Rarest Polish banknote of the 20th century in a beautiful, almost uncirculated condition. A variation in the second, approved version of the color reverse with a clause in 10 lines on a brown background and a revised, larger font with a height of 1.87 mm letters guaranteeing the readability of the clause.
The banknotes denominated in zlotys from 1919 belong to the most prestigious and popular Polish issue of the 20th century. This issue owes its popularity to a beautiful graphic layout, which is largely due to the fact that the print was made at the Clermont-Ferrand graphic plant in Paris, and the banknote designs were issued by French designers, signed only in the case of 10 zloty by the author - Ad.Giraldon on the bottom margin. It is an issue in which the beauty and climate of French banknotes is undeniably palpable. The characteristic, thin paper, which in its texture refers to the French banknotes only highlights a clear similarity to Franch issues.
The large rarity of virtually entire issue with 1919 date, and especially the denominations of 10,20 and 50 zlotys is primarily due to their natural wear in circulation. The replacement of worn notes was made in Warsaw, but with the date 1924, hence the first emission has never got analogous replacement series. The entire issue was naturally withdrawn from circulation with the date 1928, hence any preserved pieces that have survived until now had to be unnoticed, or to a lesser extent deliberately set aside for purely collectible reasons. A handful of quotations is known on the auction market, where the majority of known pieces is in well worn condition and often after total repair. The last, record-breaking listing of this particular type at the 5th GNDM Auction only confirmed the long-standing observations of topic enthusiasts that 10 zlotys 1919 with the revised clause is the rarest Polish banknote of the 20th century.
The particular banknote which is the subject of the auction is in excellent condition, almost outstanding given the rarity. It is an almost an uncirculated piece which is perfectly highlighted by the attached image against the light and the obtained AU grade from the PMG. When we look at the banknote, we can notice two folds at the bottom, left corner and light creases on the upper margin. On the reverse side, a slight smudge shall be noted, which explains the unusual numeric note 53 from PMG. An unquestionably a banknote without any traces of washing or pressing with a beautifully preserved, natural and characteristically grated texture of the paper. Colors with full print freshness, well saturated and beautiful.
Undeniably unique for many years, if not decades, the opportunity to buy such a rare banknote in such a great condition. This banknote will always be the strength of any collection, and at the same time, regardless of the future market trends, there will always be buyers, because the pieces like this for many, including and for me at the beginning of the adventure with Polish paper money have remained, and often still remain in the sphere of distant dreams.
I definitely recommend,
Mateusz Wójcicki
