Coat of arms of Cyprus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Cyprus

Armiger	Republic of Cyprus
Adopted	1960
Blazon	Copper, a dove volant facing to the sinister Argent in its beak an olive branch; in base, the numbers '1960' Argent
Supporters	A Wreath of olive branches Vert

The coat of arms of Cyprus is a special national symbol. It represents either the Republic of Cyprus or Northern Cyprus. These symbols are like a country's badge, telling a story about its history and values.

The Republic of Cyprus Coat of Arms
- What the Colors and Symbols Mean
- A Special Coin Design
The Northern Cyprus Coat of Arms
- Key Differences in the Design
Past Coats of Arms of Cyprus
See also

The Republic of Cyprus Coat of Arms

The coat of arms for the Republic of Cyprus shows a dove holding an olive branch. This dove and branch are symbols of peace. Below them, you'll see the number "1960". This year marks when Cyprus became independent from British rule.

What the Colors and Symbols Mean

The background of the shield is a copper-yellow color. This color represents the large amounts of copper found on the island of Cyprus. The island is famous for its copper deposits.

Around the shield, there is a wreath made of two parts. This wreath stands for the two main groups of people living in Cyprus: the Greeks and the Turks.

A Special Coin Design

In 2008, the Cypriot coat of arms was chosen for a special collector's coin. This coin celebrated Cyprus joining the Eurozone, which means it started using the Euro currency. One side of the coin showed the coat of arms. The other side showed Cyprus connected to Europe on a map.

Coat of arms of the Republic of Cyprus (1960–2006)
Coat of arms of the Republic of Cyprus (2006–present)
The emblem of the Cyprus Prisons Department

The Northern Cyprus Coat of Arms

Coat of arms of Northern Cyprus

Armiger	Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Adopted	15 November 1983
Crest	Star and crescent Argent, inscription "1983" Vert
Blazon	Or, a dove Argent carrying a olive branch Vert
Supporters	Olive branch Vert

The coat of arms for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus looks very similar to the Republic of Cyprus's arms. However, there are some key differences.

Key Differences in the Design

On the Northern Cyprus coat of arms, the "1960" is removed from below the dove. Instead, the year "1983" is placed above the shield. This year refers to the time when Northern Cyprus declared its independence. Also, the Turkish star and crescent symbol is added above the shield.

In March 2007, the design of the Northern Cyprus coat of arms was changed slightly. The dove on the shield was drawn in a different position.

Coat of arms of Northern Cyprus (1983–2007)
Coat of arms of Northern Cyprus (2007–present)
Coat of arms of the President of Northern Cyprus

Past Coats of Arms of Cyprus

Before Cyprus became an independent country, it was a British Crown Colony. During this time, local British officials used a coat of arms that featured two lions. This design was based on the coat of arms of the United Kingdom.

House of Lusignan 1194–1268: Kings of Cyprus
House of Lusignan 1268–1393: Kings of Jerusalem (1st and 4th quarters) and Cyprus (2nd and 3rd quarters)
House of Lusignan 1393–1473: Kings of Jerusalem (1st quarter), Cyprus (2nd and 4th quarters), and Cilician Armenia (3rd quarter)
Coat of arms of Venetian Cyprus (1555)
Lusignan arms within the greater arms of the Republic of Venice, 1680
Badge used by British colonial officials (1881–1905)
Badge used by British colonial officials (1905–1960)