5 cruzeiros 1962

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales across multiple grades with UNC examples regularly selling for $1.50–$6.84 from 2013–2023, and even PMG-graded examples (PMG 65–67) typically selling in the $10–$30 range. The 2019 catalogue value of $1.25 in UNC condition further confirms this note's common status in the market. Print series numbers ranging from 76–111 and the straightforward issue history indicate this was produced in sufficient quantities for regular circulation. There is no evidence of limited mintage, recall status, or scarcity factors that would elevate it beyond common status.

This note was issued during a transformative period in Brazilian monetary history, following the 1960 currency reform that introduced the Cruzeiro as the primary currency unit. The imagery reflects Brazil's national identity and natural heritage—the allegorical figure represents the Brazilian nation or liberty, while the Vitória Régia (Victoria amazonica) water lily celebrates the Amazon region's unique biodiversity, a symbol of Brazilian national pride. Issued by the Tesouro Nacional (National Treasury) with the 'Valor Recebido' (Value Received) designation, it represents the government's direct monetary authority during this period of economic transition.

The obverse features a male portrait in profile facing right with shoulder-length hair positioned on the right side of the note, though specific identification of the portrayed individual is not definitively established from the visual analysis. The primary allegorical element—a torch-bearing figure representing Brazil or Liberty—is positioned on the left within a seascape or landscape setting, embodying classical republican iconography. The design is framed by an ornate decorative border with geometric patterns and corner rosettes, with large numerals '5' in ornamental style. The reverse depicts the Vitória Régia (Victoria amazonica), the iconic giant water lily of the Amazon region, rendered in a naturalistic landscape scene with water and vegetation. Both sides feature complex engraved ornamental elements in all four corners and maintain the brown and tan color palette throughout. The overall design exemplifies early 1960s Brazilian banknote aesthetics with classical engraved portraiture and symbolic national imagery.

FRONT SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL' (Republic of the United States of Brazil) | 'NO TESOURO NACIONAL SE PAGARÁ AO PORTADOR DESTA A QUANTIA DE' (The National Treasury will pay to the bearer of this the sum of) | 'CINCO CRUZEIROS' (Five Cruzeiros) | 'VALOR RECEBIDO' (Value Received) | 'MINISTRO DA FAZENDA' (Minister of Finance) | 'DIRETOR' (Director) | 'CAIXA DE AMORTIZAÇÕES' (Amortization Fund) | 'ESTAMPA 3 SÉRIE 093' and 'ESTAMPA 1 SÉRIE 098' (Print 3 Series 093 / Print 1 Series 098) | Serial number: 0030070. BACK SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL' (Republic of the United States of Brazil) | 'VITÓRIA RÉGIA' (Victoria Regia water lily) | 'CASA DA MOEDA DO BRASIL' (Brazilian Mint).

Intaglio (copperplate/steel engraving), the primary security printing method for this era. This is evidenced by the fine line engraving visible throughout both sides, the complex ornamental patterns with varying line densities, the detailed botanical illustration of the Vitória Régia, and the multiple signature spaces for officials. The Casa da Moeda do Brasil (Brazilian Mint) employed traditional intaglio techniques for producing this denomination, which created the characteristic sharp detail and security features that would be difficult to reproduce through other printing methods.

Series 093 and Series 098 are documented on the observed specimen. The note displays 'ESTAMPA 3 SÉRIE 093' on one side and 'ESTAMPA 1 SÉRIE 098' on another, indicating printer marks typical of Casa da Moeda production batches. The realbanknotes.com reference notes series range of 76–111 for this denomination, with this particular note falling within that established range. No major over-print varieties or significant design modifications are apparent from the visual analysis; this represents a standard regular issue variant of Pick P-166b.