1 cruzeiro 1954

Common. This is a regular-issue banknote with substantial print runs (series numbers noted in the 1801-2700 range indicate broad circulation), and eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $0.59-$3.25 range for UNC specimens over the past decade, with only premium-graded examples (PMG 66+) achieving higher prices around $22.50. Common circulation patterns and widespread availability make this a staple of Brazilian currency collections rather than a sought-after rarity.

Issued during the presidency of Getúlio Vargas's second term (1951-1954), this note commemorates two pillars of Brazilian national identity: Marquês de Tamandaré, the celebrated 19th-century naval hero, and the Escola Naval, reflecting Brazil's maritime heritage and military modernization during the post-war period. The 'Valor Recebido' (Value Received) designation on the obverse indicates this was part of the Treasury-backed currency series during a period of economic stabilization following Brazil's transition to the cruzeiro currency in 1942.

The obverse features a central oval portrait of Marquês de Tamandaré (Joaquim Gomes Tupiassú, Baron of Tamandaré, 1807-1897), the renowned Brazilian naval commander, rendered in fine engraved detail showing his bearded visage adorned with military medals and insignia. The portrait is surrounded by elaborate decorative frames and intricate guilloche patterns in blue and tan, with large ornamental numerals '1' positioned in the lower corners. The reverse depicts the Escola Naval (Naval School) situated on the waterfront in Rio de Janeiro, rendered as a substantial multi-story institutional building overlooking water with landscape elements in the background. Decorative coat of arms shields with rampant lions occupy the corner frames. The overall design represents the highest standards of Security Printing Bureau engraving, with multiple layers of fine-line work creating sophisticated anti-counterfeiting visual complexity.

OBVERSE: 'República dos Estados Unidos do Brasil' (Republic of the United States of Brazil); 'Se Pagará ao Portador' (Payable to the Bearer); 'Desta a Quantia de' (Of this the amount of); 'Um Cruzeiro' (One Cruzeiro); 'Valor Recebido' (Value Received); 'Série 2124A' (Series 2124A); Serial number '040913'; 'Diretor Caixa de Amortização' (Director of the Amortization Fund); 'Ministro da Fazenda' (Minister of Finance); 'Do Tesouro Nacional' (Of the National Treasury); 'Marques de Tamandaré' (Marquis of Tamandaré); 'American Bank Note Company'. REVERSE: 'República dos' and 'Estados Unidos do Brasil' (Republic of the United States of Brazil); 'Escola Naval' (Naval School); 'American Bank Note Company'.

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The note exhibits characteristics typical of high-security currency production: deep impression from raised steel plates, intricate guilloche patterns, fine-line portraiture with detailed cross-hatching, and multi-color registration precision. The multiple serial numbers and series designations were likely applied through additional intaglio or letterpress operations. Security features include the complexity of the engraved designs themselves, which serve as the primary anti-counterfeiting mechanism on this era of Brazilian currency.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-150b, one of the catalogued variants of the 1954 1 Cruzeiro issue. The series designation '2124A' visible on this example places it within the documented print range. The note carries two printed signatures (positions for 'Diretor Caixa de Amortização' and 'Ministro da Fazenda'), consistent with the standard issue type. PMG records indicate a P-150d variant exists, suggesting minor differences may exist among specimens, though P-150b appears to be the primary catalogued variety for this printing period.