50 Cruzados Novos BRL #69

Front

Carlos Drummond de Andrade (1902–1987), widely regarded as Brazil's greatest modernist poet and one of the most influential writers in Brazilian literature. A civil servant and journalist from Minas Gerais, he wrote profound verse exploring universal themes of existence, love, and social consciousness. His work transformed Brazilian poetry and earned him global recognition, making him a natural choice to honour Brazilian cultural achievement on this short-lived currency. The note features his portrait wearing characteristic round glasses, with handwritten verse visible at left and the motto 'DEUS SEJA LOUVADO' (God be praised).

Back

Carlos Drummond de Andrade composing at his writing desk, shown in profile as he works at a typewriter. The right side displays verses from his poetry in Portuguese, celebrating the transformative power of words and human connection. This design emphasizes his role as a craftsman of language and Brazil's literary heritage during a period of economic transition.

History

The Cruzado Novo was introduced on 15 January 1989 as part of the Plano Verão economic stabilization plan, replacing the Cruzado at a rate of 1000:1. This short-lived currency was an attempt to combat Brazil's hyperinflation crisis, which had reached catastrophic levels in the late 1980s. The denomination '50 Cruzeiros' was overstamped as '50 Cruzados Novos' (visible on this note), representing a transitional issue. The Cruzado Novo lasted only 15 months before being replaced by the reintroduced Cruzeiro on 16 March 1990 at a 1:1 ratio. This series honoured Brazilian cultural figures, with Drummond de Andrade chosen for the 50 denomination. The ephemeral nature of this currency makes it a significant artifact of Brazil's tumultuous monetary history.