2 cruzeiros 1956

Common. Despite the UNC condition grade being excellent, eBay market data consistently shows this note selling in the $10-25 range across multiple years (2014-2021), with catalog values listing UNC at only $1 and even PMG-graded examples (PMG 64-65) averaging $17-24. These low price points combined with evidence of regular circulation in numerous collector transactions indicate a substantial print run and ready availability on the secondary market. The series number range 601-900 noted in references further suggests a moderate-to-large production run.

Issued by Brazil's Tesouro Nacional (National Treasury) during the post-war economic transition period, this note commemorates two important Brazilian institutions: the military leader and statesman Duque de Caxias, a key figure in 19th-century Brazilian history, and the Escola Militar de Rezende, reflecting the nation's emphasis on military education and institutional development. The 'Valor Recebido' (Value Received) designation indicates this was part of Brazil's formal currency circulation during the transition from the Cruzeiro standard.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Duque de Caxias (Luis Alves de Lima e Silva, 1803-1880), a legendary Brazilian military commander and statesman, rendered within an ornate oval frame with baroque scrollwork and floral medallions in the corners. The color scheme employs turquoise as the dominant accent with pink/red and beige tones creating a classical, dignified appearance befitting the honored subject. The reverse presents an aerial perspective architectural rendering of the Escola Militar de Rezende, the prestigious military academy, depicted as a substantial institutional complex with multiple rectangular buildings arranged in a geometric pattern set against a landscape with rolling hills. The reverse employs warm orange and peach tones with white highlights, creating visual distinction from the obverse. Both sides feature intricate engraved details, denomination numerals in decorative cartouches, and the characteristic fine line work of high-quality intaglio production.

FRONT: 'REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL' (Republic of the United States of Brazil); 'SE PAGARÁ AO PORTADOR DESTA A QUANTIA DE' (Will be paid to the bearer of this the sum of); 'DOIS CRUZEIROS' (Two Cruzeiros); 'DUQUE DE CAXIAS' (Duke of Caxias); 'DO TESOURO NACIONAL' (Of the National Treasury); 'VALOR RECEBIDO' (Value Received); 'DIRETOR' (Director); 'CAIXA DE AMORTIZAÇÃO' (Amortization Fund); 'MINISTRO DA FAZENDA' (Minister of Finance); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution); Series number 6174, Serial number 0746498. BACK: 'REPÚBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL' (Republic of the United States of Brazil); 'ESCOLA MILITAR DE REZENDE' (Military School of Rezende); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution); Denomination '2' repeated in corner cartouches.

Intaglio engraving, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited of London, one of the world's premier security printers. The visual evidence of complex fine line work, intricate ornamental patterns, and the precision evident in both the portrait rendering and architectural details confirm the use of steel plate engraving with multiple color passes. The crisp impression and fine detail work visible in the UNC specimen are characteristic of Thomas de la Rue's renowned craftsmanship during this period.

This specimen is cataloged as P-157Ab, the variant distinguished by orange coloring on the reverse (as opposed to P-157A which features ochre on the back). Series number 6174 falls within the documented 601-900 series range. Two signatures are present as standard for this issue type. The note carries the 'VALOR RECEBIDO' (Value Received) designation as the official issuer attribution, which appears consistently across this Pick number's variants.