José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, the Brazilian statesman, scientist and poet known as the "Father of the Country", was born in 1763 in Santos, São Paulo, then part of the Portuguese Empire. He studied law and natural philosophy at the University of Coimbra and then joined the Lisbon Academy of Sciences. In Portugal, he taught geognosy at the University of Coimbra. He knew twelve languages and spoke four fluently. In 1822, after the independence of Brazil, Emperor Peter I appointed Bonifácio as foreign minister. He played a key role in the formation of the new Brazilian empire and participated in the drafting of the Brazilian Constitution of 1824. He was the prime minister of Brazil between 1822 and 1823. During his prime ministership, Bonifácio implemented many important reforms, including: He abolished slavery in Brazil, established the Brazilian army and navy, created the Brazilian National Bank, and introduced the Brazilian currency, the real. Bonifácio in 1823 he was deposed as prime minister but continued to play an active role in Brazilian politics. In 1826, Emperor Peter I appointed him president of the Brazilian Senate. Bonifácio died in 1838 in the city of Niteroi, Brazil. He is considered one of the most important figures in Brazilian history, who played a key role in the independence of Brazil and the establishment of the Brazilian Empire.

José Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva, known as the "father of his country" of Brazil, served as prime minister from 1822 to 1823 during the reign of Emperor Peter I of Brazil. As Minister of Finance, he played a key role in the establishment of the Brazilian currency system.Coinage during his prime ministership: in 1822: Gold: 6,400, 3,200, 1,600, 800, 400, 200 and 100 réis coins were minted. Silver: Mintage of 960, 480, 240, 120, 80, 40, 20 and 10 réis coins. Minting of coins worth 400, 200 and 100 réis. Silver: minting of coins worth 960, 480, 240, 120, 80, 40, 20 and 10 réis. Copper: minting of coins worth 80, 40, 20 and 10 réis. It was made by the Royal Mint of Rio de Janeiro. The material of the coins was gold, silver and copper from the mines of Brazil. The obverse of the coins featured the portrait of Emperor Peter I of Brazil, and the reverse the Brazilian coat of arms and the year of minting. The minting of José Bonifacio was an important step in the Brazilian currency system. The introduction of coins stabilized the Brazilian economy and facilitated trade.