250 mils 1975

Common. This note, while from 1975, saw standard circulation and was part of a regular issue spanning 1964-1982. eBay market data shows consistent trading at moderate prices: UNC examples typically sell for $16-$34, with occasional outliers reaching $45. The cumulative sales data demonstrates steady but unspectacular demand. No evidence of limited print runs or special rarity factors. Standard pick catalog listings (P-41a through P-41s variants) indicate multiple printings.

Issued in 1975, just 15 years after Cyprus's independence (1960), this banknote reflects the nation's development aspirations during the early post-colonial period. The reverse depicts a modern hydroelectric or water management facility—likely representing Cyprus's infrastructure modernization efforts during this era of economic development. The bilingual Greek and Turkish inscriptions symbolize the republic's official commitment to linguistic accommodation, though this was issued during a period of increasing communal tension that would culminate in the 1974 Turkish invasion and subsequent partition.

The obverse features a carefully balanced symbolic composition: the national coat of arms of the Republic of Cyprus (featuring a white dove carrying an olive branch, adopted in 1960) occupies the right side within a decorative scalloped oval frame, while a pomegranate—a traditional Mediterranean symbol of prosperity and fertility—mirrors this on the left. The central design showcases stylized wheat or grain stalks in warm tones (pink, yellow, orange), representing agricultural heritage. Rope-pattern borders and ornamental vine designs frame the entire composition. The reverse presents an ambitious engraved landscape depicting modern infrastructure: a substantial dam or hydroelectric facility with water management structures, cypress trees, mountainous terrain, roads, and industrial buildings—symbolizing Cyprus's post-independence commitment to modernization and resource development. The entire note employs fine-line engraving with complex guilloché patterns throughout.

FRONT: Central Bank of Cyprus (Greek: ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ; Turkish: KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI); Denomination: 250 MILS (Greek: ΜΙΛ and ΔΙΑΚΟΣΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ ΜΙΑΣ; Turkish: İKİ YÜZ ELLİ MİL); Date: 1.7.1975 (1 July 1975); Serial number: 48 165837; Official titles: ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ - ΜΥΘΥΡ (Governor - Deputy). BACK: Central Bank of Cyprus (English); TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILS (English, within oval frame).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security printing method for this era. The note exhibits fine-line guilloché designs, detailed crosshatching, and complex geometric patterns characteristic of high-security currency production. Printed by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, a premier British currency printer), without imprint on the note itself. Security features include fine-line patterns throughout and sophisticated geometric border designs.

This is cataloged as P-41c, one of four known varieties for this base Pick number (P-41a, P-41b, P-41c, P-41s). All variants were printed by BWC without imprint. The specific variety distinction among P-41a, P-41b, and P-41c likely relates to printer batches or sequential production runs rather than major design changes. The noted specimen shows date 1.7.1975 with serial number 48 165837; collectors should note that serial number prefixes and signatures may vary among specimens of this Pick number.