Introduction
The 20 centavos coin from 1955 is part of Brazil’s Cruzeiro series issued in the post-World War II period, featuring the bust of Ruy Barbosa on the obverse. It is a popular piece among collectors of 20th-century Brazilian coins, valued both for its historical significance and the variety of conditions in which it can be found.
Description and Technical Features
- Obverse: bust of Ruy Barbosa facing left, with the legend including his name and the country.
- Reverse: large “20” numeral centered; below it, “CENTAVOS” and the year (1955); often a small star above the denomination.
- Metal/Composition: bronze-aluminum alloy (mainly copper and aluminum).
- Weight: ~4.0 g
- Diameter: ≈ 19.26 mm
- Thickness: ≈ 2.0 mm
- Edge: smooth
- Catalog: listed as KM#562 in international catalogs and N#5379 in some national references.
Mintage and Historical Context
According to listings from dealers and catalogs, the 1955 mintage is in the millions (approximately 25,122,000 pieces), making it relatively common in circulation. Therefore, coins in lower grades are generally inexpensive for collectors.
Condition and Rarity
- Heavily circulated coins (worn, with relief loss) are common due to high mintage.
- Coins in Fine (F) to Extremely Fine (XF) or Uncirculated (UNC) conditions are more sought after and can command higher prices if they retain original luster and have no scratches.
Numismatic Value (Market Prices)
Values vary widely depending on condition, provenance, and presentation (e.g., proof coins or rare minting errors, which are uncommon for this coin):
- Common circulated coins: typically low-priced — often around a few Brazilian Reais (e.g., R$ 5–20).
- Higher-grade coins (XF/UNC): can be worth more — dozens to a few hundred Reais depending on condition and demand; internationally, similar pieces sell modestly in euros/dollars if not certified.
- Error coins or exceptionally well-preserved specimens: rare, require individual evaluation; these can command higher prices, especially if certified.
Note: Prices reflect current listings and may vary by region, time, and sales channel (Mercado Livre, numismatic stores, auctions). Always verify current listings and consider professional grading for higher-value coins.
Tips for Collecting or Selling
- Condition is key: photograph the coin in high resolution (obverse, reverse, and edge) and note scratches, wear, and cleaning (do not clean old coins without guidance — improper cleaning can drastically reduce value).
- Compare references: use catalogs (Numista, national catalogs) to verify KM/catalog number and composition.
- Certification for high-value coins: send XF/UNC or error coins to a certifying company to increase buyer confidence.
- Market research: check recent sales on Mercado Livre, eBay, and numismatic stores to gauge actual prices.
Conclusion
The 20 centavos (1955) coin is a historically significant piece representing the Cruzeiro era and honoring Ruy Barbosa. Common in circulated condition and affordable for beginners, it can gain value if preserved in excellent condition or if it has special characteristics. For accurate price assessment, physical inspection by an expert and consulting recent sales is essential.
