Poland Currency History Appraisal

Lot of Three Antique Polish Banknotes

This lot consists of three distinct Polish banknotes, all appearing to be from the early to mid-20th century, likely from periods of significant economic or governmental change in Poland given their denominations and historical context. Each note is made of paper, which has aged considerably, exhibiting widespread discoloration, creasing, folding, and significant wear and tear around the edges, including tears and small losses of material, indicative of heavy circulation and poor storage conditions over time. The colors primarily appear to be muted tones of brown, blue, and off-white, consistent with the age and material. The top banknote is a 'Tysiac Marek Polskich' (1000 Polish Marks), featuring an ornate border and text in Polish. A portrait of a historical figure, possibly a nobleman or statesman, is visible on the right side, framed within an oval. The numerical denomination "1000" is clearly printed. The overall condition is poor, with extensive creasing, a large fold across the middle, and significant fraying and tearing along the top and bottom edges. There are no discernible watermarks or obvious manufacturing marks from the provided images, though it bears the typical design elements of a national currency of its era. The middle banknote, with visible '20' denominations, is from 'BANK EMISYJNY W POLSCE' (Issuing Bank in Poland). It features a central allegorical scene, possibly depicting agricultural or industrial prosperity, flanked by portraits on either side. The details are somewhat clearer than the top note, but it still shows considerable creasing and wear. The artistic style of the portraits and central vignette is characteristic of early 20th-century banknote design, emphasizing national pride and economic themes. The bottom banknote is predominantly blue, with a numerical denomination of '100'. This note is in the most deteriorated condition, with the design largely obscured by heavy staining, fading, and extensive creasing. Only the '100' denomination is clearly visible in two locations. Its back seems to bear an intricate pattern or scene, though details are difficult to discern. The visible damage suggests it was exposed to moisture or harsh conditions, leading to its faded and brittle appearance. Given the denominations and issuing entities, these banknotes represent a fascinating glimpse into Poland's monetary history, likely from periods such as the interwar period or World War II occupation. The quality of craftsmanship, while observable in the original intricate designs, is now heavily masked by the severe degradation of the paper. Each note is unique in its design, reflecting different periods and challenges faced by Polish currency issuance.