The 1975 50 centavos coin from Brazil was issued during the period known as the Second Cruzeiro (1967‑1986), a time of multiple monetary reforms in the country.
Depending on the variant, the coin is made from either cupronickel or stainless steel.
Technical Details
- Denomination: 50 centavos (0.50 Cruzeiro)
- Year: 1975
- Mint: Casa da Moeda do Brasil, Rio de Janeiro
- Diameter: 27 mm
- Weight:
- ~7.71 g for the cupronickel version (cataloged as KM#580a).
- ~6.65 g for the stainless steel version (KM#580b).
- Edge: Can be reeded (cupronickel version) or plain / magnetic depending on the variant.
- Design:
- Obverse: Allegorical figure of the Republic (symbol of liberty) with the inscription “BRASIL.”
- Reverse: A cargo ship docked with a crane, representing Brazilian shipbuilding industry, along with “50 CENTAVOS” and the year “1975.”
Historical and Monetary Context
The coin circulated in Brazil when the Cruzeiro was the main currency.
Although its face value was modest, the 1975 50 centavos coin is now of interest to collectors — especially in well-preserved condition — since it has been out of circulation for decades and Brazil has undergone multiple monetary reforms since then.
Numismatic Value and Rarity
- The 1975 mintage was approximately 79,062,000 pieces for the 50 centavos coin.
- Despite the large mintage, the coin is considered “very scarce” according to numismatic catalogs, making it relatively rare in the collectors’ market.
Market Price Range (Indicative)
Values vary greatly depending on the coin’s condition (wear, scratches, original luster). Examples:
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| UNC / Uncirculated | ~ US$ 4.32 |
| XF (Extremely Fine) | ~ US$ 2.11 |
| VF / F / G (Very Fine / Fine / Good) | ~ US$ 0.76 – 1.50 |
| Euro reference (Europe) | ~ €0.66 – 3.75 depending on condition |
Note: These values are indicative — based on catalog and collector estimates. Actual sale prices vary with demand, supply, and coin condition.
Variant Notes
- There are at least two variants of the 1975 50 centavos coin: cupronickel (non-magnetic) and stainless steel (magnetic).
- Stainless steel coins weigh less (6.65 g) and may have a plain edge, unlike the cupronickel version with a reeded edge.
- Some specimens are listed as minting errors (e.g., broken dies), which can be more valuable depending on rarity and collector demand.
Why Collect This Coin?
- Represents a specific historical period of Brazilian currency — the Second Cruzeiro.
- The contrast between variants (cupronickel vs stainless steel) and the relative rarity make it attractive to collectors.
- Well-preserved coins or “uncirculated” pieces are increasingly difficult to find, enhancing their value.
Conclusion
The 1975 50 centavos coin from Brazil is more than a piece of metal: it is a fragment of the country’s economic history with numismatic significance. While its monetary value is modest, it remains an interesting collectible — especially in well-preserved conditions or rare minting variants.
