Brazil 10 Centavos 1995 Stainless Steel Coin
Coin/Bullion · Casa da Moeda do Brasil (Brazilian Mint), founded in 1694 by King Peter II of Portugal. It is the official mint of the Brazilian government.
Pattern: First Real Republic Series (Padrao Real 1a Familia), circulating from 1994 to 2003.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Casa da Moeda do Brasil (Brazilian Mint), founded in 1694 by King Peter II of Portugal. It is the official mint of the Brazilian government.
Material
Stainless Steel (Note: This item contains 0% silver content. It is a base metal circulation coin often confused for silver due to its bright, lustrous appearance).
Dimensions
Diameter: 22.0 mm; Thickness: 1.25 mm; Weight: 3.59 grams. Round shape with a smooth edge.
Description
An iconic piece of modern Brazilian economic history, this 10 Centavos coin represents the success of the 1994 Real Plan which ended hyperinflation. While its bright, reflective surface mimics the appearance of silver, the coin is composed entirely of durable stainless steel. It features the sharp, modernist typography and clean geometric lines characteristic of 1990s Brazilian numismatic design.
Key Features
Denomination '10', date '1995', stainless steel composition, part of the 'First Family' of Real coins, magnetic properties (being steel).
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel (Note: This item contains 0% silver content. It is a base metal circulation coin often confused for silver due to its bright, lustrous appearance).
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a satin-to-bright luster. Features numeric denomination "10", the word "CENTAVOS", and the date "1995" set against a background of stylized lines (heraldic hatchings).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Features the mint's design and the date 1995. Unlike silver bullion, it does not carry a .925 or .900 fineness stamp.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via die-striking on a stainless steel planchet. Modern industrial minting process utilizing high-pressure hydraulic presses.
Functional Features
Monetary currency intended for fractional trade. Replaced the inflationary Cruzado and Cruzeiro standards during Brazil's economic stabilization.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Coinage lacks handles; designed for manual circulation and tactile recognition via size and edge feel.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-struck quality. The striking is crisp with well-defined edges on the numerals (serifed) and uniform background lines, typical of the high-standard production at the Brazilian Mint.
Authentication Indicators
The design matches the standard 1995 KM#632 issue. Authenticity is confirmed by the distinct die-hatching behind the numerals and the specific typography of 'CENTAVOS'. Note the lack of silver hallmarks, which is correct for this base-metal issue.
Origin & Manufacturing
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Manufactured by the Brazilian Mint under the authority of the Banco Central do Brasil.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Post-Real Plan (Plano Real), representing the economic reform period in Brazil under Finance Minister (later President) Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
Age Estimate
Dated 1995. Exactly 29 years old at the time of this analysis.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of Brazil's transition to a modern, stable economy; this coin was part of the currency that ended decades of debilitating hyperinflation that had plagued the nation.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'Uncirculated' or 'Brilliant Uncirculated' (BU) condition, housed in a plastic flip/protective sleeve. No visible environmental damage or heavy bag marks. Grade estimate: MS-63 or higher.
Value Estimate
Market value is approximately $0.10 to $0.50 USD in uncirculated condition. It has high historical value but low numismatic rarity due to a mintage of over 420 million pieces in 1995.
Care & Maintenance
As stainless steel, it is highly resistant to tarnish. Avoid chemical dips used for silver. Store in PVC-free flips to prevent long-term 'green slime' or surface PVC damage. Handle by edges only to avoid fingerprints.
Similar Pieces
1994 and 1996 10 Centavos (dates differ but design is identical); 1994 5 Centavos (seen partially at top of image, smaller diameter).
Interesting Facts
This specific series of coins was so successful at stabilizing the economy that they were quickly replaced by the 'Second Family' in 1998, which featured more complex bi-metallic designs and copper-plated steel to help distinguish denominations.