It's a 1932 Polish 10 Zloty. A 2-year type that features Queen Jadwiga (1373-1399) who was technically the first female king of Poland, and who was later made a saint.
Poland contracted with the London Mint to help produce the ~10,000,000 circulating examples of this piece. Their timing was terrible: Poland was suffering under a crushing depression in the early 1930s. And then Germany confiscated hard assets in occupied Poland just a few years later. The surviving examples saw unknown hardships.
Very few examples survive in mint state--way, way fewer than 1/10th of 1% would be my guess. The few uncirculated graded examples are most often 61s or 62s and are really lucky to get those grades.
But apparently London took it upon themselves to strike a few proof examples--either against Warsaw's wishes or entirely unbeknownst to them. The mint's records indicate 100 were struck. It's my belief that figure is either greatly inflated or that most examples were subsequently destroyed.
This is one of two proof examples known, and at PF65 it's the highest known.
We are like children who look at print and see a serpent in the last letter but one, and a sword in the last. --Severian the Lame
@illini420 said:
Many great ones already posted... I've also always liked the French sower design... inspiration for our Walking Liberty Half/Silver Eagle design.
I like this rendering of Liberty...she is not posing; yet, working, and sowing seeds of truth.
Modern Liberty eats potato chips, watches games, and is beating chest for next theatrical fallacy from either chosen party...pathetic. We are fooked! Truly.
It's a 1932 Polish 10 Zloty. A 2-year type that features Queen Jadwiga (1373-1399) who was technically the first female king of Poland, and who was later made a saint.
Poland contracted with the London Mint to help produce the ~10,000,000 circulating examples of this piece. Their timing was terrible: Poland was suffering under a crushing depression in the early 1930s. And then Germany confiscated hard assets in occupied Poland just a few years later. The surviving examples saw unknown hardships.
Very few examples survive in mint state--way, way fewer than 1/10th of 1% would be my guess. The few uncirculated graded examples are most often 61s or 62s and are really lucky to get those grades.
But apparently London took it upon themselves to strike a few proof examples--either against Warsaw's wishes or entirely unbeknownst to them. The mint's records indicate 100 were struck. It's my belief that figure is either greatly inflated or that most examples were subsequently destroyed.
This is one of two proof examples known, and at PF65 it's the highest known.
No kidding...I have been shopping for a high grade Queen Jadwiga 10 Zloty for the longest time without any luck.
Several posters here have underscored that when The King is a serious numismatist (in these cases, Victor Emanuel III of Italy), you are much more likely to get some very nicely designed coins.
I never get tired of photographing Miss Liberty......beauty and class all the way!
Persuing choice countermarked coinage on 2 reales.
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
With all the beautiful world , ancient and commemorative US stuff, it sure is an impossible call.
I always liked the 1928 Chinese 'Auto Dollar'.While certainly not particularly beautiful, it sure has a 'coolness' factor !
I believe the car is a Packard........
Some beautiful designs above. But for me, it will always be Fraser's design -- obverse and reverse so uniquely American West. Couldn't find an image on my computer of a Type 1 but that is the pinnacle for me.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
"Most beautiful ever" is a tall order, and I've already posted, but speaking of Kings that were into coins, I've always been impressed with the quality out of the Royal Thai Mint.
This is a great thread. Books have been published on the topic of Coins as Art.
When it comes to moderns, this is is my owned nominee for most beautiful - itself a take off of the iconic 1907 High Relief in the OP's original post as well as St. Gauden's ultra high relief of smaller diameter.
It's a 1932 Polish 10 Zloty. A 2-year type that features Queen Jadwiga (1373-1399) who was technically the first female king of Poland, and who was later made a saint.
Poland contracted with the London Mint to help produce the ~10,000,000 circulating examples of this piece. Their timing was terrible: Poland was suffering under a crushing depression in the early 1930s. And then Germany confiscated hard assets in occupied Poland just a few years later. The surviving examples saw unknown hardships.
Very few examples survive in mint state--way, way fewer than 1/10th of 1% would be my guess. The few uncirculated graded examples are most often 61s or 62s and are really lucky to get those grades.
But apparently London took it upon themselves to strike a few proof examples--either against Warsaw's wishes or entirely unbeknownst to them. The mint's records indicate 100 were struck. It's my belief that figure is either greatly inflated or that most examples were subsequently destroyed.
This is one of two proof examples known, and at PF65 it's the highest known.
Thank you for that great information. I’ve seen this piece before but never did really know what it was other than a Polish piece. It’s very attractive.
Edited to say that the slab sure doesn’t give up much information 😂
Thanks again my brother
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
@1northcoin said:
This is a great thread. Books have been published on the topic of Coins as Art.
When it comes to moderns, this is is my owned nominee for most beautiful - itself a take off of the iconic 1907 High Relief in the OP's original post as well as St. Gauden's ultra high relief of smaller diameter.
Comments
I call it the world's most beautiful coin™
It's a 1932 Polish 10 Zloty. A 2-year type that features Queen Jadwiga (1373-1399) who was technically the first female king of Poland, and who was later made a saint.
Poland contracted with the London Mint to help produce the ~10,000,000 circulating examples of this piece. Their timing was terrible: Poland was suffering under a crushing depression in the early 1930s. And then Germany confiscated hard assets in occupied Poland just a few years later. The surviving examples saw unknown hardships.
Very few examples survive in mint state--way, way fewer than 1/10th of 1% would be my guess. The few uncirculated graded examples are most often 61s or 62s and are really lucky to get those grades.
But apparently London took it upon themselves to strike a few proof examples--either against Warsaw's wishes or entirely unbeknownst to them. The mint's records indicate 100 were struck. It's my belief that figure is either greatly inflated or that most examples were subsequently destroyed.
This is one of two proof examples known, and at PF65 it's the highest known.
--Severian the Lame
I like this rendering of Liberty...she is not posing; yet, working, and sowing seeds of truth.
Modern Liberty eats potato chips, watches games, and is beating chest for next theatrical fallacy from either chosen party...pathetic. We are fooked! Truly.
No kidding...I have been shopping for a high grade Queen Jadwiga 10 Zloty for the longest time without any luck.
One of the best looking reverse in my opinion.
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
This proof is right up there on my list of prettiest
Not mine...coin facts
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Forgot this one. Don't know how as I consider it very pretty.
Not mine, but this is a seriously sweet design:
My YouTube Channel
This is a nice one, too. About the size of a silver dollar and quite valuable.
A beautiful US design.
Several posters here have underscored that when The King is a serious numismatist (in these cases, Victor Emanuel III of Italy), you are much more likely to get some very nicely designed coins.
To me it's a toss up between the Mercury Dime......Standing Quarter and Walker.
UK Edward VII florin (2 shillings)
witty quote goes here
When I saw this thread, this Polish coin was the first one that came to my mind. I am glad to see someone agreed, and posted it.
Join the fight against Minnesota's unjust coin dealer tax law.
I never get tired of photographing Miss Liberty......beauty and class all the way!
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
With all the beautiful world , ancient and commemorative US stuff, it sure is an impossible call.
I always liked the 1928 Chinese 'Auto Dollar'.While certainly not particularly beautiful, it sure has a 'coolness' factor !
I believe the car is a Packard........
Liberia has a contender - just my "two cents" worth.
Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
While this is a medal, it spawned many British gold coins:
@Cardinal I agree that Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George Slaying the Dragon is one of the Most Beautiful Coin Designs.
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
This thread delivers!
My YouTube Channel
I agree!
The one I posted was the designed and engraved by William Wyon, the artist that created the Una and the Lion coin.
Some beautiful designs above. But for me, it will always be Fraser's design -- obverse and reverse so uniquely American West. Couldn't find an image on my computer of a Type 1 but that is the pinnacle for me.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Breakdown, I can't argue with your choice.
Here's a proof Var 1 that I have-
I like the design of the Maria Theresa thaler ... this one is of course a restrike with glorious toning.
But I think my all-time favorite is the British Gothic florin.
Kind regards,
George
I guess I should press like when my own coin is posted
"Most beautiful ever" is a tall order, and I've already posted, but speaking of Kings that were into coins, I've always been impressed with the quality out of the Royal Thai Mint.
The symbolism is great too - the actual Pillars!
This is a great thread. Books have been published on the topic of Coins as Art.
When it comes to moderns, this is is my owned nominee for most beautiful - itself a take off of the iconic 1907 High Relief in the OP's original post as well as St. Gauden's ultra high relief of smaller diameter.
Thanks to all who posted these Beautiful Coin Images to share with Fellow Forum Members!! 😁👍
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
It is a Medal, but hey, it is beautiful.
Thank you for that great information. I’ve seen this piece before but never did really know what it was other than a Polish piece. It’s very attractive.
Edited to say that the slab sure doesn’t give up much information 😂
Thanks again my brother
This 1901 Pan American Expo medal (not mine) is one of my favorite designs.
- Jim
Not a coin but minted by the sovereign Shawnee Tribe: Really nice features.
Definitely one of the most beautiful copper coins, puts our copper coins to shame.
This one is a contender
Mr_Spud
As far as US coinage, these are three of my all-time favorite designs.
Some stunningly beautiful coins have been posted in this thread.
Here is my contribution (even though it is a Pattern, I still consider it to be a coin).
Two of my faves.
We recently posted this topic on our blog.
I know crazyhounddog already posted this one, but, whatever....
My apologies, Dog!....But, hey!....I like it too!......The Most!
This is a fun thread to scroll thru...
I think it's got to be the Sailor Head patterns:
Coin Photographer.
My YouTube Channel
Between these two?
U.S.
WORLD
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.I agree....
The Soviet Union made some nice coins. I don't own any of these though.
Young Numismatist
This one is nice 😊
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
Gothic Crown FTW...
(not my coin)
