2 zlote 1948
About This Note
This Polish 2 złote note from 1948 represents an important early post-war emission from the Narodowy Bank Polski, issued July 1, 1948. The note is presented in exceptional UNC condition with crisp, sharp printing throughout and minimal age-related patina, featuring the distinctive Polish Eagle (Orzeł Białych) on the obverse and a clean, minimalist reverse design typical of early communist-era Polish currency.
Common. The 2 złote 1948 (Pick 134) was issued in substantial quantities as part of the early post-war Polish currency circulation. No known print run restrictions, recall status, or scarcity factors affect this denomination and date. While notes in UNC condition command modest premiums over circulated examples, the note itself remains readily available in the collector market at modest valuations typical of common mid-20th century Eastern European banknotes.
Issued during Poland's early post-war reconstruction period, this 1948 note reflects the newly established communist Polish state's assertion of monetary sovereignty through the Narodowy Bank Polski. The prominent display of the Polish Eagle symbol on the obverse, combined with the formal governmental imagery and Polish-language inscriptions, underscores the nation's reassertion of independence following Nazi occupation and the subsequent Soviet sphere alignment.
The obverse features a formal commemorative design centered on the Polish Eagle (Orzeł Białych), the national emblem of Poland, positioned prominently on the right side. The denomination '2' appears in circular medallions in the upper left and lower left corners. The denomination text 'DWA ZŁOTE' is prominently displayed in the center. Ornate decorative borders with scrollwork and floral patterns frame the design in all corners, executed with fine line engraving. The reverse presents a minimalist aesthetic with circular denomination medallions in all four corners containing the numeral '2', and 'DWA ZŁOTE' text at the top center. A large blank rectangular central area with decorative border framing dominates the reverse, a characteristic design choice of post-war Polish currency that left space for potential future modifications or security features.
FRONT: 'Narodowy Bank Polski' (National Bank of Poland) | 'Dwa Złote' (Two Zlote) | 'Warszawa dnia 1 lipca 1948 roku' (Warsaw, July 1, 1948) | 'Prezes' (President) | 'Naczelny Dyrektor' (Chief Director) | 'Skarbnik' (Treasurer) | 'NBP' (abbreviation for National Bank of Poland) | Serial number 'BN 8596810'. BACK: 'Dwa Złote' (Two Zlote) | 'Bilety Narodowego Banku Polskiego o prawnym środkiem płatniczym w Polsce' (Banknotes of the National Bank of Poland are legal tender in Poland).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine detailed crosshatch patterns throughout the decorative borders, corner medallions, and background areas. The crisp impression and sharp registration of design elements are consistent with professional banknote production standards. The serial number in red ink indicates multi-color printing capabilities. This note was produced by Poland's official state banknote printer (typically Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych in Warsaw for this period).
Pick 134 (3) designation indicates this is cataloged as variety 3 of the 2 złote 1948 emission. The serial number prefix 'BN' appears standard for this series. The date 'WARSZAWA DNIA 1 LIPCA 1948 ROKU' (Warsaw, July 1, 1948) represents the official issue date. Signature varieties and serial number prefixes may exist within this Pick number; the observed specimen shows standard administrative signatures for 'Prezes', 'Naczelny Dyrektor', and 'Skarbnik' positions.
