5 Pounds / Lires / Lira CYP Banknote (1963-2005 Central Bank of Cyprus Issue) 1990

5 Pounds / Lires / L Cypriot Pound (Issued 1990)

The cultural heritage of Cyprus finds expression through this banknote’s carefully curated imagery, which speaks to the island’s classical ancestry and modern civic pride. The denomination selection and portraiture reflect a period when Cyprus was establishing its post-independence monetary identity within the framework of the Central Bank. The mauve and burgundy colour palette creates a sense of historical gravitas, whilst the bilingual inscriptions in Greek and English emphasise the nation’s position within both Mediterranean and Commonwealth spheres of influence. This 1990 issue represents the mature phase of the original Cypriot Pound series before its eventual transition to the Euro.

On the front, a striking portrait of a classical female head dominates the left portion of the composition, rendered in fine engraving with careful attention to hair texture and facial contours. The portrait is executed in mauve and burgundy tones against a lighter background, with the profile shown in three-quarter view. At the top of the note, bilingual text reads “ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ” and “CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS” alongside “MERKEZI BANKASI”, establishing the issuing authority. The denomination appears in multiple locations: large ornamental £5 symbols occupy the top left and bottom right corners in circular frames with decorative guilloché patterns radiating outward. The date “1.9.1995” is positioned centrally near the top of the note. Text reading “PENTE LIRES” and “BES LIRA” appears in the upper centre, acknowledging the trilingual currency nomenclature. A serial number “0653828” is visible in the lower left corner, repeated again on the right side. The banknote features elaborate ornamental borders comprising curved flourishes and scroll-work, particularly pronounced along the bottom edge where flowing ribbon-like patterns create sophisticated visual depth. A security strip is integrated into the design. The signature line visible includes authentication marks from the issuing authority.

The reverse displays a significant architectural structure dominating the central composition: a modern stadium or sports amphitheatre shown in perspective with careful linear engraving and detailed cross-hatching. The building features distinctive curved seating rows and structural elements rendered in burgundy against a lighter background. The landscape context is evident, with trees and natural features suggested through fine engraving lines in the background. At the top, ornamental headwork includes classical motifs and decorative elements flanking the text “CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS”. The denomination “£5” appears in the top right corner within a circular frame, whilst “FIVE POUNDS” is inscribed at the base of the note in clear capital letters. A portrait of a distinguished male figure appears on the right side in profile, executed with the same fine engraving technique as the obverse. The circular frame in the lower left corner is left plain, creating visual balance against the detailed central imagery. Guilloché patterns frame the entire reverse, with geometric repeating designs forming borders. The burgundy and mauve colour scheme remains consistent throughout, creating tonal harmony between obverse and reverse.

For collectors and currency dealers across the United Kingdom, the 5 Pounds Cypriot Pound banknotes from the 1990 Central Bank of Cyprus series represent important historical documents from a nation now using the Euro. These withdrawn notes remain sought after by numismatists specialising in Eastern Mediterranean currencies and pre-Euro European monetary systems. Our UK currency exchange service provides professional valuation and secure exchange for Cypriot Pound banknotes, whether you hold single specimens or larger collections requiring expert assessment.

• Indicate the quantity of 5 Pounds / Lires / L Cypriot Pound banknotes you want to exchange
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