1 pound 1968
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional uncirculated example of the Cyprus Central Bank's 1968 one pound note (Pick 43a), displaying pristine condition with sharp detail throughout. The obverse features an elegant pink and beige color scheme with the national coat of arms and decorative geometric rosette patterns, while the reverse presents a striking black and white engraved design of ancient Cypriot ruins including a Roman viaduct and classical columns. As an early issue from the post-independence period, this note represents an important piece of Cypriot monetary history in museum-quality preservation.
Common. This note was part of a regular issue circulated from 1966-1978 with substantial print runs typical of a country's standard denomination. Market data shows eBay sales ranging from $7.50 to $118.50, with most examples in lower grades (VF-EF) selling for under $20, indicating ready availability. Even in UNC condition, catalog values ($300 at 2019) and the presence of multiple PMG-graded examples confirm this is a standard, widely-available issue rather than a scarce variety.
This note was issued during the early years of the Central Bank of Cyprus, which was established following the island's independence in 1960. The reverse design deliberately showcases Cyprus's rich archaeological heritage—specifically the Roman viaduct near Larnaca and the standing columns at Salamis—reflecting the new nation's cultural pride and historical continuity. The trilingual presentation in Greek, Turkish, and English on the obverse reflects Cyprus's complex post-independence period before the 1974 division.
The obverse design features the national coat of arms of Cyprus (a shield with olive branches and a cross design) positioned within a decorative circular frame on the right side, accompanied by an ornate geometric rosette pattern on the left. The center is ornamented with fan and shell-like decorative motifs, flanked by floral borders. An outline map of Cyprus appears in the lower right corner. The reverse presents a classical engraved scene of Cypriot antiquities: the Roman viaduct (an ancient multi-arched aqueduct structure) occupies the left portion, while standing classical columns representing the ruins at Salamis are depicted on the right. A Celtic/Cypriot cross design appears at the top center of the reverse.
Front side: 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus - Greek), 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Central Bank of Cyprus - Turkish), 'ΜΙΑ ΛΙΡΑ' (One Pound - Greek), 'BIR LIRA' (One Pound - Turkish), 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ-MÜDÜR' (Governor-Director in Greek and Turkish), signature of the Governor, '1960' and '1968' (dates). Serial number visible as '35 068909'. Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS' (English), 'ONE POUND' (English).
This note was produced using intaglio (copperplate) engraving, evidenced by the fine line work and detailed background patterns visible throughout both sides. The printer was Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), a renowned British security printer, as indicated in the catalog data. The multicolored underprint on the obverse and the precision of the engraved elements on the reverse are characteristic of BWC's high-security printing standards of the 1960s.
This is cataloged as Pick 43a, with three additional known variants (43b, 43c, 43s) all printed by BWC. The specific variety would be determined by signature combinations and minor printing differences. The observed note bears the signature of what appears to be an early Governor of the Central Bank. The date range '1966-1.6.1972' visible on similar examples suggests this particular print may fall within that period, though the visual analysis shows both 1960 and 1968 dates, likely indicating the establishment date of the Central Bank and the printing year respectively.
