10 zlotych banknote , 1919 – Series S. 3. A. – clause on a lilac background
One of the most beautiful Polish banknotes, this is its first version, printed in France at the request of the government of the Second Polish Republic. It was never put into circulation due to the poor legibility of the text on the reverse (white lettering on a lilac background). Printed in a small print run, from series S. 1. to S. 4. Most likely, these banknotes were not trimmed to the desired size at the printing house but were preserved in the form of printing sheets. Currently, all 1919 10 zlotych notes with a clause on a lilac background found on the market show signs of having been cut by hand from the sheet. The piece offered in this auction, judging by its even cut—and thus its centering—is among the best in this regard. It is an exceptionally beautiful piece.
Its condition is confirmed by a high PMG grading score, with an EPQ notation attesting to the exceptional quality of the paper—this is the second-highest score for this banknote in the PMG registry, and only one piece has been graded higher. On the reverse of the banknote, in the lower left corner, there is an ink ownership stamp—which is noted in the description on the slab.
References: Miłczak 50A
