250 mils 1955

Common. The 250 Mils P-33 is a regular issue banknote with a substantial print run during the 1955-1960 period. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades from 2011-2025, with VF-graded examples regularly selling in the $65-$180 range, indicating adequate supply in the collector market. The 2016 catalogue value of $75 for VF aligns with observed market prices, further confirming this as a standard, obtainable issue rather than a scarce or rare variety.

The 250 Mils denomination was issued during Cyprus's final years under British colonial administration, prior to the island's independence in 1960. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse reflects Cyprus's status as a British Crown Colony at the time of issue. The heraldic lion coat of arms depicted on the reverse represents Cyprus's national identity and governance, symbolizing the transition toward independence that would occur within five years of this note's issuance.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned in the upper right, shown in profile facing left wearing formal regalia with a crown or tiara, rendered in fine intaglio style typical of Commonwealth banknotes of this period. The portrait is framed within an ornate rectangular panel with decorative wreath designs in all four corners. Bilingual text in English and Greek appears throughout, reflecting Cyprus's bicommunal character. A large blank oval area dominates the center, likely intended as a watermark feature or security element. The reverse displays a more heraldic design, with the coat of arms of Cyprus—a heraldic lion rampant—presented in an ornate circular wreath on the right side, balanced by a circular medallion containing the denomination '250' on the left. The entire design is surrounded by intricate geometric and floral border patterns with fine cross-hatching and line work throughout.

FRONT SIDE: 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS' (English text), '1ST JUNE 1955' (date of issue), '250 mils' (denomination in English and Greek: 'ΔΙΑΚΟΣΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ ΜΙΑ ΙΚΥ ΜΙΛ' - Two Hundred Fifty Mils), Serial number 'A 118682' (appears twice), 'Commissioner of Currency' (title of authorizing official). REVERSE SIDE: '250 mils' (denomination in two ornate medallions), 'GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS' (inscribed between the central emblems).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper with multicolored underprint. The note exhibits the fine line work, detailed cross-hatching, and ornamental engraving characteristic of security printing from the 1950s era. The intricate border patterns, portrait rendering, and security elements suggest production by a specialized security printer, likely De La Rue or a similar Commonwealth-era currency printer, though specific printer attribution is not definitively confirmed for this issue.

PMG has catalogued two variants for Pick 33: P-33a and P-33s, both with eagle's head watermark. The visual analysis indicates a single serial number prefix 'A 118682' visible on this example. Without additional signature varieties or date variants clearly distinguishable from the images provided, this note appears to be a standard P-33a variety. The date inscription '1ST JUNE 1955' confirms this as an early issue from the first year of the 1955-1960 printing series. Collectors should note potential signature varieties and date variants (including 1.2.1956, 1.3.1957, and 1.3.1960 per reference data) that may affect specialized collecting interests.