20 zlotych 1944

Common. eBay market data shows this note in Fine condition selling consistently between $5–$19.50 USD across multiple transactions from 2013–2022, with an average around $10–$13. The 2016 catalog value for VF is $20 and UNC is $40, suggesting moderate market availability. This was a regular issue from the national bank with no indication of limited production or recall. The consistent availability in the secondary market and modest pricing confirms this is a common circulated banknote despite its historical wartime origin.

Issued in 1944 by Narodowy Bank Polski (the National Bank of Poland), this banknote represents Polish monetary authority during the final year of World War II occupation. The design prominently features the Polish eagle emblem, a symbol of national identity that remained important even under wartime conditions. The legal text mandate that acceptance is obligatory and counterfeiting punishable by law reflects the economic controls and serious enforcement measures typical of the wartime period.

The obverse features a formal, symmetrical design centered on the Polish eagle (Polska eagle emblem) positioned above the main denomination text. The eagle is rendered in classical heraldic style, symbolizing Polish sovereignty. 'DWADZIEŚCIA ZŁOTYCH' appears prominently in the center within an ornate cartouche with elaborate scrollwork. Decorative denomination medallions containing '20' are positioned in all four corners with geometric and floral flourishes. The issuing bank name appears in an arched banner at the top. Red serial numbers flank the design on left and right. The reverse displays a simplified composition with the denomination '20' in large numerals centered on a light pink/cream field, bordered by ornate corner medallions and floral scrollwork consistent with the obverse aesthetic. The overall design reflects early-to-mid 20th century engraved banknote aesthetics with elaborate classical ornamentation.

FRONT: 'NARODOWY BANK POLSKI' = National Bank of Poland; 'DWADZIEŚCIA ZŁOTYCH' = Twenty Zlotych; 'PRZYJMOWANIE WE WSZYSTKICH WYDATKACH JEST OBOWIĄZKOWE FAŁSZOWANIE BĘDZIE KARANE ZGODNIE Z PRAWEM' = Acceptance in all expenses is mandatory. Counterfeiting will be punished in accordance with the law; '20' = denomination; '1944' = issue year; 'Ay 033984' = serial number (red ink, both sides). BACK: 'NARODOWY BANK POLSKI' = National Bank of Poland; '20' = Twenty (denomination); 'DWADZIEŚCIA ZŁOTYCH' = Twenty Zlotych; '1944' = issue year.

This note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved) printing methods, evidenced by the fine line engraving throughout the design, intricate geometric patterns in borders, and the detailed rendering of the Polish eagle emblem. The serial numbers are overprinted in red ink. The printer is identified as Narodowy Bank Polski (Polish National Bank) based on catalog data. The high-quality engraving with multiple layers of decorative scrollwork and the precise medallion designs are characteristic of security printing standards of the 1940s era.

Pick number P-113a denotes the correct spelling variety. The catalog reference notes an important distinction: this P-113a variety features 'OBOWIĄZKOWE' (correct spelling) printed by Narodowy Bank Polski. A variant spelling exists as P-112 with 'OBOWIAZKOWYM' (incorrect spelling) printed by Goznak in Moscow. The visual analysis confirms the correct 'OBOWIĄZKOWE' spelling, confirming this as the P-113a variety. Serial number prefix 'Ay' with number 033984 is observed; two serial number varieties are documented for this issue.