Brazilian Coin Question

Earendil

Hi,
I just found a Brazilian coin today, and was just wondering if it was worth keeping. It's hard to tell what exactly it says on it, as it is really chewed up, but I'll try to describe it. It is exactly the same size as a half dollar. It has no visible date on it, but the roman numerals MCMI (1901, I believe) are visible on the same side as the denomination, 400 rels or reis (I can't tell). The heads side is composed solely of a woman's bust surrounded by stars. If someone is able to identify it, could you also tell me if it has any silver content? Thanks.

lordmarcovan

It's a 400-reis piece, all right. They struck smaller 100- and 200-reis pieces in the same design, which I think is a handsome one. All were one-year types, struck only in 1901, with the date in Roman numerals. They're struck in copper-nickel, so there's no silver content.

Unfortunately, they're often found damaged, as yours is- I have one right now, with a series of crisscrossing scratches across the obverse.

The type is Krause-Mishler #505, and the values, according to the online Numismaster guide, are $1.50 Fine, $3.00 VF, $8.00 XF, and $30.00 UNC. With a mintage of 5,531,000, they aren't exactly scarce. But I've always liked the design.

A damaged piece is likely worth considerably less than a dollar, but hey- you got yourself a neat "lucky pocket piece", at the very least.

Earendil

Thank you. You have been very helpful.

newsman

The 400 reis is much scarcer in uncirculated than its catalog value would indicate. I have only seen one in years of searching, and had to pay a premium price to get it.

Earendil

The one that I have looks like it went through a lawnmower. I found it in a bank-wrapped roll of half-dollars, of all places.