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50 Cents Abduction of Europa - Silver Proof Issue
| Issuer | Central Bank of Cyprus |
|---|---|
| Year | 1991 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Reference(s) | KM#66a |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a composition inspired by a 4th-century BC coin of the Cypriot Kingdom of Marion, depicting the mythological scene of the Abduction of Europa: Zeus, transformed into a bull, carries the figure of Europa across the sea. The design evokes the archaic artistic style of the ancient prototype, rendered in low relief. The royal name of King Timocharis appears in Cypriot syllabary script, referencing the ancient issuing authority. The denomination 50 is prominently displayed in the field. |
| Reverse script | Latin/Cypriot syllabary |
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| Additional information |
Cyprus joined the collector coin market aggressively in the late 1980s and early 1990s, issuing themed proof sets aimed squarely at the European numismatic gift trade. This piece draws on the myth of Zeus and Europa — a legend with particular resonance in Cyprus, where Europa's brother Cadmus reportedly landed while searching for her, and where the cult of the Phoenician goddess Astarte had long been syncretized with the Europan myth.
KM#66a designates the silver proof variant, struck alongside a base-metal circulation issue. Mintages for this series were modest and distributed primarily through the Central Bank's own sales channels rather than conventional dealer networks.