250 mils 1976

Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent and robust market activity across multiple condition grades from 2009 through 2026, with numerous sales in all grades (VG through UNC), indicating healthy supply. UNC examples regularly sell in the $16–$47 range with 7–23 bids, and the 2019 catalogue value of $115 UNC appears inflated compared to actual market clearing prices, which typically range $20–$35 for UNC. This note was part of a regular issue series from 1975–1982 with substantial circulation, reflected in the abundance of surviving examples across the market.

Issued on 1 August 1976 by the Central Bank of Cyprus, this note commemorates the agricultural heritage of the newly independent nation (independence declared in 1960) and reflects Cyprus's economy during the 1970s recovery period following the 1974 Turkish invasion. The deliberate inclusion of both Greek and Turkish inscriptions on the note represents the bicommunal character intended by Cyprus's post-independence governance structure. The agricultural imagery—wheat, citrus fruits, and rural landscapes—emphasizes the importance of farming and land cultivation to the island's economy during this transitional period.

The obverse displays a sophisticated agricultural composition centered on a radiating bundle of wheat stalks in golden-yellow, symbolizing Cyprus's agrarian base. A circular medallion on the left contains citrus fruits with foliage, representing the island's citrus production (a major export). The right side bears Cyprus's national coat of arms featuring a white dove and olive branch, embodying peace and sovereignty. The reverse presents a detailed landscape scene of rural Cyprus rendered in fine-line engraving, featuring a limestone quarry or agricultural complex with cypress trees, buildings with classical architectural elements, and cultivated fields—imagery that reflects both the extraction industries and agricultural productivity central to Cyprus's mid-1970s economy. Both sides are framed by ornamental borders with intricate interwoven geometric patterns. The note is printed in blue-grey, pink, and golden-yellow on white security paper.

FRONT: '250 MIAS' / 'MIL' (denomination in Greek and English); 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Greek); 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Turkish); 'ΔΙΑΚΟΣΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ ΜΙΑΣ' (Two Hundred and Fifty Mils in Greek); 'ΙΚΙ YÜZ ELLİ MİL' (Two Hundred and Fifty Mils in Turkish); 'Χρ. Κ. Λυκουργος' (signature of Chr. K. Lykourgos, Director); 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ - MÜDÜR' (Director in Greek and Turkish); '1.8.1976' (issue date: 1 August 1976); 'M/55 051483' (serial number). BACK: 'Central Bank of Cyprus' (English); 'TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILS' (English).

Intaglio engraving by Bradbury Wilkinson & Company (BWC), a London-based security printer renowned for banknote production. The visual evidence confirms traditional engraving techniques with fine-line work throughout, multiple color separation creating tonal depth, and complex ornamental borders. The sharp detail preservation in both landscape elements and text indicates high-quality engraving plates and professional security printing, with no printer imprint visible on the note face as was typical for certain BWC contracts.

This note is identified as Pick 41c, one of four catalogued variants by PMG (P-41a, P-41b, P-41c, and P-41s), all printed by BWC. The specific variety P-41c cannot be definitively distinguished from P-41a and P-41b without access to detailed variant documentation (such as serial number ranges, signature varieties, or subtle design modifications). The observed specimen bears the signature of Chr. K. Lykourgos as Director and the issue date of 1.8.1976, which may be useful for pinpointing the precise variety. Serial number prefix 'M/55' is noted. To confirm the exact Pick variety, consultation of specialized reference catalogs or direct comparison with known P-41a, P-41b, and P-41c specimens would be necessary.