250 Mils / Mil CYP Banknote (1961 Republic of Cyprus Issue) 1961

250 Mils / Mil Cypriot Pound (Issued 1961)

The 250 Mils note formed part of the inaugural currency series issued by the newly independent Republic of Cyprus in 1961, establishing the visual and security standards that would define Cypriot monetary design during this formative period. As an intermediate denomination between smaller and larger units, this note occupied a practical position within daily commerce whilst demonstrating the nation’s commitment to sophisticated banknote production. The 1961 series reflected both classical engraving traditions and modern security considerations essential to a fledgling republic establishing its economic identity. This particular denomination stands as a tangible record of Cyprus’s first year of independence and the currency framework adopted to support its growing economy.

On the front, the banknote presents a balanced composition dominated by two ornate circular emblems positioned in the upper left and upper right corners, each featuring intricate scalloped borders rendered in deep blue-grey tones. The denomination “250 ΜΙΛΣ” (250 Mils) appears prominently in both corners in matching blue frames. The centre of the note features a radiant sunburst design in warm peachy-orange tones, creating a striking focal point that draws the eye across the composition. Above this central motif, bilingual text reads “ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ” and “KIBRIS CUMHURIYETI” (Republic of Cyprus in Greek and Turkish respectively), reflecting the official bilingual status of the early republic. A serial number “A 107122” appears twice on the obverse. Below the sunburst, Greek text reads “ΔΙΑΚΟΣΙΑ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ ΜΙΛΣ” (Two Hundred Fifty Mils) on the left side, with Turkish text “İKİ YÜZ ELLİ MİL” on the right. The entire design is framed by an elaborate geometric guilloché border pattern rendered in blue, featuring interlocking rope-like motifs that span the full width and height of the note. The paper itself displays a light cream background with subtle tonal variations throughout.

The reverse presents a scenic landscape composition rendered entirely in shades of blue and grey, depicting an expansive Mediterranean vista with classical architecture nestled amongst cypress trees characteristic of the Cypriot landscape. The composition shows distant hillsides, architectural structures with columned buildings, and the characteristic vertical forms of Mediterranean vegetation. At the top centre, white text reads “Republic of Cyprus” in elegant serif typography. In the lower left quadrant, the denomination appears again as “TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILS” in white circular framing. The entire reverse design is contained within an ornamental border of identical character to the front, featuring scalloped corner elements and the continuous geometric guilloché pattern that runs around all four edges. The overall tonal palette of the reverse is notably cooler than the front, with predominantly dark blue engraving work creating depth and dimension through careful line variation and cross-hatching techniques.

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• Indicate the quantity of 250 Mils / Mil Cypriot Pound banknotes you want to exchange
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• Your online account now shows the exchange value

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