1 marka 1919

Common. The Polska Krajowa Kasa Pożyczkowa issued substantial quantities of 1 Marka notes during 1919, and this denomination remained in circulation during the early Polish monetary period. While notes from this issuing authority are collected, they are not scarce. The UNC condition grade does not significantly elevate rarity for this common denomination, as many examples survive in excellent condition due to the note's relative youth and the fact that high-denomination notes of the period were often preserved.

This note was issued during a critical period following Poland's restoration of independence in November 1918, when the Polska Krajowa Kasa Pożyczkowa (Polish National Loan Bank) was tasked with establishing a new monetary system. The prominent heraldic eagle symbol represents national identity and sovereignty, while the August 1919 date places this note within the first year of Polish monetary reconstruction. The inclusion of Warsaw as the place of issue underscores the reestablishment of Polish government authority in the capital city.

The obverse features a central heraldic Polish eagle displayed prominently within a shield design, the official coat of arms of Poland. The reverse also displays the Polish heraldic eagle with spread wings in circular medallions positioned on both left and right sides. Both sides employ an ornamental scalloped border with decorative scrollwork and floral patterns throughout. Corner numerals '1' appear in circular medallions at all four corners of both sides. The dominant color scheme is deep red/maroon with light tan/cream colored text and design elements. The overall composition reflects the formal, official nature of the issuing authority and the symbolic importance of the heraldic eagle to Polish national identity during the early independence period.

FRONT SIDE: Central legal warning inscription reads: 'Whoever counterfeits or falsifies tickets of the Polish National Loan Bank or puts into circulation or attempts to put into circulation counterfeit or falsified tickets is subject to punishment specified by law with exceptions.' Serial identification: 'Series I DF' with serial number '811779'. BACK SIDE: Main text includes 'POLSKA KRAJOWA' (Polish National) and 'JEDNA MARKA POLSKA' (One Polish Mark). Official issuing information states: 'DYREKCJA POLSKIEJ KRAJOWEJ KASY POŻYCZKOWEJ' (Direction of the Polish National Loan Bank) and 'WARSZAWA DNIA 23 SIERPNIA 1919 ROKU' (Warsaw, August 23, 1919). The note bears the designation 'KASA POŻYCZKOWA' (Loan Bank).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line engraving work visible throughout the design, the crisp detail in the heraldic imagery, and the precise scalloped border execution. The intricate ornamental patterns and text integration within design elements are characteristic of security printing practices of the period. The specific printer for this issue is not definitively identified in standard catalogs, but early Polish currency was often produced by established European security printers or under Polish government direction.

This specific example is identified as Pick catalog number P-23 (2), representing the second variety or issue of this design. The serial number 'I Seria DF 811779' indicates Series I with prefix 'DF'. The note dated August 23, 1919 is from the initial issue period. Collectors should note that varieties exist based on series designations and serial number prefixes; this particular example with 'DF' prefix from Series I represents one documented variety of this denomination.