Treasure of Szelągs (Schillings) from Lębork
was in use until the 18th century
The Polish word for such coins is szeląg which comes from the German schilling. First minted in the Rhineland, and then in the state of the Teutonic Order, the term szeląg began to be used in the Polish Commonwealth and subordinate fiefs, where it was in use until the 18th century. Initially, szelągs/schilllings were made of precious metals such as gold and silver. The word "boratynka", that is, the szeląg of Jan Kazimierz, is closely related to the szeląg. These coins were produced in the Commonwealth from 1659-1668. At this time copper coin equal in value to one silver szeląg were introduced onto the market. The coins were made in the mint of Tytus Boratini, however, there was a set limits as to how many could be released. Boratini quickly exceeded the imposed thresholds and led to a mass flood of worthless coins, thus destroying the monetary market of the Republic of Poland. That is why today in Poland the word szeląg is associated with something of very poor quality and of no value. It is estimated that 1.8 billion boratins were minted, and of these 10 to 20 percent were fake though it is significant that today the most expensive are historical forgeries.