A wonderful piece of one of the two 1928 denominations.
Banknote from an uncirculated issue. As completed, with running numbering and no cancellation markings.
Preserved in excellent condition. Rated 65 EPQ by PMG, it is currently one of the two highest-rated pieces of its type.
In Numismatik Krakowski No. 5/2022, R. Jadrych identified the figure on the obverse as Oleńka Bilewiczówna from Sienkiewicz's Potop, and, citing data from the Bank of Poland 1828-1928, synthesized the genesis of the entire issue.
Quoting R. Jadrych: "We know that the plan to introduce new banknotes into circulation ... probably appeared when the Polish economy slowly began to get back on its feet after temporary economic turmoil. This happened, among other things, thanks to the Treasury taking out a stabilization loan ... This loan made it possible, among other things, to increase the share capital of the Bank of Poland ..." (action of November 22, 1927 increasing the Bank's capital one time from 100 to 150 million we had on A9/139).
And quoting further, "...it was therefore decided to use completely new designs, taking into account the novel and noble technique of intaglio, making it much more difficult for counterfeiters. Polish printing houses were not able to meet these requirements, so it was decided to entrust this task to foreign printers..."
And that is how this beautiful 10 zloty 1928 was created, which we can now offer you at auction.
It is a very rare banknote.
It was not decided to carry out its issuance probably due to the high cost of production. A much simpler solution was implemented, realizing in 1929 an issue of 10 zlotys based directly on 1926 banknotes, only with a changed date.
Thus, the 1928 10 zloty was not put into circulation, and its few pieces known today probably come from the initial presentation batch and are the object of the greatest collector desire.
