Reverse Along the upper edge of the coin, the Latin text 'IN HOC SI — GNO VINCES', meaning 'In this sign thou shalt conquer', is separated by a crown. In the central part is the coat of arms of the Brazilian Empire: the heraldic shield is crowned with the imperial crown and framed on three sides by a wreath formed from branches of a coffee tree on the left and tobacco on the right, tied at the base. On the shield, within a circular ring of evenly distributed stars, is depicted an armillary sphere on a background of a cross potent.
Obverse The edge of the coin features decorative raised denticles. Along the rim are Latin inscriptions: on the left 'PETRUS II. D.G.CONST.IMP.', on the right 'ET.PERP.BRAS.DEF', translating to 'Peter II, by the Grace of God and the Constitution, Emperor of Brazil'; at the bottom is the mint year '1855'. In the central part is a left-facing profile portrait of Emperor Pedro II.