1988 Poland 50 Zlotych Banknote – Honoring Karol Świerczewski and Poland’s Communist Era Legacy
Explore the 1988 Poland 50 Zlotych banknote (Pick# 142c), a historically rich note that commemorates Karol Świerczewski, a prominent Polish general and political figure. Issued during the final years of the People's Republic of Poland, this note reflects the ideological and artistic themes of the Cold War period and remains a compelling collectible from the nation’s socialist past.
Historical Context
This 50 Zlotych note was part of the 1975–1988 series issued by the Narodowy Bank Polski (National Bank of Poland) under the Third Zloty (PLZ), which circulated from 1949 until its replacement by the modern Polish Zloty (PLN) in 1995. The note was released during a time of political tension and economic instability, just before the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Karol Świerczewski (1897–1947) was a Polish-Soviet general and staunch communist who fought in the Spanish Civil War and later served in the Polish People's Army. His legacy was celebrated by the socialist regime, and his image was used to reinforce national pride and ideological loyalty.
Key Features & Specifications
Feature Description
Pick Number P-142c
Denomination 50 Polish Zlotych
Material Paper
Issuing Authority National Bank of Poland
Size 138 × 63 mm
Printer Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych S.A., Warsaw
Watermark White Eagle (coat of arms of the People's Republic of Poland)
Security Thread None
Demonetized Withdrawn from circulation on December 31, 1996
Design Elements
Front: Features a portrait of Karol Świerczewski at center, with the Polish White Eagle emblem at lower right. The design is rendered in olive green over a multicolor underprint, with bold socialist-era typography.
Back: Displays the Order of the Grunwald Cross, a military decoration awarded for valor, reinforcing the note’s patriotic and militaristic theme.
Lettering on the Note
The front includes the official statement: "Narodowy Bank Polski – 50 Złotych – Warszawa, 1 Grudnia 1988r" (National Bank of Poland – 50 Zlotych – Warsaw, December 1, 1988)
Additional features include:
Serial number printed twice for verification
Denomination prominently displayed in multiple locations
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This 50 Zlotych banknote is a meaningful addition to collections focused on:
Cold War-era currency and propaganda
Military history and socialist iconography
Polish historical figures and national symbolism
It also makes a unique gift for individuals born in 1988 or those interested in the visual and political legacy of Eastern Bloc nations.
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1988 Poland 50 Zlotych note (P-142c) offers a glimpse into the final chapter of Poland’s communist era. Its design, symbolism, and historical context make it a valuable artifact for numismatists, educators, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of currency and ideology.
