Honoring a Pioneer of Flight: A Historic Brazilian Silver Coin

This listing offers a fascinating and historically significant piece of Brazilian and aviation history. It is a 1936 5000 Reis silver coin, officially certified and encapsulated by the Professional Coin Grading Service, or PCGS. This coin is part of a series issued to honor Alberto Santos-Dumont, a national hero in Brazil and a true pioneer of early aviation.

This coin represents a pivotal moment in Brazilian history, celebrating technological progress and national identity during a period of modernization. It is one of the last silver coins struck for circulation in Brazil before the réis was abolished in 1942. The total mintage for the 1936 issue was 1,986,000 pieces, making it historically significant and desirable for collectors.

Historical Context: Alberto Santos-Dumont

Alberto Santos-Dumont, who lived from 1873 to 1932, was a Brazilian aeronaut, sportsman, and inventor who made significant contributions to the development of both lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air aircraft. He was a celebrity in his time, known for his daring flights in Paris. This coin was struck to commemorate his lasting legacy as a pioneering aviator and an icon of Brazilian innovation.

Design and Specifications

The obverse features the bust of Alberto Santos-Dumont facing left. The inscription SANTOS appears around the left rim, and DUMONT around the right, with the engraver's initials CB, for Calmon Barreto, below the bust. The reverse features a stylized, spread wing symbolizing aviation centered above the denomination. The design includes BRASIL above the wing, the date 1936 below, and 5.000 with REIS beneath that. The engraver's initials WT, for Walter R. Toledo, appear in the design.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 5000 Réis
Year: 1936
Country: Brazil
Composition: Silver, .600 fine, containing approximately 0.1929 ounces of pure silver
Weight: 10 grams
Diameter: 27.5 to 27.6 millimeters
Mint: Casa da Moeda do Brasil, Rio de Janeiro
Catalog Reference: KM 543
Certification: PCGS Genuine, Cleaned-XF Detail
Certification Number: 399461.92/50370581

Understanding the Certification

This coin has been authenticated and graded by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party grading services in the numismatic industry. It is securely encased in a durable, tamper-evident PCGS plastic slab, which protects the coin's condition and guarantees its authenticity for future generations. The specific certification number can be verified on the official PCGS website.

The coin has been graded by PCGS as Genuine with a designation of Cleaned-XF Detail. This means PCGS has verified the coin is authentic but has determined it has been cleaned at some point in its history. As a result, it does not receive a standard numerical grade but is recognized as having the details of an Extremely Fine, or XF, coin, showing light wear on the highest points but with good overall detail.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity, as the PCGS slab provides peace of mind with an expert guarantee of the coin's genuineness. It features a unique historical theme, a tribute to a true aviation pioneer and a key figure in Brazilian history. It is a historic silver issue, one of the last silver coins struck for circulation in Brazil. Most of all, it features an attractive design with elegant Art Deco-era styling.

This coin is more than currency. It is a tribute to a pioneer of flight, offering a historic Brazilian silver coin commemorating one of aviation's true innovators. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 3.25, Width 2.25, Depth 0.5 inches
Weight 0.2 lbs

Condition:
Very Good, coin has been cleaned per PCGS certification.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

• Low Estimate: 100.00
• High Estimate: 200.00