Mennica Polska commemorates the 100th anniversary of Andrzej Wajda's birth with a unique collector's coin. The silver coin bearing the director's image is a tribute to an artist who presented values such as freedom, responsibility, and human dignity in his films for decades, shaping the sensibilities of successive generations of viewers.

Andrzej Wajda's work grew out of the numerous socio-political changes in the country, and thanks to the universal language of films such as ‘Sewer’ (Kanał), ‘Ashes and Diamonds’ (Popiół i diament) and ‘Man of Iron’ (Człowiek z żelaza), it continues to appeal to cinema lovers across Europe to this day. To celebrate his legacy in the Year of Andrzej Wajda, Mennica Polska is proud to present the only silver coin on the market bearing the director's image. The premiere took place on 6 March, the 100th anniversary of the artist's birth.

The coin's design is the result of close cooperation between Mennica Polska and Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda, the director's wife, an outstanding set designer, and President of the Andrzej Wajda Kyoto-Krakow Foundation. It is thanks to her involvement that the coin has gained such a personal character.

The reverse features a portrait of the director, recreated by Mennica Polska artists based on a photograph provided by his wife. The quote, taken from the director's personal notebooks, is reproduced on the coin in facsimile form. Just like on the original piece of paper: 'Solidarity taught us that if someone is being chased, you must be with him, not with those who are chasing.'

Craftsmanship and technology

The Andrzej Wajda coin is made of the highest-quality silver and was minted using innovative techniques at Mennica Polska, one of the world's most technologically advanced mints. This makes it a must-have for collectors wishing to commemorate one of Poland's most important directors. Due to its unique character and limited mintage of 700 pieces, it will be both an excellent souvenir and a valuable collector's item.

“We are extremely proud that, in the Year of Andrzej Wajda, Mennica Polska can pay tribute to this outstanding artist in the form of a noble and lasting silver collector's coin. It is a unique way to remember the values he consistently conveyed in his films. Thanks to the invaluable support of Mrs Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda, we have created an extremely personal design in which the director's portrait harmonises with his own words. This coin tells an important story, just like the master's films” said Katarzyna Budnicka-Filipiuk, President of the Management Board of Mennica Polska.

Andrzej Wajda's work has shaped the way we think about history, responsibility, and freedom for decades. His films remain an important point of reference for successive generations of viewers. This silver coin from Mennica Polska attempts to preserve this memory in a lasting form, from the values conveyed in the films to the values preserved in silver.

The coin will be available for purchase from 6 March at: Mennica Polska | Andrzej Wajda