Brazilian real

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Brazilian real
Real brasileiro (Portuguese)
Novas cedulas real thumb11-450x309.jpg 200 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg
Banknotes of reais (from 2 reais to 100 reais)200 reais banknote
ISO 4217
CodeBRL (numeric:986)
Subunit 0.01
Unit
Unitreal
Pluralreais
Symbol $,R$
Nicknamepila, prata, mango, pau, conto , réis (plural)
Denominations
Subunit
1100 centavo
BanknotesR$ 2, R$ 5, R$ 10, R$ 20, R$ 50, R$ 100, R$ 200
Coins
Freq. used5, 10, 25, 50 centavos, and R$ 1
Rarely used1 centavo
Demographics
Date of introduction1 July 1994
Replaced Cruzeiro Real
User(s) Brazil
Issuance
Central bank Central Bank of Brazil
Website www.bcb.gov.br
Printer Casa da Moeda do Brasil
Website www.casadamoeda.gov.br
Mint Casa da Moeda do Brasil
Website www.casadamoeda.gov.br
Valuation
Inflation 3.94% (May 2023)
Source agenciadenoticias.ibge.gov.br
Method CPI

The Brazilian real (pl. reais; sign: R$; code: BRL) is the official currency of Brazil. It is subdivided into 100 centavos. The Central Bank of Brazil is the central bank and the issuing authority. The real replaced the cruzeiro real in 1995.

Contents

As of April 2019, the real was the twentieth most traded currency. [1]

History

Currencies in use before the current real include:

The current real was introduced in 1994 at 1 real = 2,750 cruzeiros reais.

The modern real (Portuguese plural reais or English plural reals) was introduced on 1 July 1994, during the presidency of Itamar Franco, when Rubens Ricupero was the Minister of Finance as part of a broader plan to stabilize the Brazilian economy, known as the Plano Real. The new currency replaced the short-lived cruzeiro real (CR$). The reform included the demonetisation of the cruzeiro real and required a massive banknote replacement.

At its introduction, the real was defined to be equal to 1 unidade real de valor (URV, "real value unit") a non-circulating currency unit. At the same time, the URV was defined to be worth 2,750 cruzeiros reais, which was the average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the cruzeiro real on that day. As a consequence, the real was worth exactly one U.S. dollar as it was introduced; that was equivalent to R$10in 2020. Combined with all previous currency changes in the country's history, this reform made the new real equal to 2.75 × 1018 (2.75 quintillion) of Brazil's original réis.

Soon after its introduction, the real unexpectedly gained value against the U.S. dollar, due to large capital inflows in late 1994 and 1995. During that period it attained its maximum dollar value ever, about US$1.20=R$1. Between 1996 and 1998 the exchange rate was tightly controlled by the Central Bank of Brazil, so that the real depreciated slowly and smoothly to the dollar, dropping from near US$1=R$1 to about US$1=R$1.2 by the end of 1998. In January 1999 the deterioration of the international markets, disrupted by the Russian default, forced the Central Bank, under its new president Arminio Fraga, to float the exchange rate. This decision produced a major devaluation, to a rate of almost US$1=R$2. [2]

In the following years, the currency's value against the dollar followed an erratic but mostly downward path from 1999 until late 2002, when the prospect of the election of leftist candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, considered a radical populist by sectors of the financial markets, prompted another currency crisis and a spike in inflation. Many Brazilians feared another default on government debts or a resumption of heterodox economic policies and rushed to exchange their reais into tangible assets or foreign currencies.

The crisis subsided once Lula took office, after he, his finance minister Antonio Palocci, and Arminio Fraga reaffirmed their intention to continue the orthodox macroeconomic policies of his predecessor (including inflation-targeting, primary fiscal surplus and floating exchange rate, as well as continued payments of the public debt). The value of the real in dollars continued to fluctuate but generally upwards, so that by 2005 the exchange was a little over US$1=R$2. In May 2007, for the first time since 2001 (six years), the real became worth more than US$0.50 — even though the Central Bank, concerned about its effect on the Brazilian economy, had tried to keep it below that symbolic threshold. Lula started his government in 01/01/2003 with an exchange rate of US$1=R$3.52 and finished it in 12/31/2010 with an exchange rate of US$1=R$1.66. [3]

The exchange rate as of September 2015 was US$1=R$4.05. After a period of gradual recovery, it reached US$1=R$3 by February 2017.

Jair Bolsonaro's tenure, initially welcomed with enthusiasm by the financial markets, started with US$1=R$3.86. Fueled by meager results of the economy, quick disenchantment followed, resulting in a lack of foreign investments and a real's strong depreciation. [4] On 13 May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, which deeply affected Brazil, [5] the real reached a historical low against the US dollar, being negotiated at US$1=R$5.90. [6]

Following Lula's reelection in the 2022 general elections, the market, which was expected to have reacted poorly, turned out favorable in the first week. [7] [8] The US dollar exchange hit its lowest point since 29 August 2022, dropping from roughly US$1=R$5.30 immediately before the second round of the election, to about US$1=R$5.05 a week after Lula's win.

Coins

First series (1994–1997)

Along with the first series of currency, coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50 centavos and 1 real on 30 June 1994; the 25 centavos piece was soon followed on 30 September 1994 due to the constant lack of change in intermediate values in the centavos range, which caused the validity of the old Cruzeiro and Cruzeiro Real banknotes to be extended for two months beyond what was initially intended for the exchange of banknotes and coins until then in circulation for new ones in the pattern that began to circulate in the second half of 1994. All were struck in stainless steel.

The coins issued in 1994 are identical in size and weight to the older cruzeiro real coins, save for the 1-centavo piece which corresponded to the even older 1000-cruzeiro coin, as no CR$1 coin was made. This influenced the replacement of this family with a newer one in 1998.

The original 1-real coins, produced only in 1994, were demonetized on 23 December 2003 [9] due to how often it was counterfeited. [10] All other coins remain legal tender.

First series
ImageValueDesignEmission start dateWithdrawn
Brazil R$0.01 1997.jpg 1 centavoObverse: Large denomination flanked by linear patterns.
Reverse: Head of Republic.
1 July 1994Current
Brazil R$0.05 1995.jpg 5 centavosObverse: Large denomination flanked by linear patterns.
Reverse: Head of Republic.
10 centavos 1995 02.jpg 10 centavos 1995.jpg 10 centavosObverse: Large denomination flanked by linear patterns.
Reverse: Head of Republic.
Brazil R$0.50 1994.jpg 50 centavosObverse: Large denomination flanked by linear patterns.
Reverse: Head of Republic.
Brazil R$01 1994 coin.jpg 1 realObverse: Large denomination flanked by linear patterns.
Reverse: Head of Republic.
23 December 2003
Brazil R$0.25 1994.jpg 25 centavosObverse: Large denomination intersected by wavy lines.
Reverse: Head of Republic.
30 September 1994Current

Commemorative coins

In 1995, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Central Bank of Brazil released two commemorative variants of the 10 and 25 centavos coins.

Circulating commemorative coins of the Brazilian real's first series
ImageValueDetails
10 centavos fao.png 10 centavosRelease date: 31 May 1995
Occasion: The 50th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Units produced: 1 million for each design
Reverse: The 10 centavos coin depicts hands offering a plant shoot with folious ramifications, and the 25 centavos coin depicts crop cultivation. Both coins contain the inscriptions "FAO—1945/1995" and "alimentos para todos" (food for all). [11] [12]
25 centavos fao.png 25 centavos

Additionally, non-circulating commemorative coins have also been minted, with non-standard face values – namely R$2, R$3, R$4 and R$20 coins. [13] Although worth more than their face value to collectors, they are nevertheless legal tender. [14]

Non-circulating commemorative coins of the Brazilian real's first series
ValueDetails
2 reaisRelease date: 4 October 1994
Occasion: 300th anniversary of the Brazilian mint (1694–1994)
Units produced: 7 thousand
4 reaisRelease date: 23 December 1994
Occasion: Commemorating Brazil's 4th FIFA World Cup win
Units produced: 9 thousand
20 reaisRelease date: 10 February 1995
Occasion: Commemorating Brazil's 4th FIFA World Cup win
Units produced: 2 thousand
3 reaisRelease date: 31 March 1995
Occasion: 30th anniversary of the Central Bank of Brazil (1965–1995)
Units produced: 5 thousand
2 reaisRelease date: 4 December 1995
Occasion: Tribute to Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna (1960–1994)
Units produced: 10 thousand
20 reaisRelease date: 4 December 1995
Occasion: Tribute to Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna (1960–1994)
Units produced: 5 thousand
3 reaisRelease date: 24 October 1997
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the city of Belo Horizonte, capital of the state of Minas Gerais
Units produced: 20 thousand

Second series (1998–present)

Separated parts of the second series, post-2002 R$1 coin 1-real-2018-separado.png
Separated parts of the second series, post-2002 R$1 coin

In 1998, a second series of coins was introduced. It featured copper-plated steel coins of 1 and 5 centavos, bronze-plated steel 10 and 25 centavos, cupronickel 50 centavos coin, and a bimetallic nickel-brass and cupronickel coin of 1 real. In 2002 cupronickel was replaced with stainless steel for the 50-centavo coin and the central part of the 1-real coin, and the nickel-brass ring was changed to a bronze-plated steel one. [10] [15]

In November 2005, the Central Bank discontinued the production of the 1 centavo coins, but the existing ones continue to be legal tender. Retailers now generally round their prices to the next 5 or 10 centavos.[ citation needed ]

Second series
ImageValueDesign
1-centavo-real-2003.png 1 centavo
(no longer produced)
Obverse: The Southern Cross in right upper side.
Reverse: Depicts Pedro Álvares Cabral, Portuguese sea captain and Brazil's colonizer, with a 16th-century Portuguese ship in the background.
Brazil R$0.05 2010.jpg 5 centavosObverse: The Southern Cross in right upper side.
Reverse: Depicts Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (also known as Tiradentes), martyr of an early independence movement known as the Minas Conspiracy. In the background, a triangle, symbol of the movement, and a dove, symbol of peace and freedom.
Brazil R$0.10 1998.jpg 10 centavosObverse: The Southern Cross in right upper side.
Reverse: Depicts Emperor Pedro I, Brazil's first monarch. In the background, the Emperor on a horse: a scene alluding to the proclamation of independence.
Brazil R$0.25 2013.jpg 25 centavosObverse: The Southern Cross in right upper side.
Reverse: Depicts Field Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, Brazil's first Republican president. The Republic's coat of arms is in the background.
Brazil R$0.50 2013.jpg 50 centavosObverse: The Southern Cross in right upper side.
Reverse: Depicts José Paranhos, Jr., the Baron of Rio Branco, the country's most distinguished Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the background, image of the country with ripples expanding outwards, representing the development of Brazil's foreign policy and the expansion and demarcation of the national borders.
Brazil R$01 2013.jpg 1 realObverse: The Southern Cross in right upper side.
Reverse: Outer ring depicts a sample of the marajoara art pattern. In the inner ring, the Efígie da República , symbol of the Republic.

In November 2019, the Central Bank had the Royal Dutch Mint produce 5 centavos and 50 centavos coins, which have a distinctive letter "A" to indicate they weren't minted by Casa da Moeda. [16]

Commemorative coins

Commemorative 1 real coins for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro. Left, allegory to Olympic boxing, right, allegory to Paralympic swimming. Rio 2016 coins 7928.jpg
Commemorative 1 real coins for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro. Left, allegory to Olympic boxing, right, allegory to Paralympic swimming.

On occasion, the Central Bank of Brazil has issued special commemorative versions of some of the standard coins. These commemorative coins are legal tender, and usually differ from the standard design only on their reverse side.

Circulating commemorative coins of the Brazilian real's second series
ImageValueDetails
1-real-1998-direitos-humanos.png 1 realRelease date: 10 December 1998
Occasion: The 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Units produced: 600 thousand
Reverse: The official logo of the commemorations; in bas-relief, a human figure. In the outer ring, the inscriptions "Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos" (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and "Cinqüentenário" (50th anniversary). [17]
1 real Juscelino Kubitschek.png 1 realRelease date: 12 September 2002
Occasion: The 100th birth anniversary of Brazilian former president Juscelino Kubitschek
Units produced: 50 million
Reverse: A face portrait of Kubitschek. Vertically, the inscription "Centenário Juscelino Kubitschek" (Juscelino Kubitschek's centenary). In the outer ring, images alluding to the columns of the Alvorada Palace, the presidential residence in Brasília, the city that he decided would be built. [18]
1 real Central Bank.png 1 realRelease date: 23 September 2005
Occasion: The 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Central Bank of Brazil
Units produced: 40 million
Reverse: Image of the trademark Central Bank building, inspired in the official logo developed for the commemorations. In the outer ring, the inscriptions "Banco Central do Brasil" (Central Bank of Brazil) and "1965 40 anos 2005" (1965 40 years 2005). [19]
1 real Flag Handover.png 1 realRelease date: 13 August 2012
Occasion: The Olympic Flag Handover for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics
Units produced: 2 million
Reverse: The Olympic Flag in a pole above the official logo of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. In the outer ring, the inscriptions "Entrega da Bandeira Olímpica" (Olympic Flag Handover) and "Londres 2012—Rio 2016" (London 2012—Rio 2016) [20]
1Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Atletism).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Swimming).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Paratriathlon).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Golf).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Basketball).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Sailing).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Paracanoe).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Rugby).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Soccer).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Volleyball).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Paralympic Athletics).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Judo).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Boxing).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Paralympic Swimming).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Olympic Mascot).png 1 Real (Olympic Games Rio 2016 - Paralympic Mascot).png 1 realRelease dates: 28 November 2014, 17 April 2015, 7 August 2015, 19 February 2016 (four sets of four designs)
Occasion: 2016 Summer Olympics
Units produced: 20 million for each design
Reverse: Sixteen coin designs, representing athletics (triple jump), swimming, paralympic triathlon, golf, basketball, sailing, paralympic canoeing, rugby, football, volleyball, paralympic athletics (running), judo, boxing, paralympic swimming, and each mascot of the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. [20]
1 Real (50 Years of Central Bank).png 1 realRelease date: 30 March 2015
Occasion: The 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Central Bank of Brazil
Units produced: 50 million
Reverse: The Central Bank building, its logo, and the inscription "50 anos" (50 years). [20]
1-real-2019-25-anos.png 1 realRelease date: 28 August 2019
Occasion: The 25th anniversary of the creation of the Plano Real (Real Plan)
Units produced: 25 million
Reverse: A hummingbird feeding its chicks, based on the image of the 1 real banknote.

Similarly to the first series, non-circulating commemorative coins have also been minted, with the following non-standard face values: R$2, R$5, R$10 and R$20 coins. [13] Likewise, even if they are worth more than their face value to collectors, they are nevertheless legal tender. [14]

There were 18 types of non-circulating commemorative coins released from 2000 through 2009:

Non-circulating commemorative coins of the Brazilian real's second series (2000–2009)
ValueDetails
5 reaisRelease date: 27 October 2000
Occasion: 500th anniversary of Brazil's discovery by the Portuguese (1500–2000)
Units produced: 15.286
20 reaisRelease date: 27 October 2000
Occasion: 500th anniversary of Brazil's discovery by the Portuguese (1500–2000)
Units produced: 6.558
2 reaisRelease date: 12 September 2002
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Juscelino Kubitschek (1902–2002)
Units produced: 11.414
20 reaisRelease date: 12 September 2002
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Juscelino Kubitschek (1902–2002)
Units produced: 2.499
2 reaisRelease date: 12 December 2002
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Carlos Drummond de Andrade (1902–2002)
Units produced: 6.959
20 reaisRelease date: 12 December 2002
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Carlos Drummond de Andrade (1902–2002)
Units produced: 2.499
5 reaisRelease date: 20 December 2002
Occasion: Commemorating Brazil's 5th FIFA World Cup win
Units produced: 9.999
20 reaisRelease date: 20 December 2002
Occasion: Commemorating Brazil's 5th FIFA World Cup win
Units produced: 2.499
2 reaisRelease date: 2 August 2003
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Ary Barroso (1903–2003)
Units produced: 4.958
20 reaisRelease date: 2 August 2003
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Ary Barroso (1903–2003)
Units produced: 2.481
2 reaisRelease date: 18 December 2003
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the birth of Candido Portinari (1903–2003)
Units produced: 2 thousand
2 reaisRelease date: 30 January 2004
Occasion: 100th anniversary of FIFA (1904–2004)
Units produced: 12.166
20 reaisRelease date: 30 January 2004
Occasion: 100th anniversary of FIFA (1904–2004)
Units produced: 4.060
2 reaisRelease date: 23 October 2006
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the Santos-Dumont 14-bis' famous flight (1906–2006)
Units produced: 4 thousand
2 reaisRelease date: 4 April 2007
Occasion: Commemorating the 2007 Pan American Games, which took place in Rio de Janeiro
Units produced: 10 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 4 April 2007
Occasion: Commemorating the 2007 Pan American Games, which took place in Rio de Janeiro
Units produced: 4 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 4 April 2007
Occasion: 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese royal family (1808–2008)
Units produced: 2 thousand
2 reaisRelease date: 18 June 2008
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigration to Brazil (via the Kasato Maru ship) (1908–2008)
Units produced: 10 thousand

From 2010 through 2019, 15 types of non-circulating commemorative coins were released:

Non-circulating commemorative coins of the Brazilian real's second series (2010–2019)
ValueDetails
5 reaisRelease date: 21 April 2010
Occasion: 50th anniversary of the foundation of Brasília, capital of Brazil (1960–2010)
Units produced: 6 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 21 May 2010
Occasion: Commemorating the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Units produced: 9 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 1 July 2011
Occasion: 100th anniversary of Ouro Preto, former capital of Minas Gerais (1711–2011)
Units produced: 2 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 13 August 2012
Occasion: The Olympic Flag Handover for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics
Units produced: 14.127
5 reaisRelease date: 29 October 2012
Occasion: Commemorating the United Nations's International Year of Cooperatives (2012)
Units produced: 5 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 15 November 2012
Occasion: Commemorating the city of Goiás, former capital of the state of Goiás
Units produced: 3 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 6 December 2013
Occasion: Commemorating the city of Diamantina, Minas Gerais
Units produced: 3 thousand
10 reaisRelease date: 29 January 2014
Occasion: Commemorating the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Brazil
Units produced: 5 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 29 January 2014
Occasion: Commemorating the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Brazil
Units produced (2 versions): 17.819 (mascot); 19.038 (globe)
2 reaisRelease date: 29 January 2014
Occasion: Commemorating the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Brazil
Units produced (6 versions): 19.959 (goalkeeper); 19.929 (chest); 19.723 (heading); 19.802 (pass); 19.952 (dribble); 19.993 (goal)
10 reaisRelease date: 28 November 2014 (100 metres); 17 April 2015 (pole vault); 7 August 2015 (freestyle wrestling); 19 February 2016 (Olympic torch)
Occasion: Commemorating the 2016 Summer Olympics, which took place in Rio de Janeiro
Units produced: 5 thousand (each)
5 reaisRelease date: 28 November 2014; 17 April 2015; 7 August 2015; 19 February 2016
Occasion: Commemorating the 2016 Summer Olympics, which took place in Rio de Janeiro
Units produced (4 versions): 18.700 + 17.500 + 18 thousand + 13.850 (rowing); 18.700 + 17.500 + 17 thousand + 13.900 (cycling); 18.700 + 17.500 + 17 thousand + 13.300 (athletics); 18.700 + 17.500 + 17.759 + 13.750 (beach volleyball)
5 reaisRelease date: 5 December 2014
Occasion: Commemorating the city of São Luís, capital of Maranhão
Units produced: 3 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 3 December 2015
Occasion: Commemorating the city of Salvador, capital of Bahia
Units produced: 3 thousand
5 reaisRelease date: 25 November 2016
Occasion: Commemorating the city of Olinda, a city in Pernambuco
Units produced: 3 thousand

Since 2020, 2 types of non-circulating commemorative coins were released:

Non-circulating commemorative coins of the Brazilian real's second series (2020–2029)
ValueDetails
2 reaisRelease date: 26 July 2022
Occasion: 200th anniversary of the Independence of Brazil
Units produced: 19.001 (as of 19 January 2023)
5 reaisRelease date: 26 July 2022
Occasion: 200th anniversary of the Independence of Brazil
Units produced: 8.999 (as of 19 January 2023)

Trial strike controversy

Balsemao's trial strike, nicknamed the "Real Bromelia" or "Real Balsemao" 1 real Bromelia ou Balsemao (1997).jpg
Balsemão's trial strike, nicknamed the "Real Bromélia" or "Real Balsemão"

In 2011, a collector named Pedro Pinto Balsemão claimed to have found a trial strike of the R$1, with a never before seen design, completely different from circulating 1 real coins. [21] Despite the initial skepticism, it was later supposedly confirmed via FOIA  [ pt ] requests and interviews that Casa da Moeda do Brasil had minted trial strikes of the R$1 coin prior to the currency design change in 1998, with custom designs that were purposefully different to the final product as to avoid leaks. [22] [23]

In May 2021, however, Bentes Group published an explanation as to why the "Real Bromélia" was not included in their Brazilian coins catalog. They claim to have done extensive research into the piece, and to have concluded that it is not a trial strike or test coin, but instead a sort of vending machine token with no numismatic value. [24]

Banknotes

First series (1994–2010)

In 1994, banknotes print "A" were issued by Casa da Moeda do Brasil in the amounts of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 reais, in addition to supplementary issues of banknotes ordered abroad in the values of 5, 10 and 50 reais of the print "B" produced abroad by the companies Giesecke+Devrient, Thomas de la Rue and François-Charles Oberthur Fiduciaire respectively. In 1997, modified banknotes of 1 real (print "B"), 5 and 10 reais (print "C") were launched, bearing the national flag as a watermark instead of the effigy of the republic in order to reduce the risk of such banknotes being used for counterfeiting banknotes at higher denominations. In 2000, the 10 reais commemorative banknote (print "D") was launched, and this banknote was the first polymer banknote to be issued in the country. In 2000 and 2001, the 2 and 20 reais banknotes were launched, respectively, using the sea turtle and the golden lion tamarin in the watermark and theme, and the 20 reais banknote was the first to make use of holographic elements on the Brazilian banknotes. In 2003, the print "C" of the 1 real banknote was put into circulation, which would have the name "República Federativa do Brasil" at the top in the place where the name "Banco Central do Brasil" was customarily placed, which was placed on the under the obverse of the bill, next to the word real. Such banknote ceased to be issued in 2005.

First series [25]
ImageValueDimensionsDescription
ObverseReverseObverseReverse
1 Brazil real First Obverse 01.jpg 1 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 1 real140 mm × 65 mmThe Republic's Effigy,
portrayed as a bust
Sapphire-spangled emerald hummingbird (Amazilia lactea)
2 Brazil real First Obverse.jpg 2 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 2 reais Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
5 Brazil real First Obverse.jpg 5 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 5 reais Great egret (Casmerodius albus)
10 Brazil real First Obverse.jpg 10 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 10 reais Green-winged macaw (Ara chlorepterus)
20 Brazil real First Obverse.jpg 20 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 20 reais Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)
50 Brazil real First Obverse.jpg 50 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 50 reais Jaguar (Onça pintada, Panthera onca)
100 Brazil real First Obverse.jpg 100 Brazil real First Reverse.jpg 100 reais Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)

Commemorative banknotes

In April 2000, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese arrival on Brazilian shores, the Brazilian Central Bank released a polymer 10 real banknote that circulated along with the other banknotes above. The Brazilian Mint printed 250 million of these notes, which at the time accounted for about half of the 10 real banknotes in circulation.

ObverseReverseValueYearMaterialDescription
10 real "500 Years Discovery of Brazil" Commemorative Issue Obverse.jpg 10 real "500 Years Discovery of Brazil" Commemorative Issue Reverse.jpg 10 reais2000 Polymer Obverse: Image of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the colonizer of Brazil.
Reverse: Stylized version of the map of Brazil, with pictures highlighting the ethnic and cultural plurality of the country.

Second series (2010–present)

On 3 February 2010, the Central Bank of Brazil announced the new series of the real banknotes which would begin to be released in April 2010. The new design added security enhancements in an attempt to reduce counterfeiting. The notes have different sizes according to their values to help vision-impaired people. The changes were made reflecting the growth of the Brazilian economy and the need for a stronger and safer currency. The new banknotes began to enter circulation in December 2010, coexisting with the older ones. [26] [27] On 29 July 2020, the Central Bank of Brazil announced the release of the 200 reais banknote. [28] It was released into circulation on 2 September 2020. [29]

Second series
ImageValueDimensionsMain colorDescriptionDate of first issueWatermark
ObverseReverseObverseReverse
2 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 2 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 2 reais121 mm × 65 mmBlueWave pattern; head of Republic Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)29 July 2013Hawksbill turtle and electrotype 2
5 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 5 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 5 reais128 mm x 65 mmPurplePlants; head of Republic Great egret (Casmerodius albus)29 July 2013Great egret and electrotype 5
10 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 10 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 10 reais135 mm × 65 mmRedPlants; head of Republic Green-winged macaw (Ara chlorepterus)23 July 2012Green-winged macaw and electrotype 10
20 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 20 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 20 reais142 mm × 65 mmYellowPlants; head of Republic Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)23 July 2012Golden lion tamarin and electrotype 20
50 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 50 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 50 reais149 mm × 70 mmBrownJungle plants; head of Republic Jaguar (Panthera onca)13 December 2010Jaguar and electrotype 50
100 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 100 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 100 reais156 mm × 70 mmCyanUnderwater plants and starfish; head of Republic; coral Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus); coral13 December 2010Dusky Grouper and electrotype 100
200 Brazil real Second Obverse.jpg 200 Brazil real Second Reverse.jpg 200 reais142 mm × 65 mmGreySavanna plants; head of Republic Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)2 September 2020Maned wolf and electrotype 200

Exchange rates

Current exchange rates

Current BRL exchange rates
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Historical exchange rate

Historical US$/BRL exchange rate with Lowest, Highest and Average rates Historical USD BRL exchange rate with Lowest, Highest and Average rates.png
Historical US$/BRL exchange rate with Lowest, Highest and Average rates
Historical US$/BRL exchange rate Historical USD BRL exchange rate.png
Historical US$/BRL exchange rate
The cost of one Euro in Brazilian real. Euro exchange rate to BRL.svg
The cost of one Euro in Brazilian real.
Brazilian Reais per US dollar 2002–2021
YearLowest ↓Highest ↑Average
DateRateDateRateRate
200211 April2.264010 October4.00502.9221
20032 July2.81814 February3.70003.0780
200430 December2.654022 May3.24202.9260
200511 November2.163015 March2.76602.4349
20065 May2.056024 May2.40502.1782
200714 November1.7325 January2.1531.948
200831 July1.56205 December2.62101.8349
200915 October1.6982 March2.45101.9974
201013 October1.65505 February1.89101.7603
201126 July1.528422 September1.95201.6750
201229 February1.69203 December2.13951.9546
201311 March1.943021 August2.45232.1576
201410 April2.182516 December2.76142.3531
201522 January2.555423 September4.24913.3910
201625 October3.102322 January4.17373.4300
201716 February3.039019 May3.37033.1855
201825 January3.146314 September4.20663.6644
20191 February3.644728 November4.26403.9437
20202 January4.019514 May5.88875.2420
202125 June4.914214 September5.87575.3975
DateRate
1994-07-011.00
1994-10-140.83
1995-02-150.88
1995-12-290.97
1996-06-111.00
1996-12-311.04
1997-12-311.12
1998-12-311.20
1999-01-121.21
1999-01-131.31
1999-01-291.98
1999-03-032.16
1999-04-301.66
1999-12-311.78
2000-12-311.96
2001-05-022.23
2001-10-152.78
2002-01-252.38
2002-04-122.27
2002-06-272.83
2002-09-303.87
2002-10-123.93
2002-10-223.96
2002-12-273.53
2003-02-183.61
2003-06-282.87
2003-09-302.93
2003-12-282.93
2004-03-312.91
2004-05-233.18
2004-06-283.10
2004-09-302.85
2004-12-282.69
2005-02-192.56
2005-03-262.73
2005-06-282.38
2005-09-252.26
2005-11-112.17
2005-12-282.36
2006-03-272.15
2006-05-072.05
2006-12-292.13
2007-11-071.73
2008-08-011.56
2009-03-032.42
2009-10-141.71
2010-12-301.66
2011-07-231.53
2012-03-181.79
2012-08-192.01
2013-03-312.01
2013-07-132.26
2013-11-012.23
2014-01-232.40
2014-02-062.40
2014-10-232.50
2014-12-162.75
2015-01-222.56
2015-02-022.71
2015-03-063.05
2015-03-193.29
2015-04-242.95
2015-04-282.88
2015-05-082.97
2015-05-293.18
2015-08-063.53
2015-09-013.69
2015-09-043.80
2015-09-173.88
2015-09-224.05
2015-09-244.24
2015-09-253.97
2015-10-023.94
2015-10-093.75
2015-11-203.69
2015-12-033.74
2015-12-093.73
2016-02-233.97
2016-03-133.58
2016-06-303.18
2016-10-253.10
2017-02-143.09
Most traded currencies by value
Currency distribution of global foreign exchange market turnover [30]
RankCurrency ISO 4217
code
Symbol or
abbreviation
Proportion of daily volumeGrowth rate (2019–2022)
April 2019April 2022
1 U.S. dollar USDUS$88.3%88.5%Increase2.svg 0.2%
2 Euro EUR32.3%30.5%Decrease2.svg 5.5%
3 Japanese yen JPY¥ / 16.8%16.7%Decrease2.svg 0.6%
4 Sterling GBP£12.8%12.9%Increase2.svg 0.7%
5 Renminbi CNY¥ / 4.3%7.0%Increase2.svg 62.7%
6 Australian dollar AUDA$6.8%6.4%Decrease2.svg 5.8%
7 Canadian dollar CADC$5.0%6.2%Increase2.svg 24%
8 Swiss franc CHFCHF4.9%5.2%Increase2.svg 6.1%
9 Hong Kong dollar HKDHK$3.5%2.6%Decrease2.svg 25.7%
10 Singapore dollar SGDS$1.8%2.4%Increase2.svg 33.3%
11 Swedish krona SEKkr2.0%2.2%Increase2.svg 10%
12 South Korean won KRW₩ / 2.0%1.9%Decrease2.svg 5%
13 Norwegian krone NOKkr1.8%1.7%Decrease2.svg 5.5%
14 New Zealand dollar NZDNZ$2.1%1.7%Decrease2.svg 19%
15 Indian rupee INR1.7%1.6%Decrease2.svg 5.8%
16 Mexican peso MXN$1.7%1.5%Decrease2.svg 11.7%
17 New Taiwan dollar TWDNT$0.9%1.1%Increase2.svg 22.2%
18 South African rand ZARR1.1%1.0%Decrease2.svg 9%
19 Brazilian real BRLR$1.1%0.9%Decrease2.svg 18.1%
20 Danish krone DKKkr0.6%0.7%Increase2.svg 16.6%
21 Polish złoty PLN0.6%0.7%Increase2.svg 16.6%
22 Thai baht THB฿0.5%0.4%Decrease2.svg 20%
23 Israeli new shekel ILS0.3%0.4%Increase2.svg 33.3%
24 Indonesian rupiah IDRRp0.4%0.4%Steady2.svg 0%
25 Czech koruna CZK0.4%0.4%Steady2.svg 0%
26 UAE dirham AEDد.إ0.2%0.4%Increase2.svg 100%
27 Turkish lira TRY1.1%0.4%Decrease2.svg 63.6%
28 Hungarian forint HUFFt0.4%0.3%Decrease2.svg 25%
29 Chilean peso CLPCLP$0.3%0.3%Steady2.svg 0%
30 Saudi riyal SAR0.2%0.2%Steady2.svg 0%
31 Philippine peso PHP0.3%0.2%Decrease2.svg 33.3%
32 Malaysian ringgit MYRRM0.2%0.2%Steady2.svg 0%
33 Colombian peso COPCOL$0.2%0.2%Steady2.svg 0%
34 Russian ruble RUB1.1%0.2%Decrease2.svg 81.8%
35 Romanian leu RONL0.1%0.1%Steady2.svg 0%
36 Peruvian sol PENS/0.1%0.1%Steady2.svg 0%
37 Bahraini dinar BHD.د.ب0.0%0.0%Steady2.svg 0%
38 Bulgarian lev BGNBGN0.0%0.0%Steady2.svg 0%
39 Argentine peso ARSARG$0.1%0.0%Decrease2.svg 100%
Other1.8%2.3%Increase2.svg 27.7%
Total [lower-alpha 1] 200.0%200.0%

See also

Notes

  1. The total sum is 200% because each currency trade is counted twice: once for the currency being bought and once for the one being sold. The percentages above represent the proportion of all trades involving a given currency, regardless of which side of the transaction it is on. For example, the US dollar is bought or sold in 88% of all currency trades, while the euro is bought or sold in 31% of all trades.

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References

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