2 zlote 1936

Common. This is a regularly issued note from the standard circulation series of 1936, and the eBay price history provided demonstrates consistent trading in the $5-$20 range for various grades from 2009 through 2023, with UNC examples typically selling for $11-$12.50 and AUNC examples bringing $13-$18. The 2016 catalogue value for UNC was listed at $15. These prices and trading frequency indicate this is a common note with readily available supply in the collector market. The note was issued in substantial quantities typical of a standard denomination for regular circulation during the interwar period.

This note was issued during Poland's interwar period, a time when the newly independent Polish state was consolidating its currency and national identity following World War I. The deliberate choice to feature traditional Polish regional costume (Dąbrowski dress) on the obverse reflects the nationalist sentiment of the 1930s, while the crowned eagle on the reverse served as the powerful symbol of Polish sovereignty and state authority. The date of February 26, 1936, places this issue within the final years of the Second Polish Republic, before the German invasion would dramatically alter Poland's trajectory.

The obverse features a portrait in profile of a young woman wearing the traditional costume of the Dąbrowski region, characterized by an elaborate pleated headdress (distinctive to this ethnographic area) and a beaded necklace. The portrait is positioned within an octagonal frame on the right side of the note. The left side contains the denomination '2' in ornamental frames in the bottom corners, with the Bank Polski monogram (BP) in the top left. Central text displays the issuing information and signatures of three bank officials (President, Chief Director, and Treasurer). The reverse presents a symmetrical design dominated by the Polish crowned eagle coat of arms, the national symbol of Poland, centered within an ornate circular decorative frame with elaborate guilloché borders. The denomination '2' appears in matching ornamental frames on both the left and right sides. The legal tender declaration appears below the coat of arms. The dominant color palette consists of gray, beige/cream, and black inks on a light background with subtle yellow and light blue underprinting visible on the obverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'BP' (Bank Polski initials); 'BANK POLSKI' (Polish Bank); 'DWA ZŁOTE' (Two Zlote); 'WARSZAWA D. 26 LUTEGO 1936 R.' (Warsaw February 26, 1936); 'PREZES BANKU' (Bank President); 'NACZELNY DYREKTOR' (Chief Director); 'SKARBNIK' (Treasurer); Serial number 'B1 0399939'. BACK SIDE: 'BANK POLSKI' (Polish Bank - appears twice, flanking the coat of arms); '2' (denomination numerals in ornamental frames on left and right); 'BILETY BANKU POLSKIEGO SA. PRAWEM ŚRODKIEM PŁATNICZYCH W POLSCE' (The notes of the Bank of Poland are legal means of payment in Poland); 'DWA ZŁOTE' (Two Zlote).

This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine-line engraving is evident throughout the design, particularly in the detailed portrait, the intricate coat of arms, and the complex guilloché patterns that form the background texture and decorative elements. The red-printed serial number was applied separately, likely through letterpress or additional color printing. The Polish banknotes of this period were typically produced by the Bank Polski's own printing facilities or contracted to established European security printers such as Waterlow & Sons or De La Rue, though the specific printer attribution for this particular Pick number would require archival verification.

The observed example carries serial number 'B1 0399939', indicating the 'B1' series. The 1936 dated 2 Złote note exists in multiple series and varieties based on signature combinations and serial number prefixes. This particular note exhibits the standard obverse design with the Dąbrowski costume girl and reverse with the crowned eagle, consistent with the primary design type for this Pick number. No overprints or special markings are evident. Collectors of Polish currency from this period should note that variations may exist in signature combinations and serial number letter prefixes, which can affect desirability to specialized collectors, though these do not significantly impact market value for common series examples.