1993 Cyprus 1 Pound – Nymph Acme & Bellapais Abbey | P‑53c

The 1993 Cyprus £1 banknote (P‑53c) is part of the long‑running 1987–1996 series issued by the Central Bank of Cyprus. Featuring classical mosaic art, bilingual inscriptions, and one of the island’s most iconic medieval landmarks, it represents a period of cultural emphasis and national identity prior to the transition to the euro.


Historical Context

This note circulated during a stable period of the Republic of Cyprus, when the Cyprus Pound remained the national currency and bilingual Greek–Turkish inscriptions reflected the island’s administrative traditions. The design highlights Cyprus’s rich artistic heritage, including Roman‑era mosaics and Gothic monastic architecture. The series was withdrawn following the euro changeover, making later‑date varieties such as the 1993 P‑53c increasingly desirable to collectors.


Key Features & Specifications

Issuer: Cyprus
Issuing Bank: Central Bank of Cyprus
Period: Republic (1960–present)
Type: Standard circulation banknote
Year: 1993
Value: 1 Pound (1 CYP)
Currency: Cyprus Pound (decimalised 1983–2007)
Composition: Paper
Size: 141 × 71 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Demonetized: Yes
Reference: P‑53c


Obverse

Printed in dark brown and multicolour tones
Mosaic of the nymph Acme at right, taken from ancient Roman‑period artwork
Cyprus coat of arms at upper left centre
Bank name presented as a continuous line of microprinting, with:
Greek text on the left
Turkish text on the right
Denomination in both Greek and Turkish:
ΜΙΑ ΛΙΡΑ
BIR LIRA
Scripts: Greek and Latin


Reverse

Brown print
Depiction of Bellapais Abbey, a 13th‑century Gothic monastery located in Kyrenia district
English inscriptions:
CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS
ONE POUND

Watermark

Mouflon (ram’s head), a long‑standing national symbol of Cyprus