History and Context

• The 25 centavos coin of 1995 is part of the Brazilian Real currency system, established in 1994.
• There are two notable versions of this coin from 1995:

1. The “regular” circulation version featuring the effigy of the Republic on the obverse;
2. A commemorative FAO version (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FAO, with the inscription “FAO 1945 / 1995 – Food for All.”

• The FAO version (catalog KM#642) had a very limited mintage of only 1,000,000 coins.
• The regular circulation version (KM#634) had a much larger mintage. In 1995, approximately 140 million coins were minted.
• All coins were minted by the Casa da Moeda do Brasil (Brazilian Mint) in Rio de Janeiro.

Technical Characteristics

Obverse:

• The regular version shows the effigy of the Republic with the inscription “BRASIL” and the year “1995”.
• The FAO version features a farmer planting or harvesting, symbolizing the fight against world hunger.

Reverse:

• Displays the denomination “25 CENTAVOS” with stylized lines.

Numismatic Value

Regular Version (KM#634)

• Values vary based on condition:
• G (Good): ~US$ 0.10
• UNC (Uncirculated): up to ~US$ 0.62
• Other sources estimate values between US$ 0.26 – 0.56, depending on preservation
• Some sources list US$ 0.66 for uncirculated coins

Commemorative FAO Version (KM#642)

• Limited mintage of 1 million coins
• Market prices typically range US$ 0.50 – 1.50, depending on condition
• In mint state (MS), can reach up to ~€8 according to some European catalogs

Rarities and Curiosities

• The 1995 FAO version is valued by collectors due to its limited mintage.
• The regular version is very common, making it inexpensive for collectors.
• Some coins with minting errors (e.g., inverted reverse) can fetch higher prices, though verification is important.

Numismatic and Cultural Importance

• The FAO coin reflects Brazil’s participation in international cooperation and food security initiatives.
• The regular 25 centavos coin is an affordable entry piece for collectors building a Real series.
• The FAO coin appeals to thematic collectors focused on international organizations or historical events.

Collecting Tips

1. Condition: The coin’s value is highly dependent on circulation status (UNC, MS, etc.).
2. Authentication: Verify rare variants or minting errors carefully.
3. Provenance: Coins from old bank rolls or private collections may carry higher value.
4. Market Monitoring: Check auction sites, numismatic groups, and catalogs to track demand.
5. Storage: Use capsules or coin holders to prevent wear and oxidation.