Narodowy Bank Polski

Banknotes and coins

Banknotes issued by NBP

10 zloty

• Description of modernised 10 zloty note
• Description of 10 zloty note (previous issuance)

Description of modernised 10 zloty note

The 10 zloty note features a portrait of Prince Mieszko I. On the left-hand side of the portrait there are two rosettes inspired by the pattern found on the floor of Gniezno Cathedral, whereas on the right-hand side there is a floral motif found on Romanesque liturgical vessels.

On the reverse side there is a denarius – a silver coin depicting the image of the dome of a chapel or a crown with a cross. On both sides of the denarius there are stylized Romanesque columns from the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec.

Characteristic elements of the modernised banknote:

• banknote size: 120 x 60 mm
• Watermark showing value numeral may be seen against the light in the field free from print (1)
• Turquoise-coloured iridescent strip (3)
• In an oval – a crown, the complete image of which can be seen when the banknote is held against the light (4)
• Face value, portrait of the sovereign, emblem of the Republic of Poland and the signatures of the NBP Governor and the NBP General Treasurer are in raised print, which is easy to feel, also for the visually impaired
• Since 2017 the banknotes introduced into circulation have a thin protective coating to make them more durable.

More developed watermark When you examine the banknote against the light the watermark depicting the sovereign and the value numeral “10” can be seen. The watermark field is free from print.

Security thread When you hold a banknote against the light, a dark vertical line with the value numeral “10” and the currency abbreviation “ZŁ” is visible. Both features are legible in a mirror as well. The typeface of the microlettering has been modified. The security thread has been incorporated in the paper substrate.

Iridescent strip On the reverse side of the banknote there is a turquoise-coloured strip with the value numeral “10” and “ZŁ” symbol. The strip becomes visible depending on the angle at which the banknote is viewed.

See-through register (recto-verso) When the banknote is held against the light, the elements of the graphic design printed on each side combine perfectly to form a complete image – a crown in an oval.

Latent image A light or dark value numeral “10” appears in a single latent image when tilting the banknote– depending on the angle that the note is held at.

Microlettering Microlettering is writing visible only with the use of magnification that was printed both on the front and on the reverse side of the banknote.

Banknote under UV-light A square with the value numeral “10” and symbol “ZŁ”, the banknote serial number and other selected elements appear under UV light.

Description of 10 zloty note

Format: 120 × 60 mm Paper: white Security features: watermark portrait of Prince Mieszko I security thread on left-hand side of note, with repeated inscription comprising denomination, "10 ZL", and its mirror image microlettering front: repeated vertical inscription, "RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA", to right of watermark; repeated letters "RP" within separate field in background of number "10" on top right-hand side, with repeated inscription, "RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA", above field back: repeated inscription, "NARODOWY BANK POLSKI", above and below depiction of denar, in semicircles separated by lines, and repeated inscription, "RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA", above lower field giving note's denomination in numbers and words fluorescence under UV light front: square with inscription, "10 ZL", in top left-hand corner and metallised ink in Romanesque rosettes (all willow green); serial number in orange in bottom right-hand corner back: fragments of graphic design in willow green on left-hand side of note see-through register (recto-verso) drawing of crown in oval and two clear windows both above and below rosettes latent image (angle effect) number "10" becomes visible on front of note, on lower right-hand side, depending on angle of vision metallised ink grey, in rosettes, on front of note Serial number: two upper-case letters and seven digits printed horizontally on front of note, in black on lower left-hand side and in red on lower right-hand side Predominant colours: dark brown, green Front design: Portrait of Prince Mieszko I in centre area, with inscription, "MIESZKO I", in decorative medallion. Left of portrait - at top, inscription, "NARODOWY BANK POLSKI"; below that - depiction of eagle, emblem of Polish Republic; below that - inscription, "WARSZAWA 25 MARCA 1994 r."; below that - inscription, "PREZES", and signature; below that - inscription, "GLOWNY SKARBNIK", and signature. In background of inscriptions and emblem - two stylised Romanesque rosettes. On left-hand side of note, in area of watermark - composition of guilloche lines. In top left-hand corner, arranged vertically - number "10", with line underneath and inscription below, "DZIESIEC ZLOTYCH". In bottom left-hand corner - marking for the visually impaired, consisting of square with raised edges. Right-hand side of note contains two separate fields, upper and lower. Upper field bears number "10", with drawing of crown in oval below and four "10"s around crown, and decorative floral ornamentation underneath. Numerical denomination of note in top left-hand corner, line below that, marking for the visually impaired and lower right-hand field are all filled with white ornamentation. Background of front of note consists of guilloche mesh with intersecting lines of light green, blue, grey-blue and yellow. Back design: Depiction of denar, silver coin from reign of Mieszko I, in centre area. On both sides of denar - fragments of Romanesque columns. At top - inscription, "NARODOWY BANK POLSKI". Below denar - rectangular field of ornamentation bearing number "10" to left and inscription, "DZIESIEC ZLOTYCH", to right. To left of denar, against background of guilloche ribbon - crown in oval, with four "10"s around crown. To right of denar - legend, "BANKNOTY EMITOWANE PRZEZ NARODOWY BANK POLSKI SA PRAWNYM SRODKIEM PLATNICZYM W POLSCE". Below drawing of crown and in background of legend - composition of guilloche lines making up repeated number "10". On right-hand side of note, at top, against background of guilloche ribbon - number "10" filled with white ornamentation. In bottom right-hand corner - initials "NBP". In area of watermark - composition of guilloche lines.