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The Brazil 300 Reis 1936 KM#538 is a historically significant coin that reflects the economic and political landscape of Brazil in the early 20th century. Issued during the transitional period between the Old Republic (República Velha) and the Estado Novo regime of Getúlio Vargas, this coin represents an era of national modernization and economic restructuring. The 300 Reis denomination was an integral part of Brazil’s currency system at the time, supporting everyday transactions and providing a stable medium of exchange. As Brazil sought to strengthen its economy and increase industrialization, the coinage of the period played an essential role in facilitating trade and commerce.
During the 1930s, Brazil was undergoing significant changes in governance and economic policy. The country was moving away from the oligarchic rule of coffee plantation owners toward a more centralized government under Getúlio Vargas, who took power in 1930 following a political revolution. The Vargas administration implemented policies to modernize Brazil’s infrastructure, industries, and monetary system. Coins such as the 300 Reis 1936 were part of this effort, ensuring a reliable and standardized currency that would help stabilize the economy and support the growing urban workforce. The coin remained in circulation during a time of economic shifts and social reforms that shaped Brazil’s path toward industrialization.
The obverse of the Brazil 300 Reis 1936 features a striking left-facing portrait of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, one of the most influential figures in Brazilian history. Known as the “Patriarch of Independence,” Bonifácio was a key advisor to Emperor Pedro I and played a crucial role in Brazil’s independence from Portugal in 1822. His presence on the coin serves as a tribute to his contributions to the nation’s sovereignty and intellectual development. The engraving captures his distinguished features, with a detailed rendering of his facial structure, hair, and clothing, emphasizing his importance in Brazilian history. Surrounding the portrait, the inscription “BRASIL” is placed at the top, reinforcing the coin’s national identity.
The reverse of the coin presents a clean and balanced design centered around the denomination. The large numeral “300” is prominently displayed, indicating the coin’s value in the Reis currency system. Below the denomination, the word “REIS” is inscribed in capital letters, ensuring clear identification. The year “1936” is positioned beneath the denomination, marking the coin’s mintage date. The overall design is simple yet effective, focusing on functionality and ease of recognition. The smooth fields surrounding the inscriptions provide a striking contrast, enhancing the coin’s visual appeal. The minimalistic design approach reflects the pragmatic style of Brazilian coinage during this period.
The Brazil 300 Reis 1936 was minted at the Casa da Moeda do Brasil (Brazilian Mint), the country’s official minting facility. The Brazilian Mint, founded in 1694, has a long history of producing high-quality coinage for the nation. By the 1930s, the mint had adopted modern striking techniques to improve coin consistency and durability. The 300 Reis coin was struck in a copper-nickel alloy, a material chosen for its resistance to wear and tarnish. The use of copper-nickel allowed the coin to retain its original luster for extended periods while ensuring longevity in circulation. The combination of durability and affordability made this composition an ideal choice for a frequently used denomination.
The exact mintage figures for the Brazil 300 Reis 1936 are not widely documented, but it is known that the coin was produced in significant quantities to support the country’s economic needs. The 300 Reis denomination was a commonly used value at the time, facilitating everyday purchases and transactions. Despite its widespread circulation, many examples of this coin have been lost or worn down over time, making well-preserved specimens in high grades increasingly scarce. Collectors seek uncirculated (UNC) examples due to their pristine condition and full retention of original design details.
A Certified Brazil 300 Reis 1936 in UNC (Uncirculated) condition represents the highest quality available for this coin. An UNC-grade coin exhibits no signs of wear, retaining its original mint luster and sharp strike. The surfaces remain clean, with only minimal contact marks that may have occurred during the minting process. Collectors highly value UNC specimens for their ability to showcase the full artistic intent of the coin’s design. Given that many of these coins saw extensive circulation, finding an uncirculated example is a notable achievement for numismatists interested in Brazilian history.
The obverse of an UNC specimen should display a flawless portrait of José Bonifácio, with all fine details of his facial features, hair, and attire fully intact. The high points of the design should remain sharp, with no signs of flattening or smoothing caused by circulation. The surrounding inscription “BRASIL” should be crisp and well-defined, standing out clearly against the coin’s background. The coin’s original mint luster should be visible, reflecting light evenly across the surface. Any contact marks present should be minimal and limited to non-focal areas, ensuring that the overall appearance remains outstanding.
The reverse of an UNC specimen should exhibit a bold and well-struck denomination, with the numeral “300” appearing deeply impressed into the metal. The word “REIS” and the date “1936” should be fully legible, with no signs of fading or wear. The smooth fields of the coin should retain their original brilliance, free from any noticeable scratches, discoloration, or surface disturbances. The rim should be well-defined, with no nicks or imperfections. The overall visual effect of an uncirculated example should be striking, with a clean and uniform finish that highlights the craftsmanship of the original minting process.
One of the defining characteristics of an UNC specimen is its exceptional eye appeal. A well-preserved Brazil 300 Reis 1936 should exhibit a natural, lustrous shine across its entire surface. The high-relief elements of the design should appear crisp and well-articulated, showcasing the depth and detail of the engraving. The coin’s bright, silver-like appearance, a result of its copper-nickel composition, should remain intact without significant oxidation or tarnishing. Proper storage in protective holders can help maintain the coin’s original condition, preserving its numismatic and historical value.
The Brazil 300 Reis 1936 remains an important coin in the country’s numismatic history, representing a period of political transition and economic reform. Its depiction of José Bonifácio serves as a tribute to one of Brazil’s founding figures, reinforcing national pride and historical awareness. The coin’s well-balanced design, durable composition, and widespread use make it an attractive piece for collectors interested in early 20th-century Latin American coinage. Its association with the modernization of Brazil’s economy further enhances its historical significance.
For collectors seeking to acquire a Certified Brazil 300 Reis 1936 in UNC condition, reputable numismatic dealers, online auctions, and coin shows provide the best opportunities. Ensuring proper authentication and certification is crucial, as well-preserved examples are rare and highly valued. Collectors should prioritize coins that exhibit full mint luster, sharp strikes, and minimal handling marks. Given the increasing interest in historical Brazilian coinage, securing a high-grade example is a valuable addition to any collection focused on Latin American numismatics.
The Certified Brazil 300 Reis 1936 KM#538 UNC Gomes stands as a testament to Brazil’s evolving monetary system and national identity. With its artistic design, historical significance, and limited availability in uncirculated condition, this coin remains a treasured piece among collectors. Whether admired for its connection to José Bonifácio, its role in Brazil’s economic history, or its aesthetic appeal, the 1936 300 Reis continues to captivate numismatists and historians alike.