Mint of Poland
Andrzej Wajda’s work emerged against the backdrop of numerous socio-political changes in the country, and thanks to the universal language of films such as “Kanał” (Canal), “Popiół i diament” (Ashes and Diamonds), or “Człowiek z żelaza” (Man of Iron), it continues to resonate with cinema lovers across Europe to this day. In 2026, declared the Year of Andrzej Wajda, to honor his legacy, the Mint of Poland proudly presents the only silver coin on the market featuring the director’s image. The premiere will take place on March 6th, on the round, hundredth anniversary of the artist’s birth.
The Master’s personal mark etched in silver
The design of the coin featuring Andrzej Wajda’s image is the result of close cooperation between the Mint of Poland and Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda, the director’s wife, an outstanding set designer, and President of the Kyoto-Kraków Foundation in the name of Andrzej Wajda. It is thanks to her involvement that the coin acquired an exceptionally personal character.
The reverse of the coin is adorned with a portrait of the director, which the artists of the Mint of Poland recreated based on a photograph provided by his wife, and a quote from the Master’s personal notebooks – reproduced on the coin as a facsimile. Just like on the original page: Solidarity taught us that if someone is being chased, you should be with them, not with those chasing them.
Craftsmanship and production technology
The coin featuring Andrzej Wajda’s image was struck in the highest quality silver, using innovative minting techniques employed by the Mint of Poland – one of the most technologically advanced mints in the world – making it a must-have for collectors wishing to commemorate one of the most important Polish directors. Due to its unique character and limited mintage of 700 pieces, it will be not only an excellent souvenir but also a valuable collector’s item.
– We are extremely proud that in the Year of Andrzej Wajda, the Mint of Poland can pay tribute to this outstanding artist in such a durable and noble form as a silver collector’s coin. It is a unique medium for remembering the values he consistently conveyed in his films. Thanks to the invaluable support of Ms. Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda, we managed to create an exceptionally personal design, where the director’s portrait harmonizes with his own words. This is a coin that tells an important story – just like the Master’s films – said Katarzyna Budnicka-Filipiuk, President of the Management Board of the Mint of Poland.
Andrzej Wajda’s work shaped the way of thinking about history, responsibility, and freedom for decades. His films remain an important point of reference for subsequent generations of viewers. The silver coin from the Mint of Poland is an attempt to preserve this memory in a lasting form, from the values told in films to the values preserved in silver.
The coin will be available for sale from March 6th on the website: https://inwestycje.mennica.com.pl/wajda/
