Currency has always played an important role in tracing history. From political changes to social and cultural celebrations, coins and notes convey many stories about the major landmarks of the nation’s past. Given this historical significance, it is unsurprising that currency is a popular collector’s item. Moreover, coin collection is a lucrative hobby pursued by many today, with many rare coins fetching over a million dollars at auctions all over the world.

1. Pedro I Gold 6400 Reis 1822-R
Demonetized in 1942, the Pedro I Gold 6400 Reis is one of the most sought-after coins. This commemorative issue depicts the Coronation of Pedro I, with the Laureate head of Emperor Pedro I and the lettering “PETRUS. I. D. G. BRASILIÆ. IMPERATOR – 1822 R” engraved on the obverse, i.e., the front of the coin or head. The reverse (tails) side showcases a crowned arm with a wreath, along with the lettering “IN HOC SIG VIN,” which translates to “in this sign you will conquer.”

Last auctioned in 2014, this coin is said to have had the highest return after reportedly selling for BRL 2,709,608.75 (USD 499,375).

2. Gold 3200 Reis “Joao V” 1727–1729
This coin, originally worth 3200 Reals (Reis), was issued under the rule of Joao V (John V of Portugal). The coin was made with 0.917 grams of gold and used between 1727 and 1729. The round coin has a reeded edge and is engraved with a bust of the ruler facing towards the right, along with the lettering “IOANNES V D G PORT ET ALG REX 1727 B” on the obverse. On the reverse side, the coin showcases the second variety of crowned arms as a symbol of power. Today, it is believed to be worth BRL 18,117 – 176,345 (about USD 3.35K – 32.5K).

3. Gold 6400 Reis “Joao V” 1731–1750
Another gold coin issued under Joao V, the 6400 Real (Reis), was circulated from 1731 to 1750. It features an engraving of the King’s head facing toward the right, along with the lettering “IOANNES V D G PORT ET ALG REX 1750 R” on the obverse and an inscription of arms within a crowned ornate frame on the reverse. Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be valued anywhere between BRL 3,798 and 108,520 (USD 700 and 20,000).

4. Gold 4000 Reis “Pedro” 1702
The only gold coin struck at the Pernambuco mint, the Gold 4000 Reis from 1702, perfectly displays the rarity and brilliance of gold from the country. On the obverse, the coin features the crowned shield, the denomination, and words engraved, reading “PETRVS. II. D. G. PORTVGAL. REX. 4000.” On the reverse, it features a Cross in quatrefoil, P’s, and the date at the top, denoted by the lettering “ET. BRASILIAE. DOMINVS. ANNO 1702 PPPP”. The round, reeded coin is believed to have a value between 16278 and 108,520 BRL (USD 3,000 and 20,000) today.

5. Gold 4000 Reis “Pedro I” 1825–1828
This gold coin was issued under the rule of Peter I the Liberator within standard circulation between 1825 and 1828. At the front, it features an engraving of the uniformed bust of the Emperor, along with the date and the mint mark. In a Latin script, it reads “PETRUS.I.D.G.CONST.IMP.ET.PERP.BRAS.DEF 80 1832 R.” On the reverse side, it displays the crowned arms within the wreath and the lettering “IN HOC SIG NO VINCES 4000.”

6. Gold 20000 Reis “Joao V” 1724–1727
This coin was minted under the rule of John V the Magnanimous and is composed of 0.917 grams of gold. It has been inscribed with the crowned coat of arms of Portugal, flanked by the value of 20,000 and five flowers on the obverse, along with the lettering “IOANNES · V · D · G · PORT · ET · ALG · REX · 20000”, which stands for Ioannes V, Dei gratia, Portugaliae et Algarbiorum rex (John V, by the grace of God, King of Portugal and the Algarves). On the reverse, it has a Cross of the Military Order of Christ, with the letter M appearing four times in quarters and the lettering “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES 1725,” which translates to “With this sign, you shall conquer. 1725.”

7. Gold 10000 Reis “Liberty. Republic” 1889–1922
Moving away from the show of power of rulers and emperors, this 10,000 Reis coin features an engraving of the Liberty head (facing left) within a circle, along with the lettering “REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRAZIL 1889” on the obverse. On the other side of the coin, there is a star with a wreath in the background, nestled between the lettering “ORDEM E PROGRESSO ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRAZIL 15 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1889 10.000 REIS.” The coin is believed to have a value between BRL 1627 and 81,390 (USD 317 and 15,000).

8. Silver 800 Reis “Pedro II” 1835–1846
Rare silver coins have also held a special value in numismatic collections. A shining example is the 800 Reis silver coin minted under the rule of Peter II the Magnanimous. The legend on the coin reads “PETRUS.II.D.G.CONST.IMP.ET.PERP.BRAS.DEF” on the obverse. On the reverse side, it has an engraving of the Shield of the Arms of the empire, along with the Imperial Crown and plant branches, with the lettering “IN HOC S. VINCES.”

Other high-value coins from the country also include the Gold 6400 Reis “Joao Prince Regent” (1805–1817) and the Pedro II Gold Ingot of Serro Frio (1832 AU). Although rare and precious collector’s items, many of these coins have been spotted for sale at high-value auctions worldwide. With online auctions gaining more popularity, enthusiasts can now easily buy and sell these high-value old coins over the Internet.