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 18th
century and between 1772 and 1795, it was dismembered by Austria,
Russia and Prussia.
In
the 12th 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 14th and 15th 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 17th and 18th 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 18th 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 25th 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 25th 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 25th 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 25th 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 13thcentury 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).
