1901 CYPRUS NINE PIASTRES – QUEEN VICTORIA

The 1901 Cyprus Nine Piastres is the last silver coin of the Victorian lion‑shield series issued under British administration. Struck in .925 sterling silver, it features the distinctive lion passant guardant inside a shield, surmounted by a crown, with CYPRUS above and the denomination NINE PIASTRES around the border.

The obverse carries the mature veiled portrait of Queen Victoria, with the full imperial legend VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REG FID DEF IND IMP, marking her status as Empress of India.

Issued shortly before Victoria’s death in January 1901, this coin represents the end of the Victorian era in Cyprus numismatics. Its one‑year reverse style, modest mintage, and historical significance make it a highly desirable colonial silver issue.

Obverse

Veiled and crowned bust of Queen Victoria facing left. Legend: VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REG FID DEF IND IMP

Reverse

Crowned lion passant guardant inside a shield. Legend above: CYPRUS Denomination around: NINE PIASTRES Date: 1901 flanking the shield.

Historical Notes

• Final year of the Victorian Cyprus lion‑shield silver series.
• Struck to British sterling silver (.925) standard.
• One‑year obverse legend style (full imperial title).
• Highly collected due to end‑of‑reign significance and attractive heraldic design.

Specifications

• Country: Cyprus
• Denomination: Nine Piastres
• Year: 1901
• Monarch: Queen Victoria
• Metal: .925 Silver
• Weight: 7.08 g
• Diameter: 24.0 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Obverse: Veiled bust of Queen Victoria
• Reverse: Lion inside shield, crown above, CYPRUS legend
• Mintage: 150,000
• Catalogue References:
  • KM: 6
  • SCWC: KM‑6

SEO Tags

1901 Cyprus Nine Piastres, lion shield reverse, Victoria Cyprus coin, colonial silver coinage, British Empire coinage, KM6, sterling silver Cyprus, Numicraft collectibles