Uprzejmie informujemy, że w związku z wyjątkowo dużą liczbą zamówień, czas realizacji może być dłuższy niż zwykle. Dziękujemy za cierpliwość i zaufanie!
Uprzejmie informujemy, że w związku z wyjątkowo dużą liczbą zamówień, czas realizacji może być dłuższy niż zwykle. Dziękujemy za cierpliwość i zaufanie!
The 20 zł collector's coin was issued by the National Bank of Poland on January 28, 2004, as the tenth issue in the Animals of the World series. Its aim is to present images of animal species threatened with extinction in the face of rapid civilizational and cultural changes. The protagonist of this edition is the porpoise – one of the smallest cetaceans in the world and the only representative of this group of mammals permanently inhabiting the waters of the Baltic Sea. The coin has not only a collector's value but above all an educational and symbolic one. It reminds us of the necessity to take actions for the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of marine ecosystems. The issuance of this coin is also part of broader educational and pro-ecological activities that promote ecological awareness and responsibility for the future of the natural environment through minting art.
The design of the issue impresses with its meticulous execution and depth of symbolism, perfectly fitting into the idea of commemorating an endangered species. The reverse of the coin depicts two porpoises freely floating in the water, emphasizing their natural marine habitat. The animals are depicted with great attention to detail, with clearly marked backs, fins, and the characteristic, subtle outline of the snout, reflecting their anatomy in a realistic and graceful manner. The composition is completed by the inscription PORPOISE, placed at the top of the reverse, as well as the Latin name of the species: Phocoena phocoena. Urszula Walerzak's design exudes sensitivity and lightness, capturing the fragility of the existence of this valuable but endangered mammal. The obverse of the coin, in accordance with the applicable pattern, contains the emblem of the Republic of Poland, the national flag, as well as the year of issue, denomination, and the name of the issuer. The vision by Ewa Tyc-Karpińska harmoniously complements the whole, fitting into a coherent and thoughtful artistic concept of the coin.
The numismatic was issued as the tenth release in the popular Animals of the World series. This series was initiated in 1993 and over the years has enjoyed great interest among both collectors and nature enthusiasts. Its main goal was to draw attention to unique, often endangered animal species found in various parts of the world, including Poland. These issues had an educational character and promoted the idea of environmental protection through numismatics.
The choice of the porpoise as the main theme of the 2004 edition was not accidental. This inconspicuous yet extremely valuable marine mammal species inhabits the waters of the Baltic Sea and has been on the list of endangered animals for many years. Its population is systematically decreasing due to environmental pollution, underwater noise, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and habitat loss. The issuance of this coin fits into the broader context of social and ecological actions undertaken for the protection of porpoises, both in Poland and internationally. Its release by the NBP aimed not only to honor this species but also to raise public awareness of its difficult situation and the necessity to take actions for nature conservation.
The Mint of Poland S.A. has been operating continuously since 1766, when it was established as the Warsaw Mint by King Stanisław August Poniatowski. Today, it is one of the most modern mints in the world – the sole producer of coins for the National Bank of Poland and a supplier of circulation and collector coins for many countries. The mint also produces official Polish government seals and certified translations.
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