1. Historical Context
- The 1947 20 centavos coin was issued during the Cruzeiro Republic (1942–1967), when Brazil used the cruzeiro as its currency.
- On the reverse of the coin, the value “20 CENTAVOS” and the date “1947” appear. The obverse features the effigy of Getúlio Vargas with the inscription “GETULIO VARGAS * BRASIL.”
- This coin is part of a series featuring Getúlio Vargas that circulated until the mid-1940s, before being gradually replaced by new designs after the end of Vargas’ era.
2. Technical and Physical Characteristics
- Material: Aluminum-bronze.
- Weight: Approximately 4.00 g.
- Diameter: Around 19–20 mm.
- Thickness: About 1.83 mm.
- Edge: Smooth (plain edge).
- Alignment: Coin alignment, meaning the two sides of the coin are oriented normally relative to each other.
- Mintage: Approximately 36,422,000 units were minted in 1947.
- Designer: The coin’s design is attributed to Orlando Moutinho Maia.
3. Symbolic Significance
- Featuring Getúlio Vargas highlights the political importance of this figure in 20th-century Brazil. Vargas was one of the most influential personalities in Brazilian history, ruling at different periods and shaping both the economy and the national currency.
- Issuing this coin in cruzeiros represents Brazil’s monetary system at the time and its transitions in the post-war period.
4. Numismatic Value (Collector Value)
The value of a coin depends heavily on its condition (grade), the presence of minting errors, and collector demand. Approximate values are as follows:
- Catalog / Market Values
- On Foronum, the 1947 coin is valued at around US$ 0.80 in certain conditions.
- According to Numista, a coin in VF (Very Fine) condition is valued at approximately US$ 0.45, while an UNC (Uncirculated) coin can reach around US$ 2.10.
- In the European market, values range between €0.69 and €3.88, depending on condition.
- Coins with Errors
- Some 1947 20 centavos coins with errors can be worth much more, depending on the type of error. For example, coins with “multiple strikes” may be listed for up to BRL 800.
- Minor errors, such as a slightly tilted reverse, usually have lower prices, e.g., BRL 8–15.
5. Rarity and Collector Interest
- Although the mintage was relatively high (36+ million), many of these coins were heavily circulated, so well-preserved examples (uncirculated or nearly so) are harder to find among collectors.
- The 1947 coin is considered very scarce according to numismatic catalogs.
- Coins with minting errors attract specialized collectors and can increase interest significantly.
6. Tips for Collectors
- Check the condition: uncirculated (UNC) or lightly circulated coins are worth more.
- Look for error variants: coins with multiple strikes, clipped planchets, or other mint errors can have much higher value.
- Certification: for high-value or error coins, consider professional grading to ensure authenticity and assign a grade.
- Sources: buy or sell through specialized numismatic sites, coin auctions, or collector communities, and always verify high-quality photos and seller reputation.
Conclusion
The 1947 20 centavos coin is interesting both historically and numismatically. While not extremely rare in terms of mintage, its collector value depends heavily on condition and potential error variants. For beginner collectors, it is an accessible coin; for experienced collectors, error coins or well-preserved examples present greater challenges and rewards.
