Brazil 200 Cruzeiros Princess Isabel ND (1984) Pick 199b UNC Banknote
The Brazil 200 Cruzeiros 1984 Pick 199b is a distinctive Brazilian banknote dedicated to Princess Isabel, one of the most historically significant women of the Brazilian Empire.
Issued by the Banco Central do Brasil, the note belongs to the Cruzeiro series circulating during the final years of Brazil’s military-government era and shortly before the major monetary reforms that began in the second half of the 1980s.
Its historical theme is particularly significant because Princess Isabel is closely associated with the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888.
Historical Background
Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil (1846–1921) was the daughter of Emperor Pedro II and Empress Teresa Cristina.
As heir presumptive to the Brazilian throne, Isabel served as regent on several occasions while her father travelled abroad.
Her most famous political act occurred during her third regency.
On 13 May 1888, Princess Isabel signed Lei Áurea — the Golden Law, which legally abolished slavery throughout Brazil.
The law was remarkably concise but historically transformative. Brazil had been the last independent country in the Americas to maintain legal slavery on a large scale.
Princess Isabel subsequently became strongly associated with the abolitionist cause and was popularly known as “Isabel the Redemptress.”
Technical Specifications
- Country: Brazil
- Denomination: 200 Cruzeiros
- Year: ND (1984)
- Pick Number: P-199b
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Banco Central do Brasil
- Currency: Brazilian Cruzeiro (BRB)
- Material: Paper
- Portrait: Princess Isabel
- Theme: Abolition of slavery in Brazil
- Type: Standard circulation banknote
- Status: Withdrawn currency
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Princess Isabel
- 200 Cruzeiros denomination
- Banco Central do Brasil inscription
- Serial numbers
- Elaborate geometric patterns
- Historical decorative elements
The portrait commemorates Isabel’s place in Brazilian history and, in particular, her connection with the abolition of slavery.
Reverse
The reverse continues the banknote’s historical theme with imagery associated with the abolition of slavery and the legacy of the Golden Law.
This gives the note a particularly coherent narrative: Princess Isabel appears on the front, while the reverse references the event for which she is most widely remembered.
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Brazil 200 Cruzeiros Princess Isabel 1984 Pick 199b UNC banknote combines Brazilian imperial history with one of the most important social transformations in the country’s history.
It is particularly suitable for collectors of Brazilian banknotes, Latin American currency, women on banknotes, monarchies, abolition history and vintage UNC world paper money.
