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This article is about the coins of Cyprus, which have been issued since coming under British rule in 1878. Cyprus is one of 2 countries that is both a member of the Commonwealth of Nations & the European Union.

Coins of Queen Victoria (1879–1901)

Coins of King Edward VII (1902–08)

Coins of King George V

Coins of King George VI as King & Emperor (1938–47)

Coins of King George VI as King only (1949)

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In 1955, the coins of the King George VI issues were withdrawn from circulation.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 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).

(Notes; The 50 Mils coin became known as a 'Shilling', because it was the same size as the 1 Shilling & 9 Piastres coins. The 100 Mils coin became known as '2 Shillings', because it was the same size as the 2 Shillings & 18 Piastres coins.)

The 1956 5 Mils coin & 100 Mils coin are very sought after by collectors of British Commonwealth coins.The 100 Mils is very rare.

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. (A very new denomination).

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

Archbishop Makarios III Medal-Coins

There were 2 issues of these pieces. The first issue was struck in 1966 & 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 Paleologos Byzantine double-headed eagle.These coins are listed in the 2005 edition of Krause' 'Unusual World Coins catalogue. Cypriots may be aware of these pieces.

Coins of the Republic of Cyprus (1983–)

Photos: Augusta Stylianou Artist

See also

Money 1, 5, 10 Pounds

Cyprus Euro Coins

Cyprus

World

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Hellenica World - Scientific Library