Brazilian Mil Cruzados: Obsolete Currency, No Value

The mil cruzados (BRN) was Brazil’s currency for only 11 months (15 Feb 1986 – 15 Jan 1989) under the Cruzado Plan (heterodox shock stabilization).

Conversion History

• 1986: 1 cruzado = 1,000 cruzeiros (old).
• 1989: 1 cruzado novo = 1,000 cruzados (three zeros lopped).
• 1990: 1 cruzeiro = 1 cruzado novo.
• 1993: 1 cruzeiro real = 1,000 cruzeiros.
• 1994: 1 real (BRL) = 2,750 cruzeiros reais (URV transition).

Cumulative: 1 real = 2.75 × 10¹² mil cruzados (2.75 trillion).

Current Status

• Demonetized: No legal tender since 1989.
• Not exchangeable: Central Bank of Brazil redeemed only until 1991 (cruzados) / 2002 (cruzeiros reais). Deadline passed.
• Numismatic value only: Uncirculated notes/coins sell to collectors for $1–$20 USD depending on rarity/condition.

If You Have Them

Keep as historical curiosities. They cannot buy goods, settle debts, or be exchanged at banks.