5 pounds 1975

Common. This is a regular issue note from a 13-year series (1966-1976) with substantial print runs. Auction data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent market activity with UNC examples trading around $230 (2019 catalog value), and numerous sales of graded specimens in 2020-2025 at moderate prices ($40-$430 depending on grade). The availability of multiple variants (P-44a through P-44s) further indicates substantial circulation numbers. Uncirculated examples, while always desirable, are not scarce for this particular denomination and issuer.

Issued by the Central Bank of Cyprus on 1 July 1975, this note was part of the regular issue series that began in 1974 during Cyprus's early post-independence period. The bilingual Greek and Turkish inscriptions (ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ and KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI) reflect the island's bicommunal heritage, while the 1960-marked heraldic shield on the obverse references Cyprus's independence from British colonial rule in 1960. The ornate botanical embroidery patterns on the reverse represent traditional Cypriot artistic motifs, connecting the nation's currency to its cultural identity during the formative years of its central banking institution.

The obverse features the coat of arms of Cyprus centered on the right side, depicted with a dove and wreath design, symbolizing peace and national sovereignty. A large circular spiral medallion pattern occupies the left side, representing traditional ornamental design motifs. The center contains a blank circular area typical of this series design. Bilingual text in Greek (above) and Turkish (below) frames the note, reflecting Cyprus's official bilingual status. The reverse showcases elaborate botanical embroidery designs with flowering plants and vines throughout, complemented by geometric diamond patterns on the left and ornamental lace-like borders at top and bottom—all rendered in fine line engraving in blue ink. These embroidery patterns are the defining artistic feature of the 5 Pounds note design from this period.

FRONT SIDE: '£5' (Five Pounds in English); 'Ρ 986703' and 'I53' (Serial number: P 986703, prefix I53); 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Greek); 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Turkish); 'ΥΠΕΝΤΕ ΑΙΡΔΕ' (Five Pounds in Greek); 'BEST LIRA' (Five Pounds in Turkish); '1.7.1975' (Issue date: 1 July 1975); 'Χρ. Κ. Κταφαντή' (Signature of Chr. K. Ktafantis); 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ - MÜDÜR' (Governor/Director in Greek and Turkish). BACK SIDE: 'Central Bank of Cyprus' (English text at top); 'Five Pounds' (English text at bottom left).

Intaglio (line engraving) on high-quality banknote stock. The printer was Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), as indicated in the Pick catalog listing for P-44c. The fine line engraving is evident throughout both sides, particularly in the intricate spiral medallions, geometric patterns, botanical motifs, and lace-like borders. The multicolored underprint visible on the obverse (blue on multicolored base) demonstrates the sophisticated security printing techniques employed by BWC, with no imprint visible on this specimen as catalogued.

This specimen is identified as P-44c based on the Pick catalog designation. The issue date of 1.7.1975 (1 July 1975) matches one of three documented date variants noted in the realbanknotes.com reference (1974; 1.7.1975; 1.8.1976). The serial number prefix 'I53' and the specific signature of Chr. K. Ktafantis (Governor) are consistent with this variant. The printer is BWC without imprint, as standard for this series. Additional variants include P-44a, P-44b, P-44cts, and P-44s, likely distinguished by date variants, signature combinations, or minor design elements.