Zygmunt K. Jagodziński, History of PWPW - Polish Security Printing Works, Warsaw 2020

"History of Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych S.A. with the art of the noble watermark written 1919 - 2019". - this is the full title of the work by Zygmunt Jagodzinski, a long-time employee of the State Security Printing Works in Warsaw, published in early 2020 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the company, whose products have accompanied and accompany successive generations of Poles.

The word "work" appropriately captures the rank, content and form of "History...", as it surpasses with its richness most contemporary book publications, including albums. The reader will, of course, find plenty of reasons to admire the magnificent illustrations of people important in the history of the Plant, documents of historical significance, machinery and equipment, or, finally, the Plant's flagship products: banknotes, securities, official documents and others. Nevertheless, the most valuable for those interested in the modern history of paper currency is the text. The author has put a lot of effort and commitment to accurately present the most important details of the Production Plant's production activities. We can find descriptions of technological processes, machines and equipment used, issues relating to paper technology, security features used and many other details, which are repeatedly reflected in the final products, which are now the object of desire of thousands of collectors. Collectors of banknotes (not only of Polish banknotes) and securities can be happy that they have the opportunity to interact with such a great source of knowledge about the place of origin of the values to which they devote their passion. Their brethren - collectors of 20th and 21st century Polish coins, unfortunately, can envy them and at the same time sadly conclude that the Mint of Poland SA (the former State Mint) has not made a comparable effort to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Independence.

Basic information:

Publisher: PWPW in Warsaw.

Language versions: Polish and English.

Format: 26.5x35.5 cm.

Cover: hardback, with wrapper.

Pages: 560; half-chalk paper.

Condition of preservation: printer's, pieces new.