Coins of Cyprus

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The coins of Cyprus have been issued since coming under British rule in 1878. Cyprus is one of two countries that are both a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the European Union.

Contents

[edit] Coins of Queen Elizabeth II (1955–57)

In 1955, the coins of the King George VI issues were withdrawn from circulation. These were replaced by coins with Queen Elizabeth II, denominated in Mils. The coins that were issued are the following:

3 Mils, 5 Mils (also isuued in 1956), 25 Mils, 50 Mils, 100 Mils (also issued in 1957).

The 50 Mils coin became known as a 'Shilling', because it was the same size as the 1 Shilling and 9 Piastres coins. The 100 Mils coin became known as '2 Shillings', because it was the same size as the 2 Shillings and 18 Piastres coins. The 1956 5 Mils coin and 100 Mils coin are very sought after by collectors of Commonwealth coins. The 100 Mils is very rare.

[edit] Coins of the Republic of Cyprus (1963–82)

In 1960, when Cyprus became independent under the terms of the 1959 Independence Agreement, the Queen Elizabeth II coinage was allowed to stay in circulation.

In 1963, the Republic of Cyprus began to issue its first coins. These were struck at the Royal Mint in London. The coins in the 1963 issue consisted of the following: 1 Mil, 5 Mils, 25 Mils, 50 Mils, 100 Mils.

From 1970, the issue of 500 Mils coins began to be issued. The 1970 500 Mils coin was issued to commemorate the F.A.O. and the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations. Other 500 Mils coins were issued.

In 1976, a 1 Pound coin was issued to commemorate refugees of the 1974 Turkish invasion.

In 1977, a gold 50 Pounds was struck as a commemorative at the Royal Mint, Llantrisant. This coin commemorates Archbishop Makarios III, who remained in office as President of Cyprus until his death.

In 1981 and 1982, 5 Mils coins were struck with the name 'Cyprus' trilingually inscribed—'Kypros' in Greek, 'Cyprus' in English and 'Kıbrıs' in Turkish.

[edit] Archbishop Makarios III Medal-Coins

There were two issues of these pieces. The first issue was struck in 1966 and the second issue was struck in 1974. The obverse of these medal-coins depict the portrait of President-Archbishop Makarios III.

The reverses of these pieces depict the Palaeologus Byzantine double-headed eagle. These coins are listed in the 2005 edition of the Krause Unusual World Coins catalogue. Cypriots may be aware of these pieces.

[edit] Coins of the Republic of Cyprus

Issued 1983 to present day.

[edit] Private Pattern Euro Coins

Private pattern Euro coins are known to have been struck to show what the Cypriot euro coins could look like.

[edit] Other Series

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