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The “Polymer Banknotes of the World” exhibition presents banknotes issued using this technology by central banks of many countries. The specially prepared exhibition could be visited from June 2023 to March 2024 in one of the rooms at the NBP headquarters.
The inspiration was a banknote with the image of Nicolaus Copernicus issued in 2023 by the Narodowy Bank Polski. The 15th collector’s banknote of the NBP is at the same time the second Polish banknote produced on a polymer substrate. The first Polish polymer banknote was issued in 2014 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Polish Legions’ establishment.
The exhibition presents 160 banknotes selected from 64 countries. In 1988, Australia was the first country to introduce polymer banknotes for circulation. In Europe, Romanians were the first to produce them in 1999. Since then, 70 countries have issued polymer banknotes.
The composition of the exhibition encouraged to focus on the graphics of the banknotes. The variety of historical and cultural figures or events, representatives of flora and fauna and other characteristic objects placed on the baknotes consistute a reflection of the countries issuing these fascinating small works of art. It is also an opportunity to learn about the security features used on polymer substrates.
The exhibition is complemented by banknotes made on a hybrid basis and by sets of paper and polymer banknotes with the same images. As an interesting fact, we also present polymer test banknotes made by Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych S.A.
