5 pounds 1975

Common. The 1972-1976 series of Cyprus 5 Pounds notes had a substantial circulation, with multiple variants (P-44a, P-44b, P-44cts, P-44s) catalogued by PMG indicating a distributed print run. eBay market data shows consistent availability with typical UNC examples selling in the $200-$255 range (2019 catalogue value: UNC $255), and numerous sales across various grades ($22-$87 for circulated examples) confirming ready market supply. While UNC examples command premium prices, the note itself is not rare or scarce.

Issued on 4 May 1975 by the Central Bank of Cyprus, this banknote reflects the nation's identity during the mid-1970s, a period of post-independence consolidation following the 1974 Turkish invasion and division of the island. The coat of arms featuring the dove and olive branches symbolizes peace and Cyprus's aspirations for national unity and reconciliation. The trilingual inscriptions in Greek, Turkish, and English represent the official recognition of Cyprus's multicultural heritage and international status.

The obverse features the Cyprus coat of arms as the central motif—a white dove with an olive branch representing peace, enclosed within an ornate circular rosette border rendered in beige and pink tones. To the left is an elaborate geometric mandala pattern composed of concentric circles and radiating lines, exemplifying the fine line work characteristic of high-security banknote design. The reverse displays intricate botanical and floral engravings including detailed leaf and berry patterns, with a prominent geometric diamond shape containing fine internal patterning on the left side. Ornamental lace-like borders frame both sides top and bottom. The color scheme of blue, beige, white, and soft pink creates an elegant, distinctly Mediterranean aesthetic reflective of Cyprus's cultural heritage.

FRONT: 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus) in Greek; 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Central Bank of Cyprus) in Turkish; 'ΠΕΝΤΕ ΑΙΡΛΙ ΜΠΕΣΛΙΡΑ' (Five Pounds) in Greek; '4.5.1975' (issue date: 4 May 1975); 'Χρ. Κ. Λεφχνης' (signature); 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ-MÜDÜR' (Director-Manager in Greek and Turkish); 'ι/04 000003' (serial number). BACK: 'Central Bank of Cyprus' and 'Five Pounds' in English.

Intaglio engraving (also known as recess printing or copperplate printing), evidenced by the fine line detail, sharp edges, and dimensional depth visible in the mandala patterns, floral designs, and geometric elements. The intricate security patterns and lace-like borders are characteristic of intaglio work. Printed by BWC (Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.) without imprint, one of the world's premier security printers known for banknote production.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-44b, one of four recognized varieties of the 1972-1976 Cyprus 5 Pounds issue. The date visible on this note is 4.5.1975 (4 May 1975). All variants (P-44a, P-44b, P-44cts, P-44s) share the BWC printer attribution but differ in signatures, dates, and potentially in minor design elements or security features. The serial number prefix 'ι/04' and the very low serial number 000003 suggest this is an early printing from the series. No overprints are evident.