Reverse In the central part is a globe, with a ribbon in the background. Along the upper edge of the coin is an inscription in Latin: "PECUNIA.TOTUM CIRCUMIT.ORBEM" - "MONEY CIRCULATES AROUND THE WORLD".
Obverse In the central part is the number 40 in Roman numerals: "XL", above it is a crown, below - the year of minting: "1799". To the right, bottom, and left along the edge is text in Latin: "MARIA I D G P ET BRASILIÆ REGINA" - "MARIA I BY THE GRACE OF GOD QUEEN OF PORTUGAL AND BRAZIL". Decorative raised denticles are placed along the rim.