Description of the 100 złoty gold coin commemorating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau 2010
The gold coin with a face value of PLN 100 was issued in 2010 by the National Bank of Poland to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. It commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by the Red Army. Its numismatic value is enhanced not only by its gold content, but also by its profound and moving historical significance. The coin symbolizes the memory of the victims of the camp and serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war.
Appearance of the 100 złoty gold coin commemorating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, 2010
The coin design was created to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. The obverse of the coin features an image of an eagle, in accordance with the emblem of the Republic of Poland, and the inscriptions: RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA (Republic of Poland), 65. ROCZNICA OSWOBODZENIA (65th Anniversary of Liberation), KL AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU (Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp), as well as the coin's denomination and year of issue. All this is depicted against the background of the camp, with a visible fence and barbed wire, symbolizing imprisonment and suffering. The reverse of the coin depicts railway tracks and the entrance gate to the camp with the inscription FABRYKA ŚMIERCI (Death Factory). Against this background stands a boy, shown centrally, wearing a cap and coat, with a Star of David on his chest. The dates 1945-2010 are also visible. This coin is an important symbol of historical memory and a tribute to the victims of the Nazi regime. Robert Kotowicz is responsible for the design of the coin.
Historical overview
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was the largest Nazi extermination camp, where approximately 1.1 million people lost their lives. Most of them were Jews, but there were also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and representatives of other nationalities.
Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated on January 27, 1945, by soldiers of the 60th Army of the 1st Ukrainian Front of the Red Army. At the time of liberation, there were about 7,000 emaciated prisoners in the camp. That day became a symbol of the end of one of the most tragic chapters in human history.
The issuance of this coin by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) was intended not only to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of the camp, but also to honor all victims of the Nazi regime and to remind us of the atrocities that took place during World War II. The coin is an important educational and symbolic tool, helping to preserve the memory of these tragic events for future generations.