Buy The Poland: Five Polish Banknotes (Billfold) Online
This striking collection of five historic Polish banknotes is a vivid journey through the political and social upheavals of 20th-century Poland. From the early days of independence after World War I to the dark years of World War II and the stark realism of the communist era, these notes are more than currency—they are symbols of national endurance, pride, and transformation.
The set begins with the 10 marek banknote from 1919 (P-25), issued just after Poland regained its independence following 123 years of partitions. It features Tadeusz Kościuszko, the legendary general and freedom fighter who led uprisings against both foreign rule and social injustice.
Accompanying it is the 20 marek note from 1919 (P-26), depicting a Polish woman in traditional folk dress, symbolizing the rebirth of a people reclaiming their identity after a century of foreign domination. These two notes reflect a hopeful, if fragile, return to sovereignty.
From there, the story jumps to World War II with the 50 zlotych note from 1941 (P-102), issued under German occupation. It shows a young Polish man, stoic and firm, during a time when Poland was under brutal rule and resistance burned beneath the surface.
The next two notes reflect Poland's communist period. The 100 zlotych note (P-143) from 1975–88 bears the word PROLETARYAT in bold red, echoing the era’s ideology of workers' solidarity and central planning.
Finally, the 500 zlotych note (P-145) from 1974–82 returns once again to Kościuszko, the eternal symbol of Poland’s fight for freedom, bridging the hopes of early independence with the aspirations of a nation still striving for liberty even in the Iron Curtain years.
Each note captures a distinct chapter in Poland’s modern saga—a powerful blend of resistance, ideology, and enduring identity that few nations can rival.
Details of This Unique Collection:
Historical Significance: Spans Poland’s modern history from independence to occupation, socialism, and national pride.
Authenticity: All five banknotes are genuine historical issues from the 20th century.
Educational Value: A compelling visual archive of Poland’s evolving political and cultural landscape.
Highlights:
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1919 10 Marek (P-25): Kościuszko stands for freedom and the rebirth of the Polish state.
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1919 20 Marek (P-26): Folk imagery celebrating national identity.
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1941 50 Zlotych (P-102): Issued during Nazi occupation—a somber artifact of wartime Poland.
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1975–88 100 Zlotych (P-143): Communist symbolism with bold proletarian slogans.
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1974–82 500 Zlotych (P-145): Kościuszko reappears, a symbol that could never be silenced.
