1982 Poland 10 Złotych – Józef Bem Issue | P‑148a
The 1982 Poland 10 Złotych (P‑148a) is a classic banknote of the Polish People’s Republic, featuring national hero General Józef Bem, a symbol of Polish independence and resistance. Designed by the renowned engraver Andrzej Heidrich, this note represents the bold, functional design style of early‑1980s Poland during a period of political tension and economic reform.
Historical Context
Issued on 25 May 1982, this note circulated during the later years of the Polish People’s Republic. Key contextual points:
Part of the Third Złoty currency system (1949–1994).
Designed by Andrzej Heidrich, often called the “father of modern Polish banknote design.”
Features the crownless White Eagle, the emblem of the communist‑era state.
Printed by the Polish Security Printing Works in Warsaw.
Fully demonetized on 1 January 1995 after the post‑communist currency reform.
This note is widely collected for its strong portrait engraving and its place in Poland’s late‑Cold‑War monetary history.
Key Features & Specifications
Issuer: Poland
Issuing Authority: National Bank of Poland (Narodowy Bank Polski)
Period: Polish People’s Republic (1952–1989)
Type: Standard circulation banknote
Year: 1982
Value: 10 Złotych
Currency: Third Złoty (PLZ)
Composition: Paper
Size: 138 × 63 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Issued: 25 May 1982
Demonetized: 1 January 1995
Reference: P‑148a
Printer: Polish Security Printing Works (PWPW), Warsaw
Obverse
Portrait of General Józef Bem, a celebrated Polish and Hungarian military commander
Large denomination 10
Crownless White Eagle emblem of the People’s Republic
Inscriptions include:
POLSKA RZECZPOSPOLITA LUDOWA
DZIESIĘĆ ZŁOTYCH
Designed by Andrzej Heidrich
Reverse
Guilloche rosette containing the denomination 10
Decorative geometric patterns
Inscriptions:
NARODOWY BANK POLSKI
BANKNOTY EMITOWANE PRZEZ NARODOWY BANK POLSKI SĄ PRAWNYM ŚRODKIEM PŁATNICZYM W POLSCE
Also designed by Andrzej Heidrich
Watermark
Interlocking circles and triangles repeated across the entire note
Collector Notes
The P‑148a is one of the most recognisable Polish notes of the 1980s. Affordable, historically significant, and designed by Poland’s most famous banknote artist, it remains a popular entry‑level collectible.=
