The National Bank of Poland (NBP) and the local printer PWPW have created some of the most sought after collectible banknotes for years. Unlike other banks, Poland has embraced the numismatic market. They have created and issued low denomination Zloty banknotes to highlight historical people and events. This year, Poland will be issuing a 20 Zloty note commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw. This battle occurred in August 1920. Polish forces were able to repel invaders from the Red Army of the newly formed Soviet Union. Polish hero Józef Piłsudsk i led attacks on the invading Soviet Army and was able to turn the tide in the Polish Soviet War, eventually leading to an independent Poland. Pilsudski is displayed on the front banknote.

Poland 20 Zloty | 2020|
Source: National Bank of Poland

The NBP has been issuing collector banknotes since 2006. For instance the first collector 50 Zloty banknote commemorated the election of Pope John Paul II. The bank has used these commemorative to ‘make money’, selling them often for 3 to 5 times the face value, but also to test new security features. In 2008 NBO realased a 10 Zloty to commemorate Polands independence after the first World War. The NBP usually commemorates Military anniversaries on banknotes. For instance in 2014 a polymer banknote commemorating the formation of the Polish Legion and in 2018 a banknote commemorating Poland’s 100^th anniversary of Independence.