1 pound 1979

Common. This note has a substantial circulation history with numerous eBay sales recorded across multiple grades and years. Market prices cluster in the $2-$20 range for most conditions (VF: ~$2-$6, UNC: ~$18-$23 based on historical sales data), which is characteristic of commonly-issued modern currency. The print run for this regular-issue 1979 denomination was substantial, and the note has not been recalled or withdrawn from circulation. The 2019 catalog value of $75 UNC appears inflated compared to actual eBay transaction prices, suggesting strong market skepticism about rarity.

Issued on 1 June 1979 by the Central Bank of Cyprus, this note commemorates the young nation's cultural heritage through its iconography. The obverse features a classical nymph motif (Acme) with heraldic symbolism, while the reverse showcases Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic monastery located in northern Cyprus that represents the island's medieval Christian architecture. The trilingual inscriptions in English, Greek, and Turkish reflect Cyprus's complex linguistic and cultural composition during a period of political division.

The obverse features a symmetrical classical design centered on an oval medallion containing facing profile heads representing the nymph Acme, a figure from Cypriot mythology. The design is dominated by pink and mauve tones with brown and gray accents. A detailed outline map of Cyprus occupies the center-lower portion, flanked by decorative floral and geometric patterns. The pound symbol (£1) appears in all four corners within circular designs. The reverse presents a detailed architectural engraving of Bellapais Abbey, the famous Gothic monastery, rendered in black and white with fine linear work. Three ornamental medallions with geometric patterns (lattice, star/flower, and cross-flower designs) appear at the top right. The architectural scene includes cypress trees and a distant cityscape, creating depth and perspective typical of high-quality currency engraving.

FRONT: 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Greek); 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Turkish); 'ΜΙΑ ΛΙΡΑ' (One Pound in Greek); 'BIRLIРА' (One Pound in Turkish); 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ - MÜDÜR' (Governor in Greek and Turkish); Serial number: A607711; Date: I.6.1979 (1 June 1979). BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS' (English); 'ONE POUND' (English).

Intaglio engraving (offset/taille-douce), characteristic of the era's security currency printing. The note was produced by TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a premier security printer, without visible imprint on the note itself. The fine-line geometric patterns, intricate architectural details, and multi-color engraving transitions on the obverse are achieved through traditional engraved plate printing, providing both aesthetic quality and security features.

The specific variety is P-46 (standard issue) with printer TDLR. A specimen variety (P-46s) also exists in the PMG population report. The observed note displays serial number A607711, indicative of the standard release. No overprints, signatures variations, or other distinguishing features that would create a distinct variety are apparent from the visual analysis. This represents the baseline 1979 1 Pound regular issue.