CYPRUS, DECIMAL COINAGE 1955-1957, Complete, 3 MILS to 100 MILS, Proof Issue.
Private
Updated:
6/26/2022
Views: 966
CYPRUS, DECIMAL COINAGE 1955-1957, 3 MILS to 100 MILS, Complete Proof Issue
Cyprus, an independent Republic since 1960, is an island situated in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean. With an area of 3,572 square miles, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and has a population of over 800,000 of whom the 80% are Greeks and 20% Turks.
Should there be any wonder why Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, made her home on this island? As Homer affirms in the Odyssey, " laughter-loving Aphrodite went to Cyprus where is her realm and fragrant altar ".
Cyprus had an ancient civilization, and a coinage, emulating that of the ancient Greek world, made its appearance back in 568 B.C. Because of its strategic position and wealth Cyprus was coveted by all those countries who wanted to exercise power in the Eastern Mediterranean. Throughout its long history, Cyprus formed part of the Empires of Assyria, Egypt, Persia, Rome and Byzantium. In 1193 A.D. Cyprus became part of the Frankish Kingdom of the Lusignans who ruled the Island until 1489 when it was passed over to Venice as a dependency. In 1571 Cyprus was conquered by the Turks who finally handed it over to England in 1878. The British rule lasted until 1960 when Cyprus became an Independent Republic.
Under British Administration the "piastre coinage" made its first appearance in 1879. The copper piastre became the unit of currency and was fixed at the rate of 180 to the British gold sovereign. The gold sovereign became the standard measure of value and remained the coin of unlimited legal tender throughout the period from 1878-1960. During the reign of Queen Victoria, the half sovereign was also legal tender, demonitized though from the 1st May 1901.
In 1955, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II the decimal system was introduced in Cyprus. The coinage was accordingly changed from piastres and shillings to mils. The new decimal coinage consisted of five denominations: two in bronze and three in copper-nickel. The bronze coins were for 3 and 5 mils, and the copper-nickel for 25, 50 and 100 mils. Fixed rate of 1000 mils to 1 gold sovereign or 1 Cyprus pound.
At the same time that the currency-coins were put into circulation, a limited number of cased proof sets were offered to collectors.
This fascinating set includes the five beautiful proofs which are the contents of the 1955 cased proof set.
Read more...
CYPRUS, DECIMAL COINAGE 1955-1957, Complete, 3 MILS to 100 MILS, Proof Issue.
By TMS Coins
Owner Comments:
Top Ranked
Set Awards
Top Ranked
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.
Add Coin
Join NGC for free to add coins, track your collection and participate in the NGC Registry. Learn more >
Join NGC
Already a member? Sign In
The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.
There is never any charge to contact us. To reach a customer service representative, call, text or WhatsApp (+1) 855-472-3310 or use this form.
