PLN – Polish Zloty
Monetary System
1916-1924: 1 marka polska = 100 fenigów
1924: 1 Polish złoty = 100 groszy
1950: 1 Polish złoty (PLZ) = 100 groszy
1995: 1 Polish złoty (PLN) = 100 groszy
National Bank of Poland
Narodowy Bank Polski
The Narodowy Bank Polski (National Bank of Poland, NBP) started its operation in 1945 as a state-owned bank supervised by the minister of treasury. For more information, visit www.nbp.pl.
2023 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus, the National Bank of Poland sold 100,000 new 20-zloty notes packaged in a folder for 160 zlotych each beginning on 9 February 2023. Copernicus was an outstanding astronomer, creator of the heliocentric theory, physician, economist, and defender of Olsztyn against the Teutonic Knights.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Green, blue, red, and brown. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized quadrant and fragment of heliocentric system; Nicolaus Copernicus. Back: Polish text; obverse and reverse of Gdarisk szastak (six grosz); obverse of Elblag szostak (six grosz); obverse of Prussian (Torun) schilling; fragment of heliocentric system; Castle of Warmian Cathedral Chapter in Olsztyn. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: PWPW S.A. 150 x 77 mm. Polymer.
2022 Numismatic Products
On 19 July 2022, the National Bank of Poland introduced 80,000 20-zloty banknotes commemorating the “Defense of the Polish Eastern Border.”
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Brown and gray. Front: Polish text; Border Guard officer holding binoculars and Polish Army soldier holding assault rifle, both wearing camouflage uniforms; coat of arms with crowned eagle; fighter jet as registration device; map of Poland’s eastern border; denomination in SPARK Live. Back: Polish text; Black Hawk police helicopter flying low over village; fighter jet as registration device; coat of arms with crowned eagle. Green-and-gold windowed security thread. Watermark: Bank logo with electrotype NBP. Printer: PWPW S.A. 150 x 77 mm. Paper.
2021 Numismatic Products
The National Bank of Poland plans to introduce 80,000 20-zloty banknotes commemorating Lech Kaczynski with the theme “It is Worth Being a Pole” on 9 November 2021.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Blue, purple, green, red, black, and brown. Front (vertical): Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; cross of Orange, blue, red, brown, and black. Front: Polish text; medal; coat of arms with crowned eagle; shield with crowned eagle; Lech Kaczydski; building as registration device. Back: Polish text; building; Warsaw Rising Museum tower with flag; SPARK Live bell; cranes and crowds in Gdarisk shipyard during Solidarity movement; three hands flashing V symbol with fingers; coin with crowned eagle. Windowed security thread with demetalized NBP. Watermark: Eagle and electrotype 20. Printer: (Polska Wytwornia Papierdw Wartoficiovrych). 150 x 77 mm. Paper.
2020 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw 1920, the National Bank of Poland plans to sell up to 60,000 new 20-złoty banknotes beginning on 11 August 2020, at a premium of 80 złoty each. The note was designed by Justyna Kopecka.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Blue, purple, green, red, black, and brown. Front (vertical): Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; cross of valour; skyline of Warsaw; Józef Pilsudski wearing uniform, pulling sword from scabbard, based on Kazimierz Mankowski’s painting, “The Year 1920;” oak wreath; airplane as registration device. Back (vertical): Polish text; olive wreath; airplane; chaplain Ignacy Skorupka leading soldiers in battle scene from Jerzy Kossak’s painting, “The Miracle on the Vistula;” Commemorative Medal for the War of 1918-1921. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized 19 ZŁ. Watermark: Eagle and electrotype 20. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 150 x 77 mm. Paper.
2019 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (Polish Security Printing Works), the National Bank of Poland issued up to 55,000 new 19-złoty banknotes beginning on 2 October 2019.
In March 2020, this note won the “Best New Commemorative Banknote” award at the High Security Printing EMEA Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Brown, blue, gray, green, yellow, and red. Front: Polish text; olive branches; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized cross of the Order of the White Eagle; Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego. Back: Polish text; legionary eagle clutching Amazon shield in its claws; Polish Security Printing Works building in Warsaw; stylized PWPW logo as SPARK Orbital. Holographic stripe. Solid security thread with demetalized 19 ZŁ. Watermark: Eagle. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 150 x 77 mm. Paper.
2012 – 2018 Rulers of Poland Issues
These notes are like earlier issues, but slightly redesigned and with improved anti-counterfeiting features, including Omron rings (all notes), SPARK features (50- and 100-złoty notes), and RollingStar Cube security threads (200-złoty notes). All of the notes were designed by Andrzej Heidrich.
Description: 10.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 120 x 60 mm
Brown and green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; two stylized Romanesque rosettes; Prince Mieszko I; crown as registration device; decorative floral ornamentation. Back: Polish text; crown; fragments of Romanesque columns; silver denar coin. Solid security thread with demetaliwzed 10 ZŁ. Watermark: Prince Mieszko I and electrotype 10. Printer: PWPW. 120 x 60 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 126 x 63 mm
Violet and pink. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Romanesque portal; King Bolesław I Chrobry; crown as registration device; stylized oak tree. Back: Polish text; crown; rotunda; silver denar coin; lion rampant on floral osier. Solid security thread with demetalized 20 ZŁ. Watermark: King Bolesław I Chrobry and electrotype 20. Printer: PWPW. 126 x 63 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 132 x 66 mm
Navy blue, blue, and light green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized Gothic rosette; King Casimir III the Great; crown as registration device; monogram of crowned letter K in green SPARK. Back: Polish text; crown; panorama of Kazimierz; eagle on royal seal of Casimir III the Great; royal insignia, orb, and scepter; panorama of Cracow. Solid security thread with demetalized 50 ZŁ. Watermark: King Casimir III the Great and electrotype 50. Printer: PWPW. 132 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Green, olive green, light violet, and blue. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized Gothic ornamentation; King Ladislaus II Jagiello; crown as registration device; Gothic ornament in gold SPARK. Back: Polish text; crown; castle of Teutonic Knights at Malbork; eagle on shield from tombstone of Ladislaus II Jagiello; two swords, Teutonic Knight’s helmet, and cape. Solid security thread with demetalized 100 ZŁ. Watermark: King Ladislaus II Jagiello and electrotype 100. Printer: PWPW. 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
Description: 200.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 144 x 72 mm
Brown, light yellow, and olive green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; wreath interwoven with ribbon; King Sigismund I the Old; crown as registration device; wreath; patch in shape of Renaissance cartouche. Back: Polish text; crown; Wawel Castle courtyard; eagle within hexagon from the Sigismund Chapel in cathedral on Wawel Hill. Gold-to-green RollingStar Cube windowed security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 200 ZŁ. Watermark: King Sigismund I the Old and electrotype 200. Printer: PWPW. 144 x 72 mm. Paper.
Description: 500.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 75 mm
Blue, brown, burgundy, and green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Sobieski family coat-of-arms; King Jan III Sobieski (John Sobieski); crown as registration device; lobster-tailed pot helmet in green SPARK. Back: Polish text; crown; Wilanów Palace; eagle coat of arms. Gold-to-green RollingStar Cube windowed security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 500 ZŁ. Watermark: King Jan III Sobieski and electrotype 500. Printer: PWPW. 150 x 75 mm. Paper.
2018 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of independence, the National Bank of Poland issued up to 50,000 new 20-złoty banknotes beginning on 31 August 2018.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Navy, gray, brown, blue, red, black, and beige. Front: Polish text; oak branch; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized cross of the Polonia Restituta Order; Józef Piłsudski wearing cap, resting head on hand; Polish Military Organization badge. Back: Polish text; legionary eagle clutching Amazon shield in its claws; stylized Polish flag; stylized plant as SPARK live. Solid security thread with demetalized 20 ZŁ. Watermark: Legionary eagle clutching Amazon shield and electrotype 20. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 150 x 77 mm. Paper.
2017 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 300th anniversary of the “Coronation of the Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa” (The Blessed Virgin Mary), the National Bank of Poland plans to issue up to 55,000 new 20-złoty banknotes for 60 złotych each beginning on 21 August 2017. The note was designed by Justyna Kopecka.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 150 x 77 mm
Blue, orange, green, and red. Front: Polish text; floral ornament from antependium of altar in Chaple of Mother of God; coat of arms with crowned eagle; flying guardian angels holding crowns of Mary and Jesus bestowed by Pope Clement XI; Anjou lilies; Marian monogram as registration device; tendrils from baroque frame of Miraculous Icon. Back: Polish text; plan of Jasna Góra monastery; fleur-de-lis of House of Anjou as SPARK live; 18th-century drawing of coronation of Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God; Marian monogram. Solid security thread with demetalized 20 ZŁ. Watermark: Pauline Order coat of arms of raven with loaf of bread in beak and two lions leaning against palm tree and electrotype 20. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 150 x 77 mm. Paper.
2015 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 600th anniversary of the birth of Jan Długosz (priest, historian, writer, geographer, and diplomat), the National Bank of Poland issued 30,000 new numismatic products beginning on 24 August 2015. Designed by Andrzej Heidrich, the note features a Quick Recognition Code at lower left front. This code is engraved by laser on the surface of the special cotton-based paper substrate called LEAP (laser engravable anticounterfeiting paper). When scanned with an Internet-enabled mobile device, the code opens a web site which tells the story of this note.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Brown, green, gold, and violet. Front: Polish text; 1415 as registration device; open book; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Jan Długosz. Back: Polish text; Wieniawa coat of arms; Wawel Cathedral in Kraków; stained glass window. Solid security thread with demetalized 20 ZŁ. Watermark: Shield with crowned eagle. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
To commemorate the 1050th anniversary of the “Baptism of Poland,” when King Miezko I and the majority of his court were baptized in 966 AD, the National Bank of Poland plans to issue up to 35,000 new numismatic products beginning on 12 April 2016. The note was designed by Krystian Michalczuk.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 144 x 77 mm
Blue and red. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; chalice and stag in underprint; Dobrawa (Doubravka of Bohemia) and King Miezko I; holographic patch; floor plan of church as registration device; staurotheke from Ostrów Lednicki (cross-shaped reliquary). Back: Polish text; chalice as OVMI feature; floor plan of church; Gniezno Cathedral; peacock from detail of Gniezno doors; royal chalice of Trzemeszno depicting Nathan and Joab crowning King David. Active windowed security thread with demetalized NBP 20. Watermark: Stag with electrotype 20. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 144 x 77 mm. Paper.
This is the first commemorative note in the world to use DLR’s Active security thread.
2014 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Polish Legions, the National Bank of Poland issued a new 20-złoty polymer note on 5 August 2014. 50,000 notes were packaged in a folder and sold for 60 złotych each. This note was designed by Andrzej Heidrich, based upon the unissued 5-million-zloty note dated 1995.
The note represents the debut of three new anti-counterfeiting technologies from Innovia Security. The Belvedere Palace is designed in Latitude, a substrate-integrated diffractive optically variable device (DOVD) that uses silver nanoparticles to create stunning visual effects. In the upper left front, the shape of tree leaves and the number 20 are printed with the Aurora feature which uses angular metamerics to deliver contrasting color switches. Finally, the flowing X-shape of the blue ribbon at upper left front is rendered with Metalix to deliver a metallic effect.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 147 x 67 mm
Green, brown, yellow, and blue. Front: Polish text; Belvedere Palace hologram; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Commander Józef Klemens Piłsudski wearing military uniform. Back: Polish text; eagle badge of the Polish Legions; Grand Cross (with Star) of the Order of Virtuti Militari; badge of the First Brigade of the Polish Legions; Belvedere Palace hologram. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych). 147 x 67 mm. Polymer (Guardian).
2011 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in chemistry being awarded to Marie Curie, the National Bank of Poland issued new 20-złoty notes on 9 December 2011. 60,000 notes were packaged in a folder and sold for 47 złotych each.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Brown and green. Front: Polish text; physicist Marie Skłodowska Curie; Sorbona w Paryżu (Sorbonne school building in Paris); coat of arms with crowned eagle; Ra (atomic symbol for radium) in SPARK. Back: Polish text; Curie quotation; Instytut Radowy w Warszawie (Radium Institute building in Warsaw); Nobel Prize medal for chemistry. Solid security thread with microprinted 20 Zł. Watermark: Marie Skłodowska Curie and electrotype Ra. Printer: PWPW S.A. 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
2009 Numismatic Products
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the poet Julius Slowacki, the National Bank of Poland issued new 20-złoty notes on 23 September 2009. 80,000 notes were packaged in a folder and sold for 29 złotych each. The note was designed by Maciej Kopecki and engraved by Przemyslaw Krajewski.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Brown. Front: Polish text; quill and inkwell; Krzemieniec chalet in Ukraine; coat of arms with crowned eagle; poet Julius Slowacki. Back: Polish text; flying cranes birds; statue of Sigismund III Vasa at Castle Square in Warsaw; handwritten poem “Sedation.” Solid security thread with microprinted 20 Zł. Watermark: Julius Slowacki. Printer: PWPW S.A. 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
The National Bank of Poland honored the 200th birthday of musician Frédéric François Chopin with a new commemorative 20-złoty banknote. This note went on sale 26 February 2010 at a price of 50 złoty each.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Black, tan, and blue. Front: Polish text; Chopin birthplace mansion in Zelazowa Wola; coat of arms with crowned eagle; musician Frédéric François Chopin; score of Mazurka in B minor, Op. 7; Chopin signature. Back: Polish text; Masovian willow trees; score of étude in F minor, Op. 10. Solid security thread with microprinted 20 Zł. Watermark: Frédéric Chopin. Printer: PWPW S.A. 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
2008 Numismatic Products
On 21 October 2008, the National Bank of Poland announced that it would issue a 10-złoty note to commemorate the 90th anniversary of regaining independence. The front of the note depicts Commander Józef Piłsudski and the front façade of the Belweder Palace. The back of the note contains the Emblem of the Polish Republic—the White Eagle—as designed in 1919, as well as the Monument of the Heroic Deed of Polish Legions in Kielce. On 3 November 2008, the National Bank of Poland introduced the new 10-złoty note. 80,000 notes were packaged in a folder and sold for 15 złotych each. The note was engraved by Maciej Kopecki.
Description: 10.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Pink and orange. Front: Polish text; Belweder Palace in Warsaw; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Commander Józef Klemens Piłsudski wearing military uniform. Back: Polish text; white eagle; Monument of the Heroic Deed of Polish Legions in Kielce. Solid security thread with microprinted 10 Zł. Watermark: Piłsudski and electrotype denomination. Printer: PWPW S.A. 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
2006 Numismatic Products
This note—designed by Andrzej Heidrich and engraved by Maciej Kopecki—was issued 16 October 2006, the 28th anniversary of Karol Wojtya’s election to the papacy. Two million notes were issued in folders for 90 złotych each.
Description: 50.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 144 x 72 mm
Blue, brown, and green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; world map; John Paul II holding crucifix-topped staff; Peter’s keys. Back: Polish text; Peter’s keys; inauguration of John Paul II with cardinal Stefan Wyszynski; quotation from Letter to Poles; Jasna Góra Monastery and church in Częstochowa, Poland. Solid security thread with printed 50 ZL. Watermark: Papal seal. Printer: PWPW S.A. 144 x 72 mm. Paper.
1994 Rulers of Poland Issues
Beginning 1 January 1995, the preceding notes dated 1974 – 1993 were exchanged without limit for 1994-dated notes at a ratio of 10,000:1.
Description: 10.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 120 x 60 mm
Brown and green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; two stylized Romanesque rosettes; Prince Mieszko I; crown as registration device; decorative floral ornamentation. Back: Polish text; crown; fragments of Romanesque columns; silver denar coin. Solid security thread with demetalized 10 ZŁ. Watermark: Prince Mieszko I. Printer: Varieties. 120 x 60 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 126 x 63 mm
Violet and pink. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; Romanesque portal; King Bolesław I Chrobry; crown as registration device; stylized oak tree. Back: Polish text; crown; rotunda; silver denar coin; lion rampant on floral osier. Solid security thread with demetalized 20 ZŁ. Watermark: King Bolesław I Chrobry. Printer: Varieties. 126 x 63 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 132 x 66 mm
Navy blue, blue, and light green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized Gothic rosette; King Casimir III the Great; crown as registration device; monogram of crowned letter K. Back: Polish text; crown; panorama of Kazimierz; eagle on royal seal of Casimir III the Great; royal insignia, orb, and scepter; panorama of Cracow. Solid security thread with demetalized 50 ZŁ. Watermark: King Casimir III the Great. Printer: Varieties. 132 x 66 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 138 x 69 mm
Green, olive green, light violet, and blue. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; stylized Gothic ornamentation; King Ladislaus II Jagiello; crown as registration device. Back: Polish text; crown; castle of Teutonic Knights at Malbork; eagle on shield from tombstone of Ladislaus II Jagiello; two swords, Teutonic Knight’s helmet, and cape. Solid security thread with demetalized 100 ZŁ. Watermark: King Ladislaus II Jagiello. Printer: Varieties. 138 x 69 mm. Paper.
Description: 200.00 PLN – Polish Zloty Size: 144 x 72 mm
Brown, light yellow, and olive green. Front: Polish text; coat of arms with crowned eagle; wreath interwoven with ribbon; holographic patch in shape of Renaissance cartouche; King Sigismund I the Old; crown as registration device; wreath. Back: Polish text; crown; Wawel Castle courtyard; eagle within hexagon from the Sigismund Chapel in cathedral on Wawel Hill. Solid security thread with demetalized 200 ZŁ. Watermark: King Sigismund I the Old. Printer: Varieties. 144 x 72 mm. Paper.
Extras
The National Bank of Poland plans to introduce 70,000 20-zloty banknotes commemorating Nicolaus Copernicus in November 2022.
According to a Polish-language press release dated 15 November 2021, the National Bank of Poland plans to accelerate the introduction of a banknote and coin commemorating the “Defense of the Polish Eastern Border.” However, no details are available regarding the denomination or design. The introduction was originally scheduled for May 2022.
