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20 Zlotys The Polish Thermopylae – Wizna
| Issuer | Narodowy Bank Polski |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
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| Obverse description | The obverse features a stylized relief of Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of warfare, rendered in a classical sculptural style and positioned to the left in the field, evoking the heroic allure of ancient Thermopylae. To the right, the Polish state emblem — a crowned white eagle — is set against a vertically lined background within a circular reserve. Below the eagle, the denomination '20 ZŁ' is inscribed in bold characters. The circular legend 'RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA 2019' runs along the upper right periphery, with the mint mark 'MW' incorporated near the eagle. Along the lower edge of the coin, the inscription 'POLSKIE TERMOPILE' appears in the exergue, linking the ancient Greek battle to the Polish military sacrifice at Wizna. |
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| Edge | Smooth |
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| Additional information |
In September 1939, roughly 720 Polish soldiers under Captain Władysław Raginis held a fortified defensive line at Wizna against an attacking German force estimated at between 40,000 and 42,000 men — a ratio that drew immediate comparison to the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. The defense lasted three days. Raginis, who had sworn not to surrender, detonated his own bunker when ammunition was exhausted.
NBP issued this piece as part of a broader series commemorating the September Campaign's lesser-documented engagements.