2 cruzeiros 1956

Common. While this is an attractive mid-20th century Brazilian note, historical eBay sales data shows consistent trading in the $1-$4 range for uncirculated specimens, with only professionally graded PMG examples (65-66) commanding prices of $15-$28. The note was issued in substantial quantities during the 1954-1958 period, and survivors in circulated and uncirculated condition remain readily available to collectors. The AU grade represents nice quality but not exceptional rarity; such notes are reliably available in the marketplace.

Issued by Brazil's Tesouro Nacional (National Treasury) during the mid-1950s, this note commemorates two significant aspects of Brazilian national identity: Duque de Caxias, the revered military hero and founder of the Brazilian Army, and the Military School of Rezende, an important institutional symbol of national defense and education. The 'Valor Recebido' (Value Received) designation indicates this was part of Brazil's formal currency system during a period of economic reorganization following World War II, reflecting the nation's modernization efforts and institutional pride in its military heritage.

The obverse features a formal portrait medallion of Duque de Caxias (Luis Alves de Lima e Silva, 1803-1880), Brazil's most celebrated military commander, depicted in three-quarter profile wearing his full dress military uniform with medals and decorative insignia on the chest. The portrait is enclosed within an ornate oval frame and flanked by decorative coat-of-arms elements incorporating crosses and elaborate scrollwork. The field behind and around the portrait consists of complex blue and beige geometric guilloché patterns that serve both aesthetic and security purposes. The denomination '2' appears in ornamental frames at all four corners in red. The reverse depicts the Escola Militar de Rezende (now part of Brazil's military academy system) as a bird's-eye view of an institutional compound with multiple rectangular buildings arranged systematically along roads, with mountainous terrain in the background. This architectural vignette is rendered in warm orange and tan monochrome engraving with fine detail work. The border design is consistent with contemporary Brazilian currency standards, with denomination markers and printer attribution clearly visible.

FRONT: 'REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL' (Republic of the United States of Brazil) | 'SE PAGARA AO PORTADOR' (Payable to Bearer) | 'DESTA QUANTIA DE' (Of this amount of) | 'TESOURO NACIONAL' (National Treasury) | 'DOIS CRUZEIROS VALOR RECEBIDO' (Two Cruzeiros Value Received) | 'DUQUE DE CAXIAS' (Duke of Caxias) | 'SERIE 1079-A' (Series 1079-A) | 'DIRETOR CAIXA DE AMORTIZACAO' (Director of Amortization Fund) | 'MINISTRO DA FAZENDA' (Minister of Finance) | Serial number: 044650 | 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification) | BACK: 'REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL' (Republic of the United States of Brazil) | 'ESCOLA MILITAR DE REZENDE' (Military School of Rezende) | 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification)

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on steel plates, a premium security printing method. Produced by the American Bank Note Company, New York—one of the world's foremost currency printers during this era. The intricate geometric guilloché patterns, fine line work in the portrait, and detailed architectural rendering on the reverse are all characteristic of ABNC's masterful engraving capability. No evidence of photographic reproduction; this is entirely hand-engraved work typical of 1950s currency production standards.

Pick 151b designation indicates this is a cataloged variety of the 1956 series. The visual analysis confirms Series 1079-A with serial number format 044650, consistent with the 901-1135 series range noted in community catalogs. The note features two printed signatures, standard for this issue type. No overprints or unusual varieties are visible; this represents the standard regular issue from the documented 1954-1958 period of circulation.