کاتالوگ
| توضیحات روی سکه | Crowned and veiled bust to left. DeS (=De Saulles) in relief below and in a circle inscription: VICTORIA•DEI•GRA•BRITT•REG•FID•DEF•IND•IMP• |
|---|---|
| خط روی سکه | Latin |
| نوشتههای روی سکه | VICTORIA•DEI•GRA•BRITT•REG•FID•DEF•IND•IMP• DeS. |
| توضیحات پشت سکه | A crowned shield of arms with Lusignan lion on it which divides the date 1901. The crown rests on a scroll inscribed CYPRUS and the value is set out in words (EIGHTEEN PIASTRES) around the lower edge of the design. |
| خط پشت سکه | Latin |
| نوشتههای پشت سکه | CYPRUS 19 01 EIGHTEEN PIASTRES |
| لبه | Reeded |
| ضرابخانه | |
| تیراژ ضرب |
1901 - - 200 000 1901 - Proof - |
| شناسه Numisquare | 5816392930 |
| اطلاعات تکمیلی |
Historical Context: The 1901 Cyprus 18 Piastres coin is a significant artifact from Queen Victoria's final reign year. Issued under British administration, established in 1878, this coin solidified the British monetary system on the strategically vital island. It represents Cyprus's integration into the British Empire's economic sphere, marking a transition from Ottoman currency influence. The 1901 date imbues it with particular historical resonance as a numismatic testament to the close of a monumental era.
Artistry: The obverse features the 'Old Head' or 'Veiled Head' effigy of Queen Victoria, a dignified portrait by Sir Thomas Brock. This stylistic school embodies late Victorian realism with classical undertones, depicting the monarch in her widow's veil and small crown. The reverse, likely by a Royal Mint engraver, presents the denomination "18 PIASTRES" and "1901" within a laurel wreath, surmounted by a crown, with "CYPRUS" above. This design reflects a standard utilitarian aesthetic for colonial coinage, clearly identifying issuer and value.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .925 silver (11.3104 grams, 29.8 mm), this coin generally exhibits a strong strike from the Royal Mint. Key high-points for assessing wear on the obverse include the hair above Victoria's ear, the top of her crown, and the folds of her veil. On the reverse, the central details of the crown and the highest points of the wreath leaves are critical. While strike quality is typically good, minor softness in wreath details or finer portrait elements can sometimes be observed due to colonial production variations.