Złoty
The złoty is the traditional currency unit of Poland and also plays an important role in numismatics. The name ‘złoty’ literally means ‘the golden one’ and refers to its original meaning as a gold coin. The term złoty was already in use in Poland in the 14th century, initially not for a coin of its own, but as a measure of value for foreign gold coins such as the ducat or the Hungarian guilder, which were widely used in trade at the time.
The złoty was actually introduced as an official coin denomination in the 16th century as part of comprehensive coinage reforms. At that time, the złoty was introduced as a unit of account, with one złoty originally equal to 30 groszy. Over time, it also became a coin minted in real metal – initially in silver, later in paper form or modern alloys. The currency was stable and was also recognised in various forms by neighbouring countries, which increased its numismatic relevance beyond Poland’s borders.
During the partition of Poland between the 18th and 19th centuries, the złoty was replaced by other currencies in the various occupied territories, such as the Russian rouble and the Austrian guilder. After regaining independence in 1918, the złoty was reintroduced as the national currency in 1924. The złoty coins from this period are also of interest to numismatists, as they not only reflect currency reforms but also document political and cultural changes.
Today, the złoty (abbreviated PLN) is the official currency of Poland. In the numismatic field, it is particularly exciting due to the large number of commemorative coins, historical coinages from the interwar period and coins from socialist Poland. Collectors appreciate both early silver złoty coins from the 16th to 18th centuries and modern series from the Polish National Bank, which are issued in gold and silver for various occasions. The złoty is therefore not only a stable currency but also an important cultural asset in the world of numismatics.