1 shilling 1941
Market Prices
12 salesAbout This Note
This is a VF-graded 1 Shilling banknote from the Government of Cyprus, issued on 30th August 1941, featuring a portrait of King George VI in profile. The note exhibits the characteristic green and purple color scheme on the obverse with intricate guilloché patterns and decorative classical borders, while the reverse displays red/crimson and green ornamentation. Despite age-related foxing and light discoloration consistent with an 80+ year old specimen, the note retains excellent clarity in its fine line engraving and maintains strong visual appeal.
Common. Secondary market data from eBay shows consistent availability with regular sales activity spanning from 2010 to 2025, with VF-graded examples selling in the $45-$105 range. The 2016 catalog value of $45 for VF is aligned with observed market prices, and the relatively high volume of sales across multiple condition grades (VG, F, VF) indicates this is a widely available note among collectors. No extreme scarcity indicators are present.
This note was issued during World War II, specifically in August 1941, when Cyprus remained under British colonial administration. The portrait of King George VI reflects Cyprus's status as a Crown Colony during this period, with the formal 'Government of Cyprus' attribution and trilingual denomination markings (English, Greek, Turkish) reflecting the island's multicultural composition under British rule.
The obverse features a centrally positioned engraved portrait of King George VI in right-facing profile, rendered in formal attire within an oval format. The portrait is surrounded by an elaborate decorative border composed of geometric wave patterns, floral interlace, and classical ornamentation in green and purple/mauve tones. Corner ornaments display classical motifs with scalloped and geometric detailing. The reverse presents a highly symmetrical design centered on an ornate cartouche or medallion containing the 'GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS' inscription, framed by elaborate geometric guilloché patterns in red/crimson and green with classical interlocking designs and scalloped edge treatments. Microprint patterns of repeated text provide additional security layering.
Front side - English: 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS', 'ONE SHILLING', '30TH AUGUST 1941', 'COMMISSIONER OF CURRENCY', Serial number '£652411' (appearing twice); Greek: 'ΕΝΑ ΣΕΛINI' (One Shilling). Back side - English: 'GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS' (central inscription within ornate frame). The trilingual design (English/Greek/Turkish implied by catalog reference) reflects Cyprus's diverse population during the colonial period.
Intaglio (line engraving) printing, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine line engraving visible throughout both sides, complex geometric guilloché patterns, and multi-color separations are characteristic of high-security banknote production. The printer for this issue is not specified in available catalog data, though British Crown colonies typically employed renowned security printers such as De La Rue or Waterlow & Sons for their currency production.
This specimen is dated 30th August 1941 and bears serial number £652411. The Pick catalog indicates variants P-20 and P-20s exist for this denomination. The visual analysis shows signature varieties are documented for this issue (per external references), though specific signature identification would require closer inspection of the signature panels. The date of 30th August 1941 falls within the broader 1939-1947 issue period, potentially representing a mid-period printing within the series.
