500 mils 1979

Common. The 500 mils denomination from the 1979 series had standard production runs and was in regular circulation in Cyprus. No evidence of limited printing, recall, or scarcity is documented for Pick 42c. The note remains relatively available in the secondary market, particularly in the UNC grades shown here. Standard issue notes from major national central banks of this era are typically common unless specifically documented as short-run or error variants.

This 500 mils note was issued during a transitional period in Cypriot numismatics, representing the Central Bank of Cyprus's post-independence currency design era. The landscape depicted on the reverse—featuring Alpine forests and mountain scenery—reflects the natural heritage and topographical character of the island, while the ornamental, geometric-heavy design aesthetic is typical of late 1970s European banknote design. The bilingual Greek-Turkish text reinforces the official character of a note issued during a period when Cyprus sought to maintain currency and institutional symbols representative of its diverse population.

The obverse features a highly ornamental design characteristic of Cypriot numismatic tradition, with no portraits but rather symbolic and decorative elements. On the left is an intricate circular rosette design with radial sunburst pattern and central floral motif, while the right side displays a shield or coat of arms with geometric and floral detailing in green. The center contains a large ornamental medallion with floral designs in orange, pink, and green tones. The entire composition is framed by ornate borders featuring repeating geometric patterns. The reverse depicts a landscape scene rendered in green tones showing a river or stream flowing through a forested valley with dense coniferous trees (pine and fir) flanking both sides and snow-capped mountains in the background, with what appears to be a stone wall or embankment on the right side. This landscape imagery emphasizes natural heritage rather than portraiture. Decorative geometric wheel-like border patterns frame the reverse scene.

FRONT SIDE: 'ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Greek) = 'Central Bank of Cyprus'; 'KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI' (Turkish) = 'Central Bank of Cyprus'; 'ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ' (Greek) = 'of Cyprus'; 'PENTAKOSIA MIA' (Greek transliteration) = 'Five Hundred'; 'BES YUZ MIL' (Turkish) = 'Five Hundred Mils'; '500' (Arabic numerals) = denomination; '1.9.1979' = Issue date (1 September 1979); 'N 50 0963348' = Serial number; 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ-MÜDÜR' (Greek-Turkish) = 'Director'; 'Χρ. Κλαέρπας' (Greek) = Director's signature. BACK SIDE: 'Central Bank of Cyprus' (English) and 'Five Hundred Mils' (English) appear in decorative text panels.

The note exhibits intaglio engraving (also called recess printing or gravure), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate detail in the ornamental patterns, and the precise geometric designs visible throughout both sides. The multiple color printing with subtle gradations and the detailed landscape rendering with fine parallel lines creating texture and depth are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing. The Central Bank of Cyprus employed security printers specialized in intaglio techniques for this series; the detailed engraved borders and security patterns are consistent with 1970s European banknote security standards.

The specific variety is identifiable by the signature of Director 'Χρ. Κλαέρπας' (Chr. Klaeprpas) on the obverse and the serial number prefix 'N 50' observed on this specimen (N 50 0963348). The date of issue is 1.9.1979 (1 September 1979). The Pick 42c designation indicates this is from the standard 1979 series. Variations within this series would be primarily distinguished by different director signatures and serial number prefixes corresponding to different printing runs or signature authority periods. This specimen represents a standard variety with no noted overprints or special designations.