2018-03-22 Thu

Currencies of a country always have boasted about their culture, past and important personalities on them. Today let’s see a Polish 50 Zlotych banknote which portrays King Kazimierz on it.

First issued in 1994, the 50 Zlotych regular issue banknote of Poland is a riot in blue with the blue-violet and deep blue and green on multicolour underprints! The obverse depicts King Kazimierz III Wielki at centre right with a coat of arms at upper left centre. The reverse features an eagle from seal, orb and sceptre at left centre with a town’s view of Cracow and Kazimierz.

Kazimierz III the Great reigned as the King of Poland from 1333 to 1370 CE. He achieved what many a kings could not. Kazimierz inherited a kingdom weakened by war and made it prosperous and wealthy. He reformed the Polish army and doubled the size of the kingdom by annexing as many territories through conquests.

He brought forth many changes and is best known to have reformed the judicial system and introduced a legal code, gaining the title "the Polish Justinian”. During his reign all three major classes --the nobility, priesthood, and bourgeoisie -- were more or less counterbalanced, allowing Kazimierz to strengthen his monarchic position.

A benevolent ruler, he was known for siding with the weak when the law did not protect them from greedy nobles and clergymen. His passion and love for his people prompted him to build universities and educational institutes. He extensively built and founded the University of Krakow, the oldest Polish university.

Now, isn’t it great to get to know about such great kings through modern currencies? Every hobby has its perks!

Image Courtesy: Pinterest