PRL 5 Złotych

The 5 Złotych coin from Poland's People's Republic era was minted almost entirely from recycled aluminum scrap, a practical response to the nation's postwar material shortages.

This made it lightweight and easy to produce in bulk, which helped circulate currency during economic turmoil. Designs varied over the decades, typically featuring the Polish eagle on one side and a value or date on the other, all struck at the Warsaw Mint. Not every year saw production; gaps occurred due to political shifts or resource issues.

Mintage figures are spotty for certain years, with records possibly lost in bureaucratic reshuffles. As for myths, no, these coins weren't secretly made from captured German metal—that's just collector folklore.

Some call them "flying eagles" for how easily they slip from pockets.