Silver Proof Coin – Polish Coinage History Series: Bracteate of Mieszko III the Elder - 24h Shipping!

The Silver Proof Coin – Polish Coinage History Series: Bracteate of Mieszko III the Elder - 24h Shipping!, with a denomination of 10 zloty, is the fourth issue in the prestigious "History of Polish Coinage" series. Minted on behalf of the National Bank of Poland, this coin was introduced into circulation on September 10, 2014. Its issuance was limited to 20,000 pieces, highlighting its unique character and investment potential.

This coin refers to the historical bracteates of Mieszko III the Old, which initiated a new chapter in Polish minting. Bracteates were single-sided, thin coins struck from soft metal sheets, which replaced the heavier, double-sided denarii. A characteristic feature of these coins was their delicacy and single-sided striking, which allowed for the conservation of metal while simultaneously increasing the number of coins issued. Mieszko III the Old, who reigned from 1173–1177 and 1181–1202, is credited with issuing over 50 different types of bracteates. These coins depicted various motifs, including images of the prince, St. Adalbert, and animals – both real and fantastical. Some of the bracteates contained only inscriptions, which was a novelty in the minting of that time. Interestingly, these inscriptions appeared not only in Latin but also in Hebrew, indicating the involvement of the Jewish community in minting activities of that period.

The obverse of the contemporary coin features the image of Mieszko III the Old, taken from the paten of the Kalisz Collegiate Church from around 1180. This paten was donated by the prince to the Cistercian monastery in Ląd. Next to it is a stylized obverse of the 10-zloty coin, referring to contemporary circulation coins.

The reverse of the coin shows the obverse of the historical bracteate of Mieszko III the Old with an inscription in Polish/Knaan, written in the Hebrew alphabet. Along the edge is the inscription: "BRACTEATE OF MIESZKO III THE OLD".

Investing in this coin is not only about owning a valuable metal but also a fragment of the rich history of Polish minting. The limited mintage and meticulous craftsmanship make it an attractive choice for collectors and investors. The value of collectible coins often increases over the years, especially when they are part of esteemed thematic series. The "History of Polish Coinage" series is highly regarded among numismatists, which further enhances the investment potential of the presented coin.

Owning this coin is not only a matter of investment but also an opportunity to engage with a work of minting art that combines tradition with modernity. The precise reproduction of historical bracteate details and high-quality craftsmanship make it a must-have in the collection of every numismatics enthusiast.