Product Information

The eight euro coins, ranging from the 1 euro cent to two euros, aren housed in a beautifully designed presentation folder, highlighting the rich history of Cyprus as well as introducing the three different coin designs.

A Cross-Shaped Idol
The 1 and 2 Euro Coins depict a cross-shaped idol. It dates back to the Chalcolithic period (3,000 BC), and was found in Pomos, a village in the district of Paphos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus and represents the heritage and civilisation of a country endowed with a history of over 10,000 years.

The Kyrenia Ship
The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins depict the Kyrenia ship, which is the wreck of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship accidentally discovered by a diver in the sea off the coastal town of Kyrenia. It is the oldest and best preserved ship from the classical period of Greek civilisation found to date. Its depiction on the euro coins symbolises the importance of sea, shipping and trade throughout Cyprus� history.

The Moufflon
The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict the moufflon, and endemic wild sheep, found in the Paphos forest. The moufflon is a unique species and is highly protected. It symbolises the island�s rich wildlife and is considered one of the natural treasures of the island.

Background & History

Brief History of Cyprus
The island of Cyprus, situated in the eastern Mediterranean, stands at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, a strategic position especially in antiquity. The history of Cyprus is one of the oldest recorded in the world. Remains of known settlements date back to the 9th millennium BC. In the 2nd millennium BC the Achaean Greeks settled on the island, establishing city kingdoms and introducing the Greek language, religion and way of life. Cyprus�s strategic location and wealth turned it into a land of contention among its powerful neighbours. Hence the Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, France, Venetians and Ottoman Turks in turn ruled the island. In 1878, after three centuries of Ottoman rule, and following a deal between Britain and the Ottoman Empire, Cyprus became a British colony.

Despite the long list of conquerors that ruled the island, Cyprus has retained its character and has remained a centre of Greek culture and civilization. Also, the Turkish Cypriots, descendants of the Ottoman Turks, have contributed their own heritage to the country. Remnants from the various periods of Cyprus history can be seen all over the island. The interested visitor can see the Neolithic settlements of Cyprus, ancient temples and theatres, Roman monuments, medieval castles, Gothic and Byzantine churches as well as mosques.

Following four years of liberation struggle, Cyprus became independent in 1960 and the Republic of Cyprus was established. The economic and social development of Cyprus during the period after independence was brought to an abrupt halt by the Turkish invasion of 1974. As a result of the invasion, 37% of the island�s areas along with 70% of the country�s total natural resources fell under the control of the Turkish army. Today, 37% of the island�s territory is still under the control of Turkish troops.

In spite of the severe problems created by the invasion, the Republic of Cyprus succeeded in reviving its economy. Growth and development have been impressive in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic and Cyprus now has a robust service-based economy. On 1 May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the European Union and on 1 January 2008, Cyprus joined the euro area and introduced the euro as its currency.

Cyprus � The Island

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with an area of 9,251 sq. km. It is situated in the eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Remnants from the island�s ancient civilization offer ample evidence of the rich and turbulent course of its history. The interested visitor can see the Neolithic settlements, classical palaces, ancient temples and theatres, Roman monuments, medieval castles, Gothic and Byzantine churches as well as mosques.