Mennica Polska – one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of its kind in the world – is celebrating 260 years of existence. Founded by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, today it is a unique example of a combination of historical heritage and technological vision. As the exclusive producer of circulation coins for the National Bank of Poland and the creator of spectacular collector's items, the company regularly wins international awards, proving that Polish minting art has been setting global standards for over two and a half centuries.

History written in metal

The history of Mennica Polska is inextricably linked to 10 February 1766, when the mint reform of the last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, came into force. On that day, the visionary and patron of the arts established an institution, then known as the Mennica Warszawska, which was to become the foundation of a modern state. It is in commemoration of those events that we celebrate Mint Day in Poland every year on 10 February.

The end of the chapter for the Mennica Warszawska came on 1 January 1868, when it was closed by the tsarist authorities and the production equipment from Warsaw was moved to Saint Petersburg. The story continued 14 April 1924 – during the Second Polish Republic, mint production was reactivated and a new name was established – Mennica Państwowa.

The turbulent events of World War II led to the occupation of the Mint's buildings by the German authorities, the destruction of the workshop building and the confiscation of precious metals. Operations resumed in 1945, and eight years later the first post-war coins were minted. In 2005, Mennica Państwowa adopted its current name – Mennica Polska.

Minting in many dimensions

To this day, Mennica Polska remains the guardian of the highest quality of minting art, being one of the most technologically advanced production facilities in the world.

Our anniversary is not only a unique celebration of tradition, which has never become a museum piece, but a constant impulse for development. For 260 years, our key to success has been and will remain respect for craftsmanship combined with the courage to break down technological barriers. Today, by producing coins for central banks around the world, but also by creating pioneering minting projects, we prove that the only limitation to modern coinage is human imagination. We are proud that, as a Polish company, we are a global benchmark for quality and innovation," said Katarzyna Budnicka-Filipiuk, President of the Management Board in Mennica Polska.

Mennica Polska produces circulation coins for both the domestic and global markets, which is one of the company's several areas of activity. It also produces collector coins: both original designs and coins minted for special occasions, as well as silver and gold bullion coins, which primarily have investment value based on the weight and purity of the metal. The company also produces gold and silver bars of various weights, which are very popular among investors and people looking for a safe haven for their capital.

Mennica Polska is also actively developing its activities in the electronic payments segment, in particular the operation of city card systems, the sale and intermediation in the sale of public transport tickets, pre-paid cards, railway tickets, maintenance services and technical equipment for electronic payments. The company also conducts development activities, including the ‘Bulwary Praskie’ investment, a housing estate with a target of approximately 4,500 flats being built in Warsaw's Praga Północ district.

A coin that floats in the air

Mennica Polska is also a pioneer in the implementation of non-standard projects and space coins. In 2013, after years of design and prototyping, it presented the world's first space coin, ‘Fortuna Redux’. Its debut proved to be a spectacular market success, and its premiere caused a stir in the collecting community. The development of the world's first cylindrical coin was an unprecedented event that set a new direction in numismatic innovation. The groundbreaking nature of this achievement was confirmed by numerous awards won in international competitions.

In 2024, Mennica Polska set another global benchmark and designed the world's first flying coin – the UFO MP-1766. In March this year, the company will once again delight the market – the ‘Achilles' Shield’ coin will be a perfect reproduction of this mythological artefact in 4 ounces. Another premiere this year, presented at the prestigious World Money Fair in Berlin, is the ‘Magnolia’ coin, which represents the spring season and will debut on the market in May. The magnolia flower, beautifully engraved on the obverse of the coin, turns pink when exposed to sunlight.

Ambassador of Polish culture

Mennica Polska has been involved in promoting Polish culture for years through unique numismatic projects. It has launched a series of coins with reproductions of works by Zdzisław Beksiński, produced in cooperation with the Historical Museum in Sanok, which holds the copyright to the artist's works. The first series has already been produced, and the next one entered the market in February this year.

Another special example of combining art with numismatics is a coin presenting the work of painter and sculptor Wojciech Siudmak, showing that precious metal can be the perfect ‘canvas’ for artistic expression.

"The coins that leave our production plant are not only a means of payment or a precious metal, but also a carrier of important content and emotions. Some of our projects are a nod to Polish culture and a tribute to the most outstanding Polish artists. We believe that the mission of Mennica Polska is to be an ambassador of Polish culture, which is why, with the same precision with which we approach technical innovation, we ensure that our coins commemorate our national heritage and the great figures of our history in a dignified and beautiful way," added Katarzyna Budnicka-Filipuk.

In addition to contemporary art, Mennica Polska also cultivates national heritage, among other things by minting gold medals commemorating Polish kings. Designs featuring the images of Bolesław Chrobry, Kazimierz I Odnowiciel and Władysław Łokietek honour our roots and are an unquestionable symbol of pride. Another Polish ruler, Casimir the Great, will appear on the reverse of a gold medal this spring.

The history of Mennica Polska shows that it is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the art of coinage, and its creative technological and artistic solutions have repeatedly set new trends in the global numismatic market. The company has no intention of slowing down and is consistently implementing its development strategy, drawing up bold plans for the coming years with unwavering energy and commitment.