500 mils 1968

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity with most examples trading between $7–$40 for circulated grades (F-EF), and UNC examples cataloging at $215 (2019), indicating steady collector demand but no scarcity premium. The note was part of a regular issue spanning 1964–1979 with substantial print runs. The Pick 42a variant (printer BWC without imprint) represents the standard version with no particular rarity factor distinguishing it from 42b or 42c variants.

Issued on March 1, 1968, this note reflects Cyprus's early post-independence monetary policy under the Central Bank of Cyprus, established in 1963 following the nation's independence from British rule. The reverse's depiction of the Pentedaktylo mountains and forested landscape symbolizes Cyprus's natural heritage and territorial identity during a period of nation-building, while the bilingual Greek-Turkish inscriptions acknowledge the island's bicommunal composition at that time. The 1960 date reference on the obverse marks the beginning of the republic.

The obverse presents a tripartite symbolic composition: on the left, an elaborate shell or scallop-fan ornament; in the center, an ornate emblem featuring geometric and floral patterns in beige and tan tones representing Cypriot artistic tradition; and on the right, the official coat of arms of Cyprus—a shield bearing an olive branch and dove of peace symbol, reflecting the nation's aspirations for unity. The reverse showcases a romantic engraved landscape dominated by the snow-capped peaks of the Pentedaktylo (Kyrenia) Mountains, with a flowing river or mountain stream bordered by indigenous Mediterranean evergreen forest (likely cedar and pine species native to Cyprus), rendered entirely in green ink with exceptional fine-line detail. Ornamental geometric borders frame both sides.

FRONT: '500 ΜΙΛ' (500 Mils in Arabic numerals and Greek); 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Central Bank of Cyprus in Greek); 'KUZEY BANKAS' (Turkish language variant); Date '1.3.1968' (March 1, 1968); 'Χρ. Κ. Κεφαλή ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ-MÜDÜR' (Governor-Director signature line in Greek and Turkish); Serial number 'D/13 0868319'; '1960' (reference year). BACK: 'Central Bank of Cyprus' (in English); 'Five Hundred Mils' (in English); Ornamental border inscriptions reflecting denomination and issuer.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC), a renowned British security printer known for banknote production. The fine-line engraving technique is evident in the intricate detail of the landscape features, ornamental borders, and security patterns. The multicolored underprint with green as the dominant color indicates a sophisticated multi-plate intaglio process with careful registration.

This note is identified as Pick 42a based on the BWC printer attribution without visible imprint. The PMG population report indicates three catalogued variants exist (42a, 42b, 42c), all produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. The serial number 'D/13 0868319' with the 'D/13' prefix and the specific date of March 1, 1968 are consistent with early issues of this series. No overprints or unusual signatures are visible; the governor signature line appears standard for the 1968 period.