Cyprus Banknotes Catalog

The history of banknotes in Cyprus reflects the island's rich and complex economic history. From its first issues to the adoption of the euro, the Cypriot paper currency has undergone several changes that reflect the political and economic evolution of the country.

Old Cyprus banknotes

The first Cypriot banknotes were issued in 1914 by the British colonial government. After independence in 1960, Cyprus introduced its own currency, the Cyprus pound. Banknotes of this era featured designs that reflected the island's culture and history, including archaeological motifs and iconic landscapes. The last series of Cypriot pound banknotes, issued in 1997, was notable for its advanced security system and for depicting important historical figures.

Current banknotes and the adoption of the euro

In 2008, Cyprus adopted the euro as its official currency, replacing the Cyprus pound. Currently, the banknotes in circulation are the standard euro banknotes, shared by all eurozone countries. These banknotes feature designs of European architectural styles and do not have Cyprus-specific features. However, Cypriot euro coins do retain national designs on their reverse, thus preserving part of the country's numismatic identity.