So what WERE they spending? (large files)

JohnZ

By the beginning of the 20th century, Poland had not been on the map for well over 100 years. During the 19th century, several issuing authorities had minted coins for Poland, but Poland itself had no official mint. Foreign currency was de rigeur, and the coinage that predominated in a particular area depended on the dominant power in that area. Austrian, various German, and Russian currencies could all be found, well into the 1920's.

I found a handful of coins today at a local dealer that represents what Poles would have been spending for most of their needs at the time. Starting with Austria. Incidentally, the 20 Heller is the nicest iron coin I've ever seen in my collecting. Very sharp strike, and not a hint of rust. It even has some original mint luster (which doesn't show on the scan.)

1jester

Thanks for showing the cool coins, John!

JohnZ

Parts of Poland were under Russian control, and Kopeks were common pocket change. Here is a small selection of Russian Kopeks - rather nasty little coins - well worn and somewhat corroded. They were extensively hoarded during the last years of WWI for their substantial copper and silver content.

historygeek

JohnZ

Yes, HG, when they could afford to, they ate chocolate!

BTW, Poland is expected to begin minting Euros in 2004. Inedible ones at that.

Finally some German pieces that would have been found in Western Poland. Compare the Copper Pfennig to the one minted during WWI made of aluminum. The aluminum coin is also one of the nicest ones I have for the type: BU with nice mint luster. It's struck on a curiously thick flan, much thicker than I've seen in other aluminum coins.

ColinCMR

Looks cool!

1jester

Interesting news about Poland's plans to begin minting Euros this year, despite the fact that Poland won't be a part of EMU (European Monetary Union) until 2007 or so.

JamminJ

I've had almost the mirror image of your thoughts!

I collect mostly Holy Roman Empire and Austrian coins and was thinking that since Poland was in the mix for many years maybe I should think about adding a few Polsh coins.

-JamminJ

JohnZ

Hey, JamminJ.

I won't argue with you about collecting Polish coins!

canadiancoinguy

Neat!

rhound1977

Nice coin history lesson, and coins......

theboz11

Well done, nice coins