1931 Bank Polski 20 Złotych Banknote – Second Polish Republic | P#73
The 1931 Bank Polski 20 Złotych note is one of the most recognisable and culturally significant banknotes of the Second Polish Republic. Issued during a period of national rebuilding and economic stabilisation, this note reflects the artistic refinement and patriotic spirit of interwar Poland. Catalogued as P#73, it is admired for its elegant engraving, large format, and its tribute to two major figures in Polish history: Emilia Plater on the note itself and Casimir III the Great in the watermark.
Key Specifications
Attribute Details
Issuer Bank Polski (Second Polish Republic)
Denomination 20 Złotych
Year of Issue 1931
Pick Number P#73
Dimensions 163 × 86 mm
Material Paper, intaglio & lithographic printing
Watermark Casimir III the Great (Kazimierz Wielki)
Printer Państwowa Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (PWPW), Warsaw
Design Overview
Obverse
The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Emilia Plater, the famed noblewoman and revolutionary who fought in the November Uprising of 1830–31. Her image symbolises patriotism, courage, and the enduring spirit of national resistance. Surrounding her portrait are intricate guilloche patterns, floral motifs, and traditional Polish decorative elements, all executed with exceptional detail.
Reverse
The reverse presents an elaborate symmetrical composition of guilloches, ornamental scrollwork, and stylised Polish motifs. At its centre stands the crowned White Eagle, the national emblem of Poland, framed by decorative panels displaying the denomination.
Security Features
Watermark of Casimir III the Great, one of Poland’s most influential medieval kings
Complex guilloche background
High‑precision intaglio engraving
Distinctive serial numbering
Collector Appeal
National Heroine Portrait
Emilia Plater is one of the most celebrated female figures in Polish history, making this note especially appealing to collectors of revolutionary and patriotic themes.
Interwar Polish Identity
Issued during the Second Polish Republic, the note reflects a period of cultural pride and national renewal following Poland’s re‑establishment as an independent state.
Dual Historical Significance
The combination of Emilia Plater on the obverse and Casimir III the Great in the watermark creates a unique pairing of two defining figures from different eras of Polish history.
Large, Impressive Format
At 163 × 86 mm, the note has a commanding presence and showcases the craftsmanship of PWPW’s interwar printing.
Increasingly Sought After
Surviving examples are desirable due to age, historical context, and the turbulent events that followed in the 1930s and 1940s.
Summary
The 1931 Bank Polski 20 Złotych (P#73) stands as a beautifully crafted and historically rich issue of the Second Polish Republic. With its portrait of Emilia Plater, watermark of Casimir III the Great, and refined interwar design, it remains a standout piece for collectors of European, Polish, and pre‑WWII banknotes.
