Owner Comments:
The first coins of the Cyprus Colonial Collection were issued by the Royal Mint in 1879. They were in copper and of three denominations: One piastre, half piastre, and quarter piastre.
CYPRUS, QUEEN VICTORIA 1/2 PIASTRE 1879.
OBVERSE: Young head of Victoria facing left and wearing a coronet ornamented with oak leaves and scrolls.
REVERSE: 1/2 within a beaded circle.
ENGRAVER: Leonard Charles Wyon.
DIAMETER: 27.5 mm
WEIGHT: 5.83 g
EDGE: Plain.
METAL COMPOSITION: Copper 95%, Tin 4%, Zinc 1%.
MINTAGE: 250,000
RARITY: Common coin, but rare in high uncirculated grades.
1879 1/2 PIASTRE MS 64 RB
A beautiful example of this common coin in high grade.
Fully struck with clear surfaces and considerable luster in and around the devices.