1 pound 1982

Common. The extensive eBay auction history shows consistent sales across all grades, with UNC examples selling in the $6–$21 range across multiple years from 2010 to 2022. The note was issued in a series spanning 1982–1985 with presumably substantial print runs. Catalog values of $65 for UNC reflect typical pricing for common modern banknotes in pristine condition rather than scarcity. The PMG population report indicates only one cataloged variant, consistent with a straightforward, high-circulation issue from a major central bank.

Issued in February 1982 by the Central Bank of Cyprus, this note represents the bank's currency during a period of political division on the island. The inclusion of inscriptions in Greek and Turkish reflects the official bilingual character of Cyprus's banking institutions, while the depiction of Bellapais Abbey on the reverse celebrates the nation's Byzantine and Frankish architectural heritage. The note's classical engraved design reflects the aesthetic standards of late 20th-century European central bank currency before the transition to polymer and modernist designs.

The obverse features a classical male portrait rendered in fine cross-hatching on the right side, identified from catalog data as representing a historical or cultural figure significant to Cyprus. The left side displays the Cypriot coat of arms featuring a dove bearing an olive branch within a circular shield at top center, with an outline map of Cyprus positioned centrally. Multiple ornate circular £1 denomination symbols appear in all four corners. The reverse depicts Bellapais Abbey, a ruined Gothic-style religious structure with characteristic pointed arch openings, multiple stone columns, and detailed architectural rendering showing both the building and surrounding landscape elements. The entire design is framed with complex geometric and decorative border patterns. The note employs a warm color palette of brown, tan, beige, and gray tones typical of intaglio-engraved currency from this era.

FRONT: 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Greek); 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Turkish); 'ΜΙΑ ΛΙΡΑ ΒΙΡ LIRA' (One Pound in Greek and Turkish); 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ-MÜDÜR' (Governor-Director in Greek and Turkish); Signature: 'Χρ. κ. Λεσπίδης' (Chr. K. Lespidhis, official signature); Date: '1.2. 1982' (1 February 1982); Serial number: 'H570817'. BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS' (English); 'ONE POUND' (English). The trilingual inscription scheme (Greek, Turkish, and English) reflects Cyprus's diverse cultural composition and international banking standards.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving, evidenced by the intricate line work, fine cross-hatching on the portrait, and complex geometric patterns throughout. The printer is identified as TDLR (without imprint on the note itself) according to catalog data. The crisp, sharp detail visible in the security features and decorative elements confirms high-quality traditional bank note engraving techniques characteristic of professional security printers serving central banks during the 1980s.

This example is dated 1.2.1982 (1 February 1982), the earliest date within the Pick P-50 issue period (1982–1985). The serial number prefix 'H' and the signature of Chr. K. Lespidhis as Governor-Director are consistent with the standard variant. No overprints or unusual features are visible. The note represents the regular TDLR printer variety with no imprint marked on the note itself, as documented in the PMG population data for P-50.