250 mils 1969
Market Prices
19 salesAbout This Note
This is a striking example of Cyprus's 250 Mils note from 1969, presented in uncirculated condition with crisp printing and no visible wear. The bilingual design (Greek/Turkish) reflects Cyprus's complex political situation during this era, featuring elegant botanical imagery of citrus fruits and wheat on the obverse with the national coat of arms. The reverse depicts an industrial and agricultural landscape representing the nation's economic development, rendered in intricate blue-tone engraving that showcases the skill of the security printers.
Common. Despite being from 1969, this note remains readily available in the collector market. eBay auction data shows consistent sales activity with VF-graded examples selling in the $6–$50 range across multiple years (2013–2024), with UNC examples catalogued at $160 but regular circulation examples trading well below this. The series ran from 1964–1982 with substantial print runs, and this specific date variant appears frequently in dealer offerings and auctions. No print run restrictions or recall status are documented for this Pick number.
Issued by the Central Bank of Cyprus in 1969, this note represents a period of early economic development in the newly independent nation. The reverse's depiction of industrial facilities with smokestacks, railway infrastructure, and agricultural fields reflects Cyprus's mid-20th century aspirations for modernization and economic growth. The bilingual Greek and Turkish inscriptions underscore the note's attempt at inclusive national representation during a transitional period in Cypriot history, shortly before the geopolitical divisions that would follow in 1974.
The obverse presents a sophisticated bilingual design dominated by a central sunflower with wheat stalks rendered in pink and gold tones against a blue underprint, flanked by ornamental grape vine patterns. The left medallion features a detailed arrangement of citrus fruits (oranges or grapefruits), symbolizing Cyprus's agricultural heritage. The right side displays the coat of arms of Cyprus within a decorative shield medallion. Ornate rope-pattern borders and guilloche designs frame the composition. The reverse depicts a panoramic view of Cyprus's economic landscape, including industrial facilities with smokestacks, a steam locomotive or railway infrastructure, classical architecture, cypress trees, cultivated agricultural fields, and a river or waterway—all rendered in fine blue-tone line engraving. This composite landscape symbolizes the nation's transition from agricultural to industrial economy.
FRONT: 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus - Greek); 'KIBRISMERKEZ BANKASI' (Cyprus Central Bank - Turkish); 'ΜΙΛΣ' (Mils - Greek); 'ΔΙΑΚΟΣΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ ΜΙΛΣ' (Two Hundred Fifty Mils - Greek); 'IKI YÜZ ELLİ MİL' (Two Hundred Fifty Mils - Turkish); Date: '1.12.1969' (1 December 1969); Signature: 'Χρ. Κ. Λεκαράμ' (Chr. K. Lekaramis - Governor); 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ-MÜDÜR' (Director/Governor - bilingual designation). BACK: 'Central Bank of Cyprus' (English); 'TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILS' (English denomination).
Intaglio (engraved) printing on multicolored underprint, characteristic of security banknote production. The printer is identified as BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson and Company), one of the world's premier security printers. The intricate guilloche patterns, complex line work in the landscape, and the fine detail throughout demonstrate the high-security engraving standards typical of BWC's work during this period.
This is catalogued as Pick 41a (BWC printer without imprint). The PMG population report indicates three other variants exist: P-41b, P-41c, and P-41s (specimen), all printed by BWC. The observed note is dated 1.12.1969, which falls within the documented issue range of 1964–1982. The serial number prefix 'F 23' is consistent with standard production numbering. No unusual overprints, signatures, or security features indicating a specific rare variety are apparent from the visual analysis.
