100 cruzeiros 1981
Market Prices
9 salesAbout This Note
This is a crisp, uncirculated example of Brazil's 100 Cruzeiros note from 1981, featuring the striking portrait of Marshal Floriano Peixoto on the obverse and the modernist National Congress building of Brasília on the reverse. The note exhibits excellent print quality with vibrant purple-pink and orange-brown tones, intricate geometric security line work throughout, and sharp, clean detail characteristic of Thomas de la Rue/Casa da Moeda do Brasil production. This represents a well-preserved mid-denomination Brazilian currency note from the early cruzeiro period.
Common. This is a regular-issue note with substantial print runs during the 1981 period. Secondary market data from eBay auctions shows consistent, low-value sales ranging from $1.25 to $20.50 across multiple condition grades over a decade-long period, with UNC examples selling around $6-6.50, indicating ready availability. No evidence of short print runs, recalls, or limited circulation supports a common classification.
Issued in 1981 during Brazil's military period, this note commemorates Marshal Floriano Peixoto, a key figure in Brazil's republican transition and second president of the First Republic (1891-1894). The reverse depicts the National Congress building in Brasília, the modernist capital city inaugurated in 1960 under President Juscelino Kubitschek, symbolizing Brazil's aspirations toward progress and democratic institutions during this complex period of the nation's history.
The obverse presents a portrait of Marshal Floriano Peixoto, a bearded military figure shown in profile facing left within an oval frame, dressed in formal military uniform with shoulder epaulettes. The denomination '100' appears in upper left and lower left corners. The reverse showcases a photograph of the National Congress of Brazil (Congresso Nacional) in Brasília, featuring the distinctive twin towers and modernist architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer, set within an oval frame against a cloudy sky. Both sides employ intricate geometric line patterns in the background as integral design and security elements, with purple-pink, orange-brown, and cream tones creating a sophisticated color palette typical of mid-period Brazilian currency design.
FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DO BRASIL' (Central Bank of Brazil), '100' and 'CEM CRUZEIROS' (One Hundred Cruzeiros - denomination in numerals and words), 'FLORIANO PEIXOTO' (the historical figure depicted), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'CONSELHO MONETÁRIO' (Monetary Council), 'BANCO CENTRAL' (Central Bank). Serial number components: 'A11355' and '053841'. BACK: '100' and 'CEM CRUZEIROS' (denomination repeated), 'BANCO CENTRAL DO BRASIL' (Central Bank of Brazil), 'CONGRESSO NACIONAL - BRASÍLIA' (National Congress - Brasília), 'CASA DA MOEDA DO BRASIL' (Brazilian Mint/Casa da Moeda do Brasil - the official printer).
Intaglio engraving combined with photographic reproduction, executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, with imprint credit to Casa da Moeda do Brasil (Brazilian Mint). The security design features concentric circular line work, fine geometric pattern backgrounds, and detailed engraved elements characteristic of high-security banknote production. The National Congress building on the reverse demonstrates particularly sophisticated photographic intaglio technique.
This note displays characteristics of the P-195Ab variety. Observable serial number prefix 'A11355' and series numbering placement conform to documented 1981 production. No overprints or unusual signature varieties are visible in the images provided. The five-digit series number position above the serial number aligns with cataloged specifications for this issue. Standard 1981-period printing by Casa da Moeda do Brasil.
