/ Asides

What this site is about?

It was intended to be about two of my hobbies: scripophily i.e. collecting and researching old stock and bond certificates (see Scripophily section from the main menu and related articles Scripophily & related) and travels  (especially on 2 wheels) (see published articles, category Travels, sections on xCountry and Tips). But recently I have also revived my early passion for old coins so you will find posts about that too. And probably about blockchain and cryptocurrencies as well. Looks like I am trying to make the peace between contradictory elements but apparently that’s typical for Gemini 😀

/ Scripophily & related

German Reichsmark exchange rates in 1939

While browsing through various publications about German invasion of Poland in 1939 rate of 1 RM = 2 Zł is popping up all over the place. Same applies to Reichsmark exchange rates used before the war – almost all sources mention only official exchange rate 100 RM = 212 Zł which apparently was used as a base for setting up the rate during German invasion and occupation. All those sources also state authoritatively that the rate set by German invaders was “poor” but none is trying to back this statement up by any facts while comparison of official pre-war rate and the “war” rate suggests that the the “war” one was better than “pre-war” so why it is viewed as “poor”???

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/ Numismatics

Obituary coin…

Half-ort or 1/8th of the thaler, silver coin minted in 1659 by prince John III of Brieg to commemorate death and burial of his first wife, Sophie Catharine Podiebrad, princess of Silesia, Brieg and Liegnitz: Sophia Catharina Duciss Siles Lign Breg Nata 1602 D 2 SEPT, Nupta 1638 D 22 FEBR Denata 1659 D 21 …

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/ Scripophily & related

Strange Soviet bonds

City of Kazan Cleanliness and Beutification Loan. It looks like a bond, it’s called a bond but it’s not a bond as we understand this term.

It is a lottery ticket – holder of this ticket was obliged to work for 2 days for the City of Kazan, his performance was confirmed by stamping or validating 4 half-daily coupons attached and this “bond” with all coupons validated entitled the holder to participate in a lottery with a chance to win 10.000 rubel prize.

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/ Asides

Recent additions

Recent additions: History of money in Poland: Currency before 1939 and Currency after 1939 Bonds of Polish People’s Republic: Poland 1944-1989 Article about Bank of Poland (Bank Polski SA): Bank of Poland List of sources (bibliography): Literature Frequently Asked Questions So far all those new articles are in Polish only (so use Google translator if …

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