1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław the Brave with a philatelic setting of the Polish Post
This year, Poland celebrates one of the most important events in its history – the 1,000th anniversary of the coronation of Poland's first king, Bolesław the Brave, and the founding of the Kingdom of Poland. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland has declared this year the Millennium Year of the Coronation of the First Two Kings in Gniezno . Exhibitions, historical reenactments, and educational events are taking place across the country. Poczta Polska is also joining the celebrations, presenting a commemorative philatelic issue, " 1000th Anniversary of the Coronation of Bolesław the Brave .".
The design of the stamp and the First Day of Circulation (FDC) collector's envelope features a fragment of Jan Matejko's painting " Coronation of the First King of Poland 1001 ," from the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. The reproduction was created by Piotr Ligier.
The composition is enhanced by the crown of Bolesław the Brave and a decorative border by Bożydar Grozdew, inspired by the aesthetics of medieval manuscripts. The crown motif also appears on the date stamp, ensuring graphic coherence across all elements of the issue.
The collection is available at selected Poczta Polska branches and in the Poczta Polska online store .
Coronation - The Beginning of the Kingdom of Poland
Many historians interpret Bolesław the Brave's meeting with Emperor Otto III in Gniezno during the so-called "Congress of Gniezno"—during which the German ruler placed a diadem on his head—as a foreshadowing of his upcoming coronation. Recognizing Bolesław as an ally and "imperial brother," Otto presented him with the insignia of power—the spear of St. Maurice. This event had profound political and religious implications, and resulted in the establishment of the archbishopric in Gniezno and the bishoprics in Kraków, Wrocław, and Kołobrzeg. This was a clear signal of recognition of the sovereignty of the young Polish state.
Although the planned coronation did not take place due to the death of Otto III in 1002 and a change in imperial policy, the situation changed after the deaths of his successor, Henry II, and Pope Benedict VIII in 1024. The new pope, John XIX, consented to Bolesław's coronation.
The ceremony took place on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1025, in the Gniezno Cathedral. Bolesław was crowned and anointed with holy oils, becoming God's anointed and a full-fledged monarch, strengthening the still young Polish statehood.
King Bolesław died two months later – on June 17, 1025. His work was continued by his son, Mieszko II, who was crowned the same year, at Christmas time.
The coronation of Bolesław the Brave formally recognized Poland as a sovereign, Christian kingdom, independent of the Holy Roman Empire and the German church hierarchy. It strengthened the royal authority and initiated a centuries-long tradition of coronating Polish rulers.
Through philatelic issues, Poczta Polska reminds us of the significance of this historic moment, while popularizing knowledge about the history of Poland.
Issue " 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław the Brave "
stamp designer: Bożydar Grozdew
number of stamps: 1 in a block
value: PLN 10
circulation: 90,000 pcs. including 5,000 pcs. non-perforated blocks
printing technique: offset
stamp format: 79 x 51 mm
block format: 100 x 75 mm
paper: fluorescent
date of introduction into circulation: April 18, 2025