Commemorative Artefacts of Brazil's First Constitution
Medal-case from 1824 and 200th anniversary commemorative coin
Medal-case with 1824 Constitution by A. FauginetMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
This very rare medal-case was made 200 years ago, in 1824, to celebrate the first Brazilian Constitution.
Open medal-case and miniature Constitution by A. FauginetMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
Case medals, also known as screw medals, are hollow pieces, made up of two parts that fit together using a thread or pressure. Inside them, photos or important documents are usually stored.
Medal-case and text in miniature by A. FauginetMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
On this commemorative medal, when opening the two parts, there is a miniature of the text presented by the Council of State, in December 1823, which would become the definitive constitutional text that D. Pedro I would grant about 3 months later.
Miniature sheets of the Constitution of 1824 by A. FauginetMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
The miniature consists of 60 loose circular sheets, on thin paper, 55 mm in diameter, printed on only one side, with pagination numbered from 1 to 58, plus two index pages, not numbered.
Miniature final sheets by A. FauginetMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
The miniaturization and engraving work was carried out in Paris and signed by the French master engraver: "Gravé à Paris, par Alp. Pelicier".
Dom Pedro I (1826) by Manuel José de Araújo Porto AlegreMuseu Histórico Nacional
The Political Constitution of the Empire of Brazil was granted by Dom Pedro I on March 25, 1824 - which is why it is better known as the Constitution of 1824.
In this painting, painted by Manuel de Araújo Porto-Alegre, in 1826, D. Pedro I holds a book, on the green spine of which the title "Constitution" can be seen.
On the same day as the granting of the Imperial Constitution, the Imperial and Constitutional Anthem was sung for the first time, the melody of which was composed by Emperor D. Pedro I, known as the “Hymn of Independence”, which is also celebrating its 200th anniversary.
Sacred Ceremony of D. Pedro 1 ° Emperor of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro 1 ° December 1822 (1822/1839) by Jean-Baptiste Debret (del.) and Thierry Frères (litho.)Museu Imperial
The drafting of a constitution for Brazil was inserted in the context of consolidating the country as an independent nation, since emancipation, in 1822, had not caused significant changes in the social and economic order, nor in the form of government.
Even before Independence, D. Pedro I called for a Constituent Assembly. Installed on May 3, 1823, the Assembly was dissolved by the emperor and the task of drafting a constitution for Brazil was conferred on a Council of State.
Medalha em homenagem ao Centenário da Confederação do Equador Medalha em homenagem ao Centenário da Confederação do Equador (1924)Museu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
The fact that it was granted, that is, imposed, generated internal discontent that led, for example, to the outbreak, in July 1824, of the Confederation of Ecuador, a separatist and republican movement in Pernambuco (learn more).
Busto de d. Pedro IMuseu Imperial
One of the innovations of the 1824 Constitution was the creation of the Moderating Power, which gave the emperor an important instrument to intervene in the event of institutional conflicts and guaranteed his preponderance over the other three powers.
1824 Constitution index in miniature by A. FauginetMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
More than that, in the Constitution of 1824, the bases of the country's political-institutional order were established, territorial unity, the division of government into four powers and, among other aspects, freedom of worship, press and voting were established. census.
200th anniversary of the 1824 Constitution commemorative silver coin caseMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
To celebrate such an important historical date, the Central Bank issued the commemorative 5 reais coin, in silver.
200th anniversary of the 1824 Constitution commemorative silver coin obverseMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
The obverse of the coin reproduces, in color, the first page of the original of the Political Constitution of the Empire of Brazil, which is kept by the National Archives, in Rio de Janeiro. Completing the composition is a stylized feather and the captions “First Constitution”, “Legislative Power”, “200 YEARS” and “1824-2024”.
The original book of the 1824 Constitution is in the National Archives and can be seen digitally in full here
200th anniversary of the 1824 Constitution commemorative silver coin reverseMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
On the reverse, there is the architectural complex of the National Congress. In the background, the circles represent the plenary sessions of the two Houses. Subtitles: “BRAZIL”, “2024” AND “5 REAIS”.
Miniature page 51 by National ArchiveMuseu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
The Constitution of 1824 marks a decisive change, with the establishment of individual rights and guarantees, the creation of Legislative power and the end of the absolutist regime, where power was centralized and exercised in an unrestricted manner by the king.
Numismatic images: collection of the Museu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil
Photos: Diego Bressani e Dalton Camargos (open medal), Denir Miranda (miniatures), Raphael Ribeiro (coin)
Concept and selection of content: Museu de Valores
Production: Banco Central do Brasil | Departamento de Promoção da Cidadania Financeira - Depef | Divisão do Museu de Valores
Third-Party Credits:
Painting: "D. Pedro I" (Museu Histórico Nacional)
Painting: "Cerimônia de Sagração de D. Pedro I Imperador do Brasil" (Museu Imperial)
Bust: D. Pedro I (Museu Imperial)
Livro original da Constituição de 1824, digitized (Arquivo Nacional)
Article about the Equator Confederation (Arquivo Nacional)
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