Podskarbi

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Podskarbi emblem

Podskarbi was in old-time Poland the highest official responsible for the treasury. Since 1569 also a senatorial office. Although the title translates as Deputy Treasurer or Lesser Treasurer, there was no 'full' or 'grand' Treasurer in Poland, podskarbi was in effect the highest ranking treasurer (and thus is sometimes translated as Grand Treasurer).

In the rule of King Kazimierz III Wielki, the treasury was managed by Podskarbi of the King, called Podskarbi koronny (Treasuer of the Crown). In the second half of the 15th century the substitute of Podskarbi koronny - since then called "Podskarbi wielki koronny" (Grand Treasurer of the Crown) - became the "Podskarbi nadworny" (Court Treasurer).

After the decentralisation of the treasury in 1590, Podskarbi koronny was responsible for the treasury of the state and Podskarbi nadworny for the treasury of the king.

In the Grand Duchy of Lithuania the office of "Podskarbi ziemski" (District Treasurer) changed in 1569 in a senatorial office and since then called "Podskarbi wielki litewski" (Grand Treasurer of Lithuania). There are also existed the office of "Podskarbi nadworny litewski" (Court Treasurer of Lithuania), since the 18th century his responsibility was taken over by Kustosz koronny. The office of Podskarbi in Royal Prussia was called "Podskarbi prus" (Treasurer of Prussia).

The office of Podskarbi nadworny changed in 1791 in the office of Minister of the Treasury.