2016-12-21 Wed

In 1816, Dom Pedro I’s father, Joao VI became King of Portugal and Brazil. However, due to unavoidable circumstances he had to leave his son, Dom Pedro I as prince regent and return to Portugal. Recognising the current political situations in the “New World”, he advised Pedro to declare Brazil’s independence and claim the throne for himself rather than an adventurer taking over the country.

Thus, heeding to his father, wife and Chief Advisor along with the support of Brazilians who feared that the Portuguese would colonise them again, he declared the Independence of Brazil and established the Empire of Brazil on September 7th,1822 with himself as Emperor. In November 1823 after a war with Brazil, Portugal recognised Brazil’s independence after the latter paid GBR 2 million worth of compensation. Hence, Brazil became independent on 21st December 1823!

Central Bank of Brazil printed a 152 X 69 mm 5 Cruzeiros banknote in 1975 commemorating Dom Pedro I, First Emperor of Brazil. On the obverse is a portrait of Pedro at night in centre, 5 in watermark, serial number on top left and bottom right, denomination unit 5 on top right and middle left; writings : Banco Central Do Brasil on top, Cinco Cruzeiros in middle and signatures of Presidente Conselho Monetario – Mario Henrique Simonsen and Presidente de Banco Central Do Brazil – Paulo Hortencio Pereira Lira at bottom. On the reverse side is a picture of the Military Review at the Largo de Paco (Palace Square), denomination unit 5 on the top and bottom left-hand side, right side central and in watermark; writing: Banco Central Do Brasil on top and Cinco Cruzeiros at the bottom.