141) Currency & Coinage of Poland: Zloty and Grosz:

141) Currency & Coinage of Poland: Zloty and Grosz:

Zloty is the currency of Poland subdivided into 100 Groszy (or Grosz in its singular form). Zloty means “golden” and it was a coin dating back to the Middle Ages.

Historical evolution of the Polish Currency & Coinage:

At the height of its glory, during the late Middle Ages, Poland’s powers extended from the Baltic to the Black Sea, encompassing the present day countries of Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus, but upon its decline in the 18^th century and between 1772 and 1795, it was dismembered by Austria, Russia and Prussia.

In the 12^th century, coins called Bracteates and Denars were circulating in Poland.

By 1300s, the power and wealth of the medieval kingdom was reflected in the rich diversity of its coins. For example, the first coins to have face to face portraits since Roman times – Charles I of Hungary and Elizabeth of Poland (in 1308) – coins of Sigismund  I featuring the Golden Fleece (in 1601), shortly after he was admitted to the prestigious Imperial Order of chivalry.

In the 14^th and 15^th centuries, all foreign gold coins used in Poland (mostly Hungarian and Venetian ducats were referred to as the Zloty.

In 1496, a National currency was created in Poland called the Zloty, subdivided into 30 Groszy. In turn, the Groszy was sub-divided into 2 Polygrosz or 3 Solidi.

Interestingly, the Polish Zloty was occasionally referred to as the “florin”  and competed in circulation with coins nicknamed the “Czerwony Zloty” (or the “Red Zloty”) and the “Zloty Renski” (or the “Rhine Guilder”). Over some time, the value of the Polish Zloty dropped sharply and it was reduced to being minted in silver, with its foreign counterparts, the gold ducats being exchanged for approx 5 Zlotych each.

During 1587 – 1632, coins of Poland had a Swedish influence symbolized by the Ort or 6 Groschen.

During the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Polish coins showed the influence of Germany, Spain and Italy, and coins included – szotak, groszy, tymph, polturak, and solidi or schilling.

A monetary reform carried out by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski led to the Zloty of 30 Groszy being confirmed as the sole currency of Poland.

Until 1787, the Zloty was linked to the Conventionsthaler of the Holy Roman Empire with an exchange value of 8 Zloty being equal to 1 Conventionsthaler.

In 1807, Napoleon carved out much of Polish territories under Prussian occupation into the Duchy of Warsaw with Friedrich August as the Duke who minted coins bearing his effigy.

The Zloty remained in circulation even after the Partition of Poland into different territories with the Duchy of Warsaw issuing coins denominated in Grosz, Zloty and “Talara” (or “Talary” and “Talarow” in plural) worth 6 Zloty each. The basic coin was the Talara or Zloty which was worth 30 groszy and 6 Zlotych made up 1 Reichthaler and 8 Zlotych made up a speciethaler. Talar Banknotes were also issued.

Around this time, silver and copper coins showed an armorial obverse. Also, the Russian Tsar was depicted on coins in some Polish territories as the King of Poland in higher denomination silver and gold coins.

In 1813, the Duchy of Warsaw was again captured by Prussia and Russia and partitioned among them through an arrangement ratified by the Congress of Versailles in 1815. The tiny Republic of Cracow was also created and the Eastern lands were granted to the Tsar as the Congress Kingdom of Poland.

From 1816, the Zloty currency was issued by the Russian controlled Congress Poland, with a fixed exchange rate between the Polish and Russian currencies of 1 Kopeck to 2 Grosze or 15 Kopek to 1 Zloty.

From 1841, all Polish coinage was declared non-legal tender and replaced by Russian currency.

From 1842, the Warsaw mint issued only Russian coins, with some coins bein denominated in both Grosz and Kopeck.

 Between 1835 and 1846, the Republic of Krakow also issued a currency called the “Krakow Zloty”.

In 1850, the last coins bearing Polish denominations were minted.

From 1850, the currency in circulation was the “Rubel” or “Rouble” which comprised Russian currency and Banknotes of the Bank Polski. Nevertheless, gold coins also circulated as before, except that these consisted of the gold Roubles (nicknamed “swinka” or “piggy”) as well as gold Sovereigns.

In 1917, during World War I, when some Poland territories was under German occupation, the Rubel was replaced by the “Marka” (or “Marki” or “Marek”) which was a currency equivalent to the German Papermark. In the territories occupied by Austro-German forces coins were issued with a crowned eagle on the obverse and a numeral reverse on coins circulated in this area.

In 1917-1918 towards the conclusion of World War I, Poland was declared a Republic. After Poland became a Republic, post-war inflation and the various currencies in circulation in Poland led to the difficulty of integrating Austrian German and Russian currencies into a unified Polish coinage/currency.

In 1923, a unified currency was introduced based on the zloty which was subdivided into 100 groszy. The coins were inscribed “Rzeczpospolita Polska” (meaning “Polish Republic).

In 1924, the Second Zloty was introduced, necessitated by the hyperinflation which followed World War I. The exchange rate was fixed at 1 Zloty to 1,800,000 Marek. The Zloty was at this point sub-divided into 100 Groszy.

Until 1932, the Warsaw mint issued Grosz, thereafter it began to issue both Russian and Polish currencies.

During World War II, in September 1939 Poland was invaded by Germany from the west and by Russia from the East. Poland stood partitioned among the two armies, however, soon enough, the Russians advanced into German occupied Polish territories, signaling the fall of the German control of the territories.

Also, in 1939, the “Bank Emisyjny” was set by the General Government, which was in turn set up by Nazi Germany.

In 1940, the old currency Notes were over-stamped by the new Bank. The exchange rate was fixed at 1 Reichsmark to 2 Zloty.

In 1941, this was followed by a new Series of Banknotes.

Then again, in 1944, new Zloty Banknotes were issued by the "Narodowy Bank Polski" which were in circulation till 1950.

In 1949, coin minting recommenced mainly struck in aluminium and the inscription “Rzeczpospolita Polska” continued till 1957.

In 1950, a new Zloty referred to as the Third Zloty was introduced, replacing the earlier issues at the exchange rate of 100 old Zloty to 1 new Zloty. The new Banknotes were dated 1948 and the new coins were dated 1949.

Between 1950 and 1990, a unit known as the Zloty Dewizowy (or a foreign exchange Zloty) was used for calculation purposes, which was necessitated because the Zloty was not convertible and there were several exchange rates being used for different purposes of foreign exchange conversions and for users from different countries. For example, visitors from countries outside the Soviet bloc were offered very poor exchange rates.

This problem was resolved when on 01.01.1990, the Zloty was made into a Convertible currency.

In 1957, “Ludowa” was added to the coin inscriptions meaning “People’s Republic”.

In 1958, coins of 2 and 5 Zlotych were circulated in aluminium but replaced by brass coins in 1975.

In 1990, Poland again became a free Democratic Republic. On the obverse of the coins, “Ludowa” was taken off the coinage minted henceforth. The smallest denomination at this time was 50 Zlotych.

On 01.01.1995, the Fourth Zloty Series was introduced and the currency was reformed. 10000 old Zlotych was now equivalent to 1 new Polish Zloty. 1, 2 and 5 Groszy (Brass), 10 Groszy to 1 Zloty (cupro-nickel) coins were minted on various dates from 1990. A bimetallic Zlotych was circulated in 1994.

“Narodowy Bank Polski” (NBP) or the National Bank of Poland:

“Narodowy Bank Polski” is the Central Bank of Poland having its Headquarters in Warsaw. Presently, it has 16 Branches spread over major Polish towns. It represents Poland in the European System of Central Banks which is a European Union Organization.

Historically, it traces its heritage to two previous Central Banks of Poland, both of which were called “Bank Polski” (or “Bank of Poland”). The first Bank was founded in Warsaw in 1828 by Prince Franciszek Ksawery Drucki-Lubecki which was tasked with issuance of Polish currency and performed other supervisory and credit control functions.

The second entity was set up in 1952 which absorbed the first Bank of Poland, shortly after the Second World War. The second Bank of Poland had played a very important role in establishing Poland’s post-war planned economy.

The “Narodowy Bank Polski” (NBP) was created in 1989 after the fall of the Communist Regime in Poland and was tasked inter alia with control and supervisory functions including the functioning of other privately controlled Banks.

Becoming a member of the European Union:

This entails amending Article 227 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and for Poland to meet the necessary stability criteria of the European Union. Also, like the UK, the Poles are overwhelmingly, not in favour of changing their currency. It is, therefore, unlikely that Poland will join the EU anytime before 2019.

Coins of Poland:

The First Zloty coins:

In the late 18^th century, coins were circulating in the denominations of 1/3, ½, 1, 3 Groszy (all copper), 6, 7 ½, 10 and 15 Groszy (all billon), and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 Zlotych (all silver). The ½ and ½ Grosz coins were denominated as the Solidus and Polygrosz.

The Duchy of Warsaw issued 1 and 3 Grosze copper coins, 5 and 10 Groszy billon coins and ½, 1/3 and 1 Talar silver coins.

After 1816, the Congress Poland issued 1 and 3 Grosze copper coins, 5 and 10 Groszy billon coins and 1, 2, 5 and 10 Zlotych silver coins. During this time, 25 and 50 Zlotych gold coins also circulated.

In 1831, during the insurrection, 3 and 10 Groszy coins and 2 and 5 Zlotych were minted.

Between 1832 and 1834, coins denominated in both Polish and Russian currencies were circulated. The denominations included 1 Zloty (or 15 Kopeck), 2 Zlote (or 30 Kopeck), 5 Zlotych (or ¾ Ruble), 10 Zlotych (or 1½ Ruble) and 20 Zlotych (or 3 Ruble).

In 1842, Russian coins were introduced supplemented by 40 Groszy (or 20 Kopeck) and 50 Groszy (25 Kopeck) coins which circulated till 1850.

The Second Zloty coin Series:

In 1924, coins in the denominations of 1, 2, 5 (all brass/bronze), 10, 20 and 50 Groszy (all nickel) and 1 and 2 Zlote (both in silver) were introduced in this Series.

In 1925, 10 and 20 Zlotych (both in gold) were issued.

In 1928, 5 Zlotych silver coins were circulated.

In 1932, 10 Zlotych silver coins were circulated.

During World War II German occupation 1, 5, 10 and 20 Groszy coins (all zinc) showing the year of minting as 1923 and 50 Groszy nickel plated iron coins showing the year of issue as 1938, were issued.

The Third Zloty Coin Series:

In 1950, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy and 1 Zloty Aluminium coins were issued under this Series.

In 1958, 2 and 5 Zlotych coins were also minted in Aluminium.

In 1959, 10 Zlotych coins were minted in cupro – nickel.

In 1973, 20 Zlotych coins were also minted in cupro – nickel.

In 1975, 2 and 5 Zlotych Brass coins were circulated, but, these were switched back to Aluminium coins in 1989.

In 1990, 1, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Zlotych coins were issued but hyper-inflation rendered their value almost useless.

The Fourth Zloty Coin Series:

In 1995, coins of the Fourth Zloty Series were circulated in the denominations of 1, 2, 5 (minted in Brass), 10, 20 and 50 Groszy and 1 Zloty (all minted in cupro-nickel) and  2, and 5 Zlotych (both denominations were bimetallic). Some of these coins were minted as early as 1990, but were released only in January 1995 for circulation after the Zloty was redenominated.

The Obverse of all these coins depicts the title of the country “RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA” and the White Eagle from the Coat of Arms of Poland.

                Obverse of a One Grosz coin issued in 2012.

             Reverse of a One Grosz coin issued in 2012.

The Reverse of the 1 Grosz coin shows the denominational value and a leaf.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 15.5 mm; Weight: 1.64 gms; Metal composition: Steel Bronze; The Edgeis Serrated; This denomination was first minted in 1990.

                           Obverse of a Two Groszy coin issued in 2012.

                          Reverse of a Two Groszy coin issued in 2012.

The Reverse of the 2 Groszy coin shows the denominational value and two leaves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 17.5 mm; Weight: 2.13 gms; Metal composition: Steel Bronze; The Edge is Plain; This denomination was first minted in 1990.

                        Obverse of a Five Groszy coin issued in 2011.

                       Reverse of a Five Groszy coin issued in 2011.

The Reverse of the 5 Groszy coin shows the denominational value and five leaves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 19.5 mm; Weight: 2.59 gms; Metal composition: Steel Bronze; The Edge is alternately Smooth and Serrated; This denomination was first minted in 1990.

                         Obverse of a Ten Groszy coin issued in 2012.

                           Reverse of a Ten Groszy coin issued in 2012.

The Reverse of the 10 Groszy coin shows the denominational value and ten encircling leaves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 16.5 mm; Weight: 2.51 gms; Metal composition: Cupro-nickel; The Edge is alternately Smooth and Serrated; This denomination was first minted in 1990.

                       Obverse of a Twenty Groszy coin issued in 2009.

                           Reverse of a Twenty Groszy coin issued in 2009.

The Reverse of the 20 Groszy coin shows the denominational value and 20 square-shaped leaves.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 18.5 mm; Weight: 3.22 gms; Metal composition: Cupro-nickel; The Edge is Serrated. This denomination was first minted in 1990. 

                           Obverse of Fifty Groszy coin issued in 2009.

                        Reverse of a Fifty Groszy coin issued in 2009.

The Reverse of the 50 Groszy coin shows the denominational value and 50 leaves in semicircle shape.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 20.5 mm; Weight: 3.94 gms; Metal composition: Cupro-nickel; The Edge is Serrated. This denomination was first minted in 1990.

                              Obverse of a One Zloty coin issued in 1995.

                              Reverse of a One Zloty coin issued in 1995.

The Reverse of the 1 Zloty coin shows the denominational value as 1 and 100 leaves are placed in a full circle around the numeral.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 23.0 mm; Weight: 5.0 gms; Metal composition: Cupro-nickel; The Edge is Alternately Smooth and Serrated. This denomination was first minted in 1990.

                              Obverse of a Two Zloty coin issued in 2007.

                             Reverse of a Two Zloty coin issued in 2007.

The Reverse of the 2 Zloty coin shows the denominational value as 2 and 2 leaves flanking the numeral.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 21.5 mm; Weight: 5.21 gms; Metal composition: Outer ring: Aluminium Bronze and Centre: Cupronickel; The Edge is Plain. This denomination was first minted in 1994.

                             Obverse of a Five Zloty coin issued in 1996.

                               Reverse of a Five Zloty coin issued in 1996.

The Reverse of the 5 Zloty coin shows the denominational value as 2 and 5 leaves in 2-3 placement flanking the numeral in the ring portion.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 24.0 mm; Weight: 6.54 gms; Metal composition: Outer ring: Cupronickel and Centre: Aluminium Bronze; The Edge is irregularly milled. This denomination was first minted in 1994.

Although 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Zlotych coins were also minted, these are not found in general circulation. These coins are minted in silver or gold by the Mint of Poland on behalf of the Bank of Poland and are mainly meant for Numismatists.

In 2014, three denominations have been reissued by the "Narodowy Bank Polski", which include 1 Grosz and 2 and 5 Groszy coins. The specifications of these coins are the same as the coins put into circulation in 1995, except for the metal composition, which is brass plated steel.

             Obverse of a One Grosz coin dated 2013, but issued in 2014.

              Reverse of a One Grosz coin dated 2013, but issued in 2014.

The Reverse of the 1 Grosz coin shows the denominational value and a leaf.

         Obverse of a Two Grosze coin dated 2013, but issued in 2014.

          Reverse of a Two Grosze coin dated 2013, but issued in 2014.

The Reverse of the 2 Grosze coin shows the denominational value and two leaves. 

              Obverse of a Five Grosze coin dated 2013, but issued in 2014.

            Reverse of a Five Grosze coin dated 2013, but issued in 2014.

The Reverse of the 5 Grosze coin shows the denominational value and Five leaves. 

Banknotes of the Zloty:

The First Zloty Banknotes:

In 1794, Treasury Notes were issued in denominations of 5 and 10 Groszy, 1 Zloty, 4 Zlote, 5, 10, 25, 100, 500 and 1000 Zlotych.

The Duchy of Warsaw circulated Banknotes in the denominations of 1, 2 and 5 Talarow.

In 1824, the Bank of Kassowy Krolestwa Polskiego circulated Banknotes in the denominations of 1, 5, 50 and 100 Zlotych.

During the Insurrection of 1831, assignats for 200 and 500 Zlotych were issued.

From 1841, the Bank Polski issued Banknotes denominated in Rubel.

The Second Zloty Banknotes:

In 1924, Banknotes were circulated in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Zlotych by the Bank Polski while the Ministry of Finance issued 10, 20 and 50 Groszy Banknotes.

From 1925, the Ministry of Finance issued 2 and 5 Zlotych Banknotes also, which were later replaced by silver coins.

In 1932, the Bank Polski issued 5, 10, 20, 100 and 50 Zlotych Banknotes.

In 1936, the Bank Polski took over issue of 2 Zlote Banknotes from the Ministry of Finance.

In 1938, 1 Zloty Banknotes were issued by the Ministry of Finance.

In 1939, the General Government overprinted 100 Zlotych Banknotes for circulation.

In 1940, the "Bank Emisyjny w Polsce" was set up which issued 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Zlotych Banknotes.

After liberation, Banknotes dated 1944, were issued by Narodowy Bank Polski in the denominations of 50 Grosz, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 Zlotych.

In 1945, 1000 Zlotych Banknotes were circulated.

The Third Zlotych Banknotes:

In 1950, a new Series was circulated in the denominations of 2 Zlote, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Zlotych with 1000 Zlotych Banknotes being added about a decade later.

In 1976, 200 Zlotych was circulated.

In 1977, 2000 Zlotych Banknotes were issued.

In 1982, following hyper inflation 5000 Zlotych Banknotes were issued, followed by Banknotes in the denominations of 10000 Zlotych in 1987, 20000, 50000  and 200000 Zlotych in 1989, 100000 and 500000 Zlotych in 1990, 1000000 Zlotych in 1991 and 2000000 Zlotych in 1992.

These Banknotes were treated as legal tender until December 1996 and could be exchanged at National Bank of Poland branches till 31.12.2010.

The Fourth Zloty Banknotes (or the “First Series depicting the Sovereigns of Poland” – 1994):

In 1995, Banknotes under this series were introduced in the denominations of 10 (nicknamed “dycha”), 20, 50, 100 (nicknamed “stowa” or “banka”) and 200 Zlotych and the earlier Series was withdrawn from circulation in December 1996.

The Front of the 10 Zlotych Banknote depicts the portrait of Mieszko I. On the Banknote is mentioned the denomination in Polish as “Dziesiec Zlotych” (meaning “Ten Zlotych” or “Ten Gold”). The Banknote is dated “Warsaw 25^th March 1994”. On the upper periphery is the name of the issuing Bank “Narodowy Bank Polska”. In the centre left, below the name of the Bank is the “White Eagle” (“Orzel Bialy” in Polish) Emblem/Coat of Arms of Poland. In the background of the inscriptions and the emblem are two stylised Romanesque rosettes. In the lower left corner is an assist for the visually impaired persons, in the shape of a square with convex edges.

In the background of the front side is a guilloche mesh of intersecting lines in colours of light green, blue, gray-blue and yellow. The size of the Banknote is 120 mm x 60 mm.  The predominant colours on this Banknote are dark brown and green.

(Mieszko I (940 – 992 A.D.): He was the Ruler of the Polans from about 960 until his passing away. He was from the Piast dynasty, the son of Siemomusy and the father of Boleslaw I the Brave. He was the first crowned King of Poland. He is considered to be the creator of the Polish State. His father and grandfather were rulers of pagan tribes in present day Greater Poland. Being a great politician, skilful military leader and charismatic ruler, he annexed several territories to the Polish State either through War or through alliances leaving after him a well established State in Europe).

The Back of the 10 Zlotych Banknote shows an image of a a silver Denar coin issued during the reign of Mieszko I. Also mentioned on the Back is “BANKNOTY EMITOWANE PRZEZ NARODOWY BANK POLSKI SA PRAWN Y M SRODKIEM PLATNICZYM W POLSCE” (meaning “BANKNOTES ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL BANK OF POLAND ARE LEGAL TENDER/REMEDY FOR PAYMENTS IN POLAND”).

The Front of the 20 Zlotych Banknote depicts the portrait of Boleslaw I Chrobry.  On the Banknote is mentioned the denomination in Polish as “Dwadziescia Zlotych” (meaning “Twenty Zlotych”).  The size of the Banknote is 126 mm x 63 mm.

(Boleslaw I Chrobry or Boleslaw I “the Valiant” or “The Brave”: Duke 992 – 1025; King: 18.04.1025-17.06.1025: He was also known as Boleslaw I the Great or “Wielki” was the son of Mieszko I. He was a great politician, strategist and statesman and considered to be one of the most accomplished and capable of the Piast Sovereigns. He consolidated the Polish lands and conquered several territories including Slovania, Moravia, Red Ruthenia, Bohemia, Meissen and Lusatia and consolidated Poland’s position as an influential State in Europe.

 He is credited with establishing a Polish Church with a Metropolitan See at Gniezno independent of the German Archbishop of Magdeburg and freed Poland from paying tribute to the Holy Roman Empire. He built many forts, churches, monasteries and bridges and established the first Polish Monetary system of a “Grzywna” divided into 240 “Denari” and minted his own coinage).

The Back of the 20 Zlotych Banknote shows a silver Denar coin issued during the reign of Boleslaw I.

The Front of the 50 Zlotych Banknote depicts a portrait of Kazimierz III Wieki.  On the Banknote is mentioned the denomination in Polish as “Piecdziesiat Zlotych” (meaning “Fifty Zlotych”). The Banknote is dated 25^th March 1994. The size of this Banknote is 132 mm x 66 mm.

(“Kazimierz III Wieki” or “Casimir the Great” (1333 – 1370 AD) :

He was the last King of the Piast dynasty. He is also called “Chrobry” or Valiant. On his ascension to the Polish throne, the economy was in ruins due to incessant wars and the country depopulated due to war casualties. He introduced several legal reforms, Codes of Laws which earned him the title of the “Polish Justinian”, founded the University of Krakow, the oldest Polish University. Through his policies, he replenished the coffers of the State Treasury, waged several victorious wars annexing territories to the Kingdom of Poland and subduing rebellious States).

The Back of the 50 Zlotych Banknote shows the White Eagle from the Royal Seal of Casimir III the Great and the Regalia of Poland: scepter and globus cruciger. Also mentioned on this Face are “CASMIRVS” (meaning “Casamir III”) on the left and “CRACOVIA” (meaning “Krakow”).

The globus cruciger (meaning the “cross-bearing orb”): is an orb topped with a cross which is a Christian symbol of authority used throughout the Middle Ages and even today on coins, currency, iconography and royal regalia. It symbolizes Christ’s dominion (the cross) over the World (orb). It is always associated with the scepter representing the Authority of the Sovereign.

The Front of the 100 Zlotych Banknote depicts a portrait of Wladyslaw II Jagiello.On the Banknote is mentioned the denomination in Polish as “Sto Zlotych” (meaning “ One Hundred Zlotych” . The Banknote is dated “Warsaw 25^th March 1994”  The size of this Banknote is 138 mm x 69 mm.

Wladyslaw II Jagiello (1351 – 1434 AD):He was the Grand Duke of Lithuania (1377-1434), King of Poland (1386 – 1399) along with his wife Jadwiga and then the sole King of Poland. He was the first King of the Jagiellonian dynasty in Poland and was heir to the House of Gediminids in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During his reign, the Polish – Lithuanian State was one of the largest States in the World. He was the last pagan ruler of medieval Lithuania.  After he became King of Poland, he formed the Union of Krewo in which the Polish- Lithuanian Alliance defeated the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 and consolidated/extended Poland’s frontiers. His reign is considered to be the Golden Age of Poland.

The Back of the 100 Zlotych Banknote shows a Shield bearing a White Eagle from the tombstone of Wladyslaw II Jagiello, Coat of Arms of the Teutonic Knights and the Grunwald Swords.

               An image of the insignia of the German Teutonic Knights.

The Teutonic Knights: This is the Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem (“Ordo domus Sanctae Mariae” – in Latin). Formed in 1190 AD this Order is still active. It is a Catholic Religious Order which was active as a medieval Military Order from 1192 – 1929 and has now transformed into a purely religious Catholic Order. Its members were called the Teutonic Knights, since they served as a crusading Force during Medieval times.

                                   An image of the two Grunwald swords.

The Grunwald Swords (or “miecze grunwaldzkie”): were given a present to the Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights, to King Vladislaus II of Poland and Grand Duke Vytautas the Great of Lithuania on 15.07.1410, just before the Battle of Grunwald (Tannenberg). These simple swords were a formal invitation to the battle. After the Polish Lithuanian victory, both swords were taken as a war trophy by King Vladislaus to Krakow, Poland’s capital at that time and kept in the treasury of the Royal Wawel Castle. These swords are a symbol of Poland and Lithuania’s past glories and are treated as royal insignia, symbolizing the monarch’s reign over Poland & Lithuania.

The Front of the 200 Zlotych Banknote depicts a portrait of Zygmunt I Stary.On the Banknote is mentioned the denomination in Polish as “Dwiescie Zlotych” (meaning “Two Hundred Zlotych”). The Banknote is dated “Warsaw 25^th March 1994” The size of this Banknote is 144 mm x 72 mm.

(Sigismund I of Poland or “Zygmunt I Stary” in Polish or “Zygimantas I Senasis” in Lithuanian (01.01.1467 – 01.04.1548): He was King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 to 1548. Belonging to the Jagiellon Dynasty, he was a successful monarch and a great patron of Arts. He established Polish Suzerainty over East Prussia and annexed the Duchy of Mozovia into the Polish State. His judicial and administrative reforms transformed the territories ruled by him into model states. In 1521, his army subdued the Teutonic Knights and their grandmaster became a Lutheran and Prussia became a vassal state of Poland. He brought in Italian artists to Krakow and brought about the Polish version of the Italian Renaissance).

The Back of the 200 Zlotych Banknote shows an Eagle intertwined with the letter S in a hexagon, from the Sigismund’s chapel.

                                 An image of the Sigismund’s Chapel.

The Sigismund’s Chapel of the Wawel Cathedral is a remarkable piece of architecture in Krakow. It was built as a funerary chapel for the last few of the Jagiellons, (King Sigismund, King Sigismund II Augustus and Anna Jagiellonka), it is a fine example of the Tuscan Renaissance having remarkable inner sculptures, stuccos and paintings created by some of the most renowned artists of that age.

Security features on these Banknotes:

Each Banknote, regardless of its face value incorporates the following elements:

-      The portrait of the Sovereign depicted;

-      The emblem of the Republic of Poland;

-      The face value in words;

-      The face value in numerals/digits;

-      Signatures of the President of the NBP and the General Treasurer of the NBP;

-      Name of the issuing bank: the National Bank of Poland.

When you tilt the Banknote towards bright light, the decorative graphic elements change colour from purple to olive green.

When the Banknote is tilted horizontally, light or dark value numerals appear depending on the angle that is held on the 10 and 20 zloty Banknotes. On 50, 100 and 200 Zloty Banknotes, when tilted horizontally, one can see value numerals or a Crown can be seen.

Holographic foil patch is placed on the 200 Zloty Banknote only. When tilted at different angles, a change in colour and image is visible.

Metallic Ink: On the 10 Zloty and 20 Zloty Banknotes, the metalized ink is applied on the right hand side of the portrait of the Sovereign. When the Banknote is tilted, the metallic gloss of the surface appears. On the 50, 100 and 200 Zloty Banknotes, the metalized ink is applied on the left-hand side of the portrait of the Sovereign. When these Banknotes are tilted, the metallic gloss of the surface appears.

Each Banknote has features designed for the visually impaired persons which help them to recognise the Banknote’s value. A square on the 10 Zloty, A circle on the 20 Zloty, a diamond on the 50 Zloty, a plus sign on the 100 Zloty and a triangle pointed right on the 200 Zloty Banknote.

Coat of Arms or the Emblem of Poland:

The “Orzel Bialy” or the White Eagle is the National Coat of Arms of Poland. The Arms consist of a stylized white eagle with a golden beak and talons, wearing a golden crown, the whole being placed against a red shield.

Legend has it that, the White Eagle emblem was created when Poland’s founder Lech chanced upon a white eagle’s nest. As he saw the bird, a ray of sunshine from the red setting sun fell on its wings, giving them the appearance of being tipped with gold. The rest of the eagle appeared pure white. He saw the eagle and the nest as an omen indicating that he should set up his home in the territory where he found the nest and decided to settle at the place where he saw the eagle’s nest and named the place “Gniezdno” (present day Gniezno) coming from the Polish word “gniazdo” (meaning “nest”).

The symbol of an eagle appeared for the first time on the coins made during the reign of Boleslaw I (992-1025 AD). From the 13^thcentury onwards (when the Arms was formally adopted by the Polish Kings in 1295), the Eagle has appeared on shields, ensigns, coins and seals of various Polish rulers in different formats and designs (the Arms was last modified in 1990).

The near circular charge, i.e. the image of the white eagle is highly stylized. The heraldic bird is depicted with its wings and legs outstretched, its head is turned to the right, in a pose known in heraldry as “displayed”. The eagle’s plumage, as well as its tongue and leg scales are white and gradient shading suggestive of a bas-relief.

Each wing is adorned with a curved band extending from the bird’s torso to the upper edge of the wing, terminating in a heraldic cinquefoil which is a stylized five-leafed plant (not to be confused for a star). Three of its leaves are embossed like a trefoil. In heraldic terms, the Eagle is “armed”, meaning its beak and talons are rendered in gold in contrast to its body.

The crown on the Eagle’s head consists of a base and three fleurons extending from it. The base is adorned with three roughly rectangular gemstones. The fleurons – of which only the two outer ones are visible, present themselves in the shape of a “Fleur – de – Lis” (or a Lily flower). The entire crown, including the gems, as well as spaces between the fleurons, is rendered in gold.

The charge is placed in an escutcheon (shield) which is a nearly rectangular upright isosceles trapezoid, rounded at the bottom, with the upper base slightly longer than the lower one, from the middle of which extends downwards a pointed tip. The shades of the principal tinctures, Argent (white/silver) and Gules (red) are the National colours of Poland.

The Escutcheon (shield) reads: “Gules, an eagle argent, armed, crowned and beaked Or, langued argent. 

(The Zloty coins & Banknotes are from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Coins and Banknotes scanned and article researched and written by Rajeev Prasad).

Links:

1) Honouring Marie Curie : A 20 Zlotych Banknote issued in her honour on the centenary of her winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911.