While coinage seems like nothing new or exciting now, at least the ones that line your pockets or purses, the idea that a nation could have such a thing is quite the achievement. Even way back in 1792 when the United States Congress established a national mint, it gave the newly independent America hope and opportunity to stand on its own. That logic travels across the world and it certainly was the case for our next spotlight in our 100 Greatest Modern World Coins blog series. Covering Whitman Publishing’s compilation of top coins and patterns from all over the world, we will take a closer look, with the help of authors Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker, at a gold coin that was meant to be a new opportunity until a series of unfortunate events washed it away.
#33 - Poland 1925 Gold 5 Zlotych
The country of Poland is one that has been in the midst of war and invasion for centuries. Modern Poland today does not look as it did years and years ago as its territory has changed and shifted between the east and the west at the hands of numerous countries surrounding it. In the control of Germany, Russia, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World World I, Poland and the Allied victory in 1918 and the Treaty of Versailles with Germany in 1919 would lead the country to new life. A new, independent Poland was born and the Second Polish Republic stood on its own. In March of 1921, the republic would officially adopt the March Constitution as it used democratic influences to create an egalitarian Polish society that would no longer use titles, give focus and promote the role of Parliament, and abolish racial and religious discrimination.
The March Constitution was conceptual and a model idea. However, it was not enough to endure and survive the coup of 1926 that saw dictator Józef Pilsudski, who helped with the Second Polish Republic, rise to power. Before then, a 1925 5-zlotych silver commemorative coin and gold patterns were created to celebrate the new constitution. The Second Republic era was important numismatically as the Warsaw Mint was reactivated in April of 1924 after being shut down by the Russians almost 60 years prior. After its reopening, the Treasury Minister introduced the first coin patterns after founding the Bank of Poland in 1920 and bringing back the gold zloty as the national currency in 1924. This was to fight post-war inflation.
According to Janusz Parchimowicz, a numismatist, only four of the gold pattern coins were struck. Three of them were varieties, one of which had belonged to King Farouk of Egypt and was a part of a collection showcased at the Chicago International Coin Fair in April of 2009. It is known to be the only one in private hands.