Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Cyprus) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of Cyprus
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| ISO 3166 code | CY |
Euro gold and silver commemorative coins are special euro coins made by countries in the Eurozone. These coins are usually made from gold and silver, but sometimes other valuable metals are used.
Cyprus started using the euro (€) on January 1, 2008. The Central Bank of Cyprus quickly began making these special coins. Their first silver commemorative euro coin was made in 2008. In 2010, they made two more, one in gold and one in silver.
These special coins can only be used as money in Cyprus. This is different from regular Cypriot euro coins, which can be used in any Eurozone country. Also, these gold and silver coins are usually worth much more than the number printed on them (their "face value"). Because of this, they are not really meant to be used for buying things. People usually call them Collectors' coins because they are mostly bought by collectors.
These coins often celebrate important historical events or highlight special current events. They are like tiny pieces of art that tell a story about Cyprus.
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What Are Cyprus's Commemorative Euro Coins?
As of November 3, 2010, Cyprus had made two types of these special euro commemorative coins. It is important not to confuse these high-value collector coins with the €2 commemorative coins. The €2 commemorative coins are made for everyday use and are legal money in all Eurozone countries.
The special gold and silver coins are mainly for people who collect coins. They are unique because of their design, the metal they are made from, and their limited number.
Coins from 2008
In 2008, Cyprus released a special silver coin to celebrate joining the Eurozone.
| Celebrating Cyprus Joining the Eurozone | ||||
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| Designer: Nicolas Loucas | Mint: Mint of Finland | |||
| Value: €5 | Metal: Silver (92.5% pure) | Number Made: 15,000 | Quality: Proof (very high quality) | |
| Issued: 2008 | Size: 38.61 mm (1.52 in) | Weight: 28.28 g (1.00 oz; 0.91 ozt) | Original Price: €38 | |
| The front of the coin shows the Coat of arms of Cyprus. It also has Greek text that means "Integration of Cyprus into EMU 2008".
The back of the coin shows Cyprus connected to Europe by a ring, on a map. This design symbolizes Cyprus becoming part of the European economic system. |
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Coins from 2010
In 2010, Cyprus released two new commemorative coins. These coins celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.
Gold Coin: 50th Anniversary
| 50 Years of the Republic of Cyprus (Gold) | ||||
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| Designer: Clara Zacharaki-Georgiou | Mint: Bank of Greece / Mint | |||
| Value: €20 | Metal: Gold (97.1% pure) | Number Made: 750 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2010 | Size: 22.05 mm (0.87 in) | Weight: 7.98 g (0.28 oz; 0.26 ozt) | Original Price: €500 | |
| The front of this coin shows the original symbol of the Republic of Cyprus. This symbol is also used by the Central Bank of Cyprus. It has the words "ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" (Greek) and "KIBRIS CUMHURİYETİ" (Turkish), along with the dates "1960-2010".
The back of the coin shows a stylish tree with many branches. A pigeon is nestled within the branches. The coin's value of €20 is also shown. |
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Silver Coin: 50th Anniversary
| 50 Years of the Republic of Cyprus (Silver) | ||||
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| Designer: Clara Zacharaki-Georgiou | Mint: Bank of Greece / Mint | |||
| Value: €5 | Metal: Silver (92.5% pure) | Number Made: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2010 | Size: 38.61 mm (1.52 in) | Weight: 28.28 g (1.00 oz; 0.91 ozt) | Original Price: €40 | |
| The front of this coin is the same as the gold coin. It shows the original symbol of the Republic of Cyprus and the dates "1960-2010".
The back of the coin is also the same as the gold coin. It shows a stylish tree with a pigeon and the coin's value of €5. |
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Other Commemorative Coins
Cyprus has continued to make special commemorative coins for various important events.
2013 Coin: Central Bank of Cyprus
In 2013, a coin was made to celebrate 50 years of the Central Bank of Cyprus.
2014 Coin: Costas Montis
A €5 coin was issued in 2014. It honored Costas Montis, a famous Cypriot poet. This coin marked 100 years since his birth and 10 years since his death.
2015 Coin: Aphrodite
In 2015, a €5 coin was released featuring Aphrodite. She is the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, who, according to myth, was born near Cyprus.
