1971 Poland FAO “Bread for the World” 10 Złotych Próba Coin
The 1971 Poland FAO “Bread for the World” 10 Złotych Próba is a distinctive Polish pattern coin issued in connection with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Featuring a globe surrounded by wheat, the design reflects the FAO’s international mission to promote food production, agricultural development, and the fight against hunger.
The obverse features the Polish Eagle, Poland’s national emblem, along with the inscription “POLSKA RZECZPOSPOLITA LUDOWA” (Polish People’s Republic), the denomination “10 ZŁ,” the year 1971, and the “MW” mintmark of the Warsaw Mint. The reverse features a globe surrounded by wheat or grain, accompanied by the inscriptions “FAO,” “PRÓBA,” and “CHLEB DLA ŚWIATA” — Polish for “Bread for the World.” The design was created by Polish medalist and engraver Wacław Kowalik.
Struck at the Warsaw Mint in copper-nickel, this official Próba combines an internationally significant theme with Poland’s national identity and the distinctive artistic style of Polish coinage from the People's Republic period. The reported mintage of 51,800 pieces makes this a relatively accessible Polish pattern issue while still offering collectors the added interest of the Próba designation.
Specifications
Year: 1971
Country: Poland
Denomination: 10 Złotych
Series: FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
Type: Próba (Official Trial Strike / Pattern)
Mint: Warsaw Mint
Mintmark: MW
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Weight: 9.5 grams
Diameter: 28 mm
Edge: Reeded
Reported Mintage: 51,800
Designer: Wacław Kowalik
Catalog Reference: Parchimowicz P275a
Historical Significance
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was established in 1945 with the goal of improving nutrition, agricultural productivity, and food security around the world. During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous countries participated in FAO coin programs, using their national coinage to promote the organization's mission.
The phrase “CHLEB DLA ŚWIATA,” meaning “Bread for the World,” directly reflects the FAO's campaign against hunger and its efforts to improve global food production. The globe and wheat imagery on the reverse reinforces the international nature of this mission.
The “PRÓBA” designation identifies this piece as an official Polish pattern or trial issue rather than the standard circulating version. Today, FAO-themed coins are collected by both Polish numismatists and collectors of international agricultural and food-security commemoratives, making this an interesting piece of both Polish and international history.
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