Collection PL

Poland 1936 — 50 Zlotych Reverse Progressive Proof (Pick 78pp2)

Progressive proof of the reverse design for the unissued 1936 50 Zlotych — one of the most advanced and visually ambitious notes ever conceived by the Second Polish Republic. Printed by the Państwowa Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (PWPW) in Warsaw, this sheet captures a transitional stage in the birth of a masterpiece. The reverse artwork was executed under the artistic supervision of Wacław Borowski and engraved by Włodzimierz Vacek, two of the most accomplished figures in pre-war Polish graphic arts. ... Read more →

Libya 1971 — Central Bank of Libya Omar al-Mukhtar Intaglio Vignette Proof (Portrait Master for 10 Dinars Issue)

This intaglio vignette proof represents the master engraved portrait of Omar al-Mukhtar prepared for the Central Bank of Libya’s post-monarchy currency redesign introduced in 1971. The vignette constitutes a standalone production artifact, engraved independently of any completed banknote and intended for transfer into the face plate of the new 10 Dinars issue following final approval. In modern banknote production, vignette proofs occupy a foundational position within the engraving workflow. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1999 — 25 Colones Issued Note (Pick 155)

Final circulating issue of El Salvador’s 25 Colones, dated 1999, marking the end of the national currency before dollarization in 2001. Printed by De La Rue on enhanced security paper featuring an embedded metallic thread, latent image devices, and complex guilloché. The design continues the 'Pirámide de San Andrés' motif with subtle updates: a deeper lower border hue, refined microtext, and newly engraved official signatures. ... Read more →

Luxembourg 24 November 1965 — 20 Francs Back Photographic Proof Final Layout Stage (Pick 54)

Back-side photographic proof of the twenty francs issue of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, dated 24 November 1965, representing the finalized reverse layout aligned with the design later adopted for the issued note (Pick 54). Printed in monochrome and mounted on archival cardstock, this example captures the reverse composition at the point of final structural approval. The central vignette depicts the engineered river valley with integrated water control structures, matching the configuration used in the issued series. ... Read more →