1000 Zlotys Olympic Games in Seoul, Trial Strike

Issuer Poland
Year 1987
Type Coin pattern
Value 1000 Zlotys (1000 Złotych) (1000 PLZ)
Currency Third Zloty (1949-1994)
Composition Nickel
Weight 14.60 g
Diameter 32 mm
Thickness
Shape Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Engraver(s) Obverse: Stanisława Wątróbska-Frindt
Reverse: Ewa Tyc-Karpińska
In circulation to
Reference(s) KM#Pr566, ParM#P493b, Fischer Po#P333
Obverse description
Obverse script Latin
Obverse lettering POLSKA RZECZPOSPOLITA LUDOWA 19 87 mw ZŁ 1000 ZŁ
Reverse description
Reverse script Latin
Reverse lettering IGRZYSKA XXIV OLIMPIADY PRÓBA 1988 E
Edge Smooth
Mint
Mintage 1987 MW - Próba - 500
Numisquare ID 1012717600
Additional information

Historical Context: Issued in 1987, this 1000 Zlotys trial strike originates from the Polish People's Republic (PRL) era, under General Wojciech Jaruzelski. Commemorating the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, it symbolized Poland's international engagement amidst internal political and economic challenges. The "Trial Strike" designation indicates a preliminary mintage, produced to test dies or planchets. Such experimental pieces are exceptionally rare, offering unique insight into the minting process for a major commemorative series.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is not commonly attributed, the design adheres to the prevailing stylistic school of state-commissioned commemorative art of the late 20th century. The obverse features the Polish eagle, while the reverse depicts motifs related to the Olympic Games, such as an athlete or the Olympic rings, rendered with dynamism and national pride. The aesthetic is one of dignified representation, characteristic of international sporting event commemoratives.

Technical/Grading: Struck in nickel, weighing 14.60 grams and measuring 32 millimeters, this trial strike exhibits superior technical qualities. High-points to examine include the intricate details of the Polish eagle's feathers on the obverse and the sharp definition of Olympic motifs on the reverse. Trial strikes frequently display exceptional sharpness, full details, and sometimes a proof-like finish, indicating careful production to assess die performance and strike quality.

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