1978 Poland Environmental Protection Moose 100 Złotych Silver Coin
The 1978 Poland Environmental Protection Moose 100 Złotych is a beautifully designed silver commemorative celebrating one of Poland's most iconic native animals. Issued as part of Poland's Environmental Protection series, this coin highlights the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage while showcasing the exceptional artistry of the Warsaw Mint.
The obverse features the Polish Eagle, Poland's national emblem, above the denomination “100 ZŁ,” together with the inscription “POLSKA RZECZPOSPOLITA LUDOWA” (Polish People's Republic), the year 1978, and the “mw” mintmark of the Warsaw Mint. The reverse depicts a majestic moose walking left, accompanied by the inscription “OCHRONA ŚRODOWISKA” (“Environmental Protection”), emphasizing the importance of conserving Poland's wildlife.
Struck at the Warsaw Mint in .625 fine silver, this non-circulating commemorative combines precious metal content with an elegant wildlife design. As one of the earliest issues in Poland's popular Environmental Protection series, it remains a favorite among collectors of Polish numismatics, wildlife-themed coins, and modern world silver.
Its classic design, substantial silver content, and relatively limited mintage make the 1978 Moose 100 Złotych an outstanding addition to any collection.
Specifications
Year: 1978
Country: Poland
Denomination: 100 Złotych
Series: Environmental Protection
Mint: Warsaw Mint
Mintmark: mw
Composition: .625 Fine Silver
Weight: 16.5 grams
Actual Silver Weight: 0.3316 troy oz
Diameter: 32 mm
Edge: Plain
Reported Mintage: 30,000
Catalog Reference: Y#93
Historical Significance
Introduced in the late 1970s, Poland's Environmental Protection series celebrated the nation's diverse wildlife and encouraged appreciation for its natural landscapes. The moose (łoś), the largest member of the deer family in Europe, is one of Poland's most recognizable wild mammals and inhabits forests and wetlands throughout the country.
The inscription “OCHRONA ŚRODOWISKA,” meaning “Environmental Protection,” reflects the series' broader conservation theme. Alongside later issues featuring the beaver, lynx, chamois, and other native species, the moose coin helped establish one of the most admired wildlife-themed commemorative programs produced by the Warsaw Mint.
Today, the 1978 Moose 100 Złotych remains a popular collectible for enthusiasts of Polish coinage, wildlife art, and world silver commemoratives. Its combination of attractive design, silver content, and environmental theme continues to make it one of the standout issues of the series.
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