1 Pound / Lira CYP Banknote (1963-2005 Central Bank of Cyprus Issue) 1987-1996

1 Pound / Lira Cypriot Pound (Issued 1987-1996)

The Central Bank of Cyprus, established as the island’s monetary authority following independence, held the exclusive responsibility for currency issuance and the stewardship of the nation’s financial stability throughout the late twentieth century. This 1 Pound banknote, issued between 1987 and 1996, represents the Central Bank’s commitment to producing secure, distinctive currency during a period of significant economic development in Cyprus. The note carries particular significance as it circulated during the years immediately preceding the island’s transition towards European monetary integration. Understanding the role of the Central Bank of Cyprus in maintaining financial confidence through thoughtfully designed banknotes provides essential context for collectors and currency exchangers seeking to understand Cypriot monetary heritage.

On the front, the banknote features a striking portrait rendered in deep mauve and burgundy tones, with fine engraved line work creating subtle dimensional effects across the entire composition. The central portrait occupies the right side of the note, executed in the classical engraving style characteristic of Central Bank of Cyprus issues, with precise crosshatching and parallel lines establishing depth and character detail. Bilingual text appears prominently, reading “ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ” (Central Bank of Cyprus) in Greek across the top left, whilst “KIBRIS MERKEZ BANKASI” appears in Turkish script, reflecting the island’s linguistic communities. The denomination is declared as “ΜΙΑ ΛΙΡΑ” and “BIR LIRA” in both Greek and Turkish, with the English equivalent “ONE POUND” visible. A serial number, “AF165797,” is printed in the upper left and repeated in the lower right corner. The date “1.11.1989” appears in the lower left quadrant. A signature line reading “ΑΙΔΟΝΤΗΣ-ΜΟΥΔΗΣ” is positioned beneath the denomination text. The pound symbol (£1) appears in ornamental roundels at all four corners of the note, with the upper right and lower left corner designs being particularly elaborate. Guilloché patterns create decorative borders, and a circular security medallion appears at the top centre, featuring an eagle emblem representing Cyprus. The overall colour palette transitions seamlessly from deeper burgundy margins into lighter mauve central areas, with white space strategically employed to frame the primary design elements.

The reverse depicts a substantial architectural composition in matching mauve and burgundy tones, dominated by a detailed engraving of a Gothic or mediaeval cathedral or church structure with prominent spires and arched windows. The building is rendered with meticulous linework showing masonry detail, buttresses, and elaborate architectural features characteristic of Cypriot historical ecclesiastical architecture. To the left of the building stands a stylised cypress tree, a symbol deeply rooted in Cypriot cultural identity, executed with fine parallel lines creating naturalistic foliage effects. The text “CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS” spans the top of the note in Roman capitals, with three ornamental medallions positioned above containing heraldic or symbolic designs. The denomination “ONE POUND” appears at the bottom centre of the note in large Roman capitals, with the pound symbol (£1) positioned to the left of the text. Decorative guilloché borders frame the entire composition, with curved ornamental elements visible in the lower corners. A large oval or circular area on the right side of the reverse remains unpatterned, providing space for watermark visibility and tactile security features. The engraving demonstrates museum-quality craftsmanship throughout, with every architectural detail, landscape element, and border flourish executed with precision and consistency characteristic of professional banknote design.

This 1 Pound Cypriot Pound note remains a sought-after example of pre-Euro Mediterranean currency, particularly valued by those exchanging older Cyprus banknotes in the United Kingdom. Whether you hold individual notes or collections from the 1987-1996 circulation period, our UK currency exchange service provides specialist valuation and competitive rates for all Central Bank of Cyprus denominations. Contact us today for an instant online quotation on your Cypriot Pound banknotes.

Looking to exchange leftover currency? Your 1 Pound / Lira CYP banknote can be sold to Webuyallcurrency.com alongside other old or withdrawn Cypriot Pounds banknotes, turning spare money from a trip or collection into cash in one simple transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Pound / Lira Cypriot Pound banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com buys and exchanges foreign currency of every kind, so your Cypriot Pounds banknotes — withdrawn or current — can be sold for cash together with the rest of your leftover coins and notes.