavos, and at the time of writing, the US Dollar is equivalent to 3.76 reais.
Origins and History
The Brazilian real has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. The country had different currencies due to economic problems, with the real being the single currency from the mid-17th century until 1942.
It was known as “réis” in the plural form, and later the cruzeiro was imposed, divided into 100 centavos, remaining in circulation until 1986. The cruzeiro was replaced by the cruzado in 1986, which was divided into 100 cents.
The cruzado was short-lived, being replaced by the cruzeiro real in 1993, equivalent to 1,000 cruzeiros. However, the cruzeiro real was only in circulation for a year before the country returned to the Brazilian real in 1994.
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The current real was created in 1994, with the government investing 10 million dollars to put it in circulation. Banknotes were printed at the “Casa de la Moneda” in Rio de Janeiro, and 900 million coins were distributed.
The Brazilian real has undergone several reforms, with new series being issued in 1998 and 2010 to improve security and prevent counterfeiting.
The 1 Coin
The 1 Real coin features Marajoara art and the effigy of the Republic, also known as "Efígie da República".
The Republic's effigy is a symbol used in both Brazil and Portugal, and she's often depicted wearing a crown of bay leaves and a phrygian cap.
Marajó is an island on the Amazon estuary, roughly the size of Switzerland, and it's famous for its ceramic pottery featuring the same Marajoara art that's on the 1 Real coin.
Brazil first became a republic in 1889, and this symbol became widely used to signify it.
The 1 Real coin has a portrait of the Republic in the inner part, which is a safety element of the coin.
In the outer ring, you'll find a sample of Marajoara art pattern and the legend "BRASIL".
The inner part of the coin features the sphere overlapped by a sash, which, along with the Southern Cross, is allusive to the Brazilian Flag, followed by "REAL" and the year of minting.
Modern Brazilian Currency
The modern Brazilian real has a rich history, having been around since the early 1690s. It's amazing that the name "Real" has survived for so long.
The current Brazilian real is issued by the Banco Central do Brazil, and its international standard currency code is BRL. You might see the sign "R$" used to denote the real.
The modern real is divided into 100 equal centavos, which is a useful fact to know when traveling to Brazil. This division makes it easier to break down larger bills into smaller denominations.
You can find coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as one real coins. Coins are made with a unique combination of materials, featuring a bronze-coated steel ring and a stainless steel centre.
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Plano
The Plano Real was a game-changer for Brazil's economy in 1994.
Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the Minister for Finance at the time, led the campaign to control inflation and stabilize the currency.
The Plano Real introduced the "Unidade Real de Valor" (URV), a non-monetary currency used as a reference against the cruzeiro-real, thus being free from the effects of hyperinflation.
This plan involved a series of economic reforms, including control of expenditure through high interest rates and liberal trade policies.
The Plano Real initially worked, and the real gained value against the US dollar, backed by large capital investments in Brazil, particularly in 1994 and 1995.
The plan's success was short-lived, and the real experienced a gradual downfall, culminating in a crisis in 1999.
Current Currency
The modern Real, Brazil's currency, has been around since the early 1690s, making it a long-standing symbol of the country's economy. Its name has survived despite a brief period between 1942 and 1994 when the Brazilian cruzeiro took its place.
The modern Real is issued by the Banco Central do Brazil, the Central Bank of Brazil, and its international standard currency code is BRL. The plural form of the Real is "reais" and its sign is "R$".
Today, the Real is divided into 100 equal centavos, providing a clear and practical way to understand the currency's structure. At the time of writing, the US Dollar is equivalent to 3.76 reais.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Brazilian money called real?
The Brazilian currency is called "real" because it originated from the Portuguese currency of the same name, meaning "royal" in Portuguese. This name was adopted in Brazil during the colonial era and has been used ever since.
Who is on the Brazilian 1 real coin?
The Brazilian 1 real coin features the Effigy of the Republic, a female personification of the country. She represents the Federative Republic of Brazil.
Sources
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces8896.html
- https://www.travel-brazil-selection.com/informations/essential-information/brazilian-currency/
- https://www.bcb.gov.br/dinheirobrasileiro/en/segunda-familia-moedas.html
- https://www.global-exchange.ch/en/currencies-of-the-world/brazilian-real
- https://coincollecting.fandom.com/wiki/Brazilian_Real
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