Which old coins are valuable?

Discover the world of old coins! 

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  • Author of the entry: Mennica Skarbowa
  • Date of entry:

The world of numismatics, or collectible coins, can be astonishing. Many valuable specimens delight with their year of minting or interesting design. There is also no shortage of collector coins whose price can be simply astonishing, exceeding tens or even hundreds of thousands of zlotys. However, this does not mean that less valuable, old numismatic items do not deserve our attention. Join us in discovering some interesting examples from the domestic collectors' market!

Collectible coins – from commemorative coins to coins known as "destructs"

When it comes to valuable collector coins available on the Polish market, it is particularly worth paying attention to their different categories. These include coins with high gold content or those made of silver and other precious metals (copper, palladium, or platinum). Compared to bullion coins, their value is not solely linked to the SPOT price, i.e., the price of the precious metal on global exchanges. Collectible coins are valued on the basis of many other factors, including their uniqueness and condition.

Commemorative coins are a special type of collector's coins , which were minted in connection with sporting events or various anniversaries. Commemorative coins serve a similar function – they are created to commemorate moments that are important to a given culture or country. It should be emphasized that the value of such silver and gold coins increases with their age.

The situation may be different in the case of coins known as "destructs," which are highly sought after by collectors . These are defective coins that were minted contrary to the design specifications. They may have duplicate images or duplicate obverse and reverse sides. Therefore, these are not damaged coins, but those minted with minting errors. An example is the 10-grosz coins from 1973 without a mint mark. In standard coins, the eagle's talons are marked with the letters MW. The coin without this mark is prized by collectors, who are willing to pay up to several thousand zlotys for such a specimen!

Examples of old collectible coins of high value

Would you like to see examples of old coins that are extremely valuable, usually beyond the reach of collectors (some of these coins are kept in museum collections, etc.)? Here are some interesting examples:

  • The first grosz coin from 1367 – it is said that there are only 37 of them in the whole of Poland! This makes the coin extremely rare on the numismatic market. Its value is difficult to estimate. The Krakow grosz, as it is called, belongs to the collection of the NBP Money Center. Such a coin is therefore considered a historical numismatic item.
  • The denarius of Bolesław Chrobry from 992-1025 is one of the oldest Polish coins, which obviously cannot be added to collectors' collections. It is the property of the Polish state, and is therefore considered a historical numismatic item.
  • 100 ducats from 1621 (Sigismund III Vasa) – this coin is considered the most valuable Polish coin, as it was sold at auction in 2018 for over USD 2 million.
  • The Golden Triptych from 1990 (Piłsudski, Chopin, Kościuszko) – these are true collector's treasures. These coins are a valued part of the numismatic collections of Polish numismatics enthusiasts. Why are these coins so popular? These numismatic items highlight the historical context, national heritage, and cultural achievements of Poland.
  • Gold coins featuring Pope John Paul II from 1985 – these coins have denominations of 1,000, 2,000, and 10,000 PLN, and depending on their condition, they are worth from a few thousand to over ten thousand PLN. They are a valuable addition to any collection of Polish coins!
  • A 1 złoty coin from 1957 without a mint mark – this coin can cost up to several thousand zlotys. Of course, this is provided that the owner confirms its authenticity and the coin itself is in excellent condition.

10 valuable gold coins on offer from the Mint

The Mennica Skarbowa also offers valuable numismatic items for collectors, both beginners and experienced ones: gold coins and silver coins! We encourage you to familiarize yourself with our offer.

Please note that these coins are available in limited quantities! However, we encourage collectors to regularly check our range of collectible coins, which often includes new additions!

Mennica Skarbowa
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