First deployed on 16 May 1991, the Polish Border Guard is tasks with securing the territorial integrity of this Central European nation. Few nations in Europe have had the tumultuous history that Poland has, not just through the 20th century, but for hundreds of years before that. The land and sea border of Poland is currently 3,511 km in length, of which 1,581 km is also the de facto border of the EU. It’s a difficult job in peacetime, but doubly so now, with the war in Ukraine ongoing, so the service personnel of 14,814, of which almost 30% are female, are relied upon heavily to keep Poland safe through the latest crisis, and beyond.

The National Bank of Poland is issuing a new proof silver coin to commemorate 30 years of operation and the reverse face depicts three officers forming a colour guard, with the Polish Border Guard standard in hand. The flag is UV coloured, but the rest of the coin is cleanly struck. The obverse face of the coin shows us a Border Guard on active duty, accompanied by a canine, perhaps a German Shepherd. The coin was designed by Sebastian Mikolajczak.

This is a sterling silver (0.925) coin of half a standard ounce (14.14 grams) in weight. It’s a decent size at 32 mm in diameter, and comes neatly boxed in the typical packaging the NBP employs. Struck by the Mint of Poland, it has a mintage cap of 12,000 pieces, and will be available from 12th May. A timely release, for sure.

Link: NARODOWY BANK POLSKI