Cyprus 1887 1/2 piastre
This specimen was lot 29610 in Heritage sale 3040 (Chicago, April 2015), where it sold for $1,292.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Victoria 1/2 Piastre 1887 MS65 Red and Brown NGC, London mint, KM 2. A most alluring selection that features an incredible amount of luster that glistens from beneath auburn surfaces. Truly gem, with wonderfully clear fields, extremely crisp design elements, and light toning--all of which add to the appeal of this beautiful offering." The SCWC lists this type for 1878-98 where it was struck in moderate numbers along with quarter piastres and one piastres, all in bronze. Cyprus, seized from the Turks by the British in 1878, was given a quasi-sterling coinage where nine piastres = one shilling.
Recorded mintage: 60,000 plus a few proofs.
Specification: bronze.
Catalog reference: KM 2.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage Signature Auction 3040, featuring the Santa Maria, the Alan Dean and the Valley View Life Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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