The Brazilian Real dates back all the way to when the first Portuguese settlers arrived in South America in the 16th Century. The Real was used up until the 1940’s when the country was experiencing hardship and inflation. It was replaced by the Cruzeiro but, the Cruzeiro also ended up experiencing devaluation during the 80’s/90’s and eventually it was replaced by the Real that is in circulation today.
Brazilian banknotes have always been very bright and colorful. They all follow the traditional banknote design which consist of a notable person on the front such as royalty, a politician, historian or a similar design. The current Brazilian banknotes all have very similar designs. They feature the head of the republic on the front and a scene from nature on the back.