This 40 groszy Polish stamp, issued in 1964, depicts the Coronella austriaca, or Smooth Snake (gniewosz plamisty in Polish). Designed by Czesław Desselberger, it belongs to Poland’s popular series showcasing native reptiles and amphibians. The illustration captures the slender, patterned form of this non-venomous snake against a stylized green background symbolizing grassland habitat. Issued by PWPW (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych), it highlights Poland’s mid-century focus on wildlife conservation and zoological education through philately.