BRAZIL, Second Republic. 1946-1964. Commemorative Bar 1956 (Silver, 81 mm, 76.69 g, 6 h), SANPEX III issue on the Brazilian Tourism Congress, São Paulo. •SANPEX-IIIΛ• / 9 A 16 / SET.56 / •ANO SANTOS DUMONT• Fish inscribed 'SANTOS' to right within dotted border; in right field, hallmarks 'N.92' and 'T.500'. Rev. •IV CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE TURISMO / XVII - ANIV. / DO / C.F.N.S Ship to right within dotted border; in right field, hallmark 'C.F.N.S'. KM-X Type IX. Tiny deposits and very minor scratches on the obverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.


The SANPEX silver bars were privately issued commemorative pieces produced for the SANPEX (Santos Philatelic and Numismatic Exhibition) in Brazil during the 1950s. Rather than conventional bullion bars, they belong to the field of exonumia and were created in small editions to commemorate numismatic and philatelic exhibitions, historical anniversaries, and other cultural events.

Today they are appreciated as rare relics of Brazil's postwar collecting community and represent an unusual crossover between commemorative medals and silver ingots.