Undeniably the rarest banknote from the occupation period.
A London forgery with a characteristic serial number beginning with the digits 12... or 13..., but not detected by the occupying forces, with no invalidation stamps.
Bright white paper, serial number in intense red. Watermark depicting a highlander, but with a wider hat measuring 34 mm.
Folded along the printed area. Fold lines show no wear; the paper is pleasant to the touch.
This piece has a stunning appearance for this type of banknote. The vast majority of known examples are heavily worn from circulation.
The paper is relatively clean, and the print colors are well-saturated.
The piece is in a state of print-fresh condition with the paper’s natural texture visible, without any signs of conservation treatment.
The rarest occupation-era banknote, sought after by collectors, and unlisted in bank-quality condition. The piece offered here is undoubtedly one of the best-preserved examples ever to appear at auctions in Poland.
The auction result for a comparable piece from 2023, which sold for 40,460 zlotys [link], clearly illustrates the need to fill a gap that exists in many highly advanced collections.
In the condition presented here, it is the most highly valued item from the occupation period.
