★ An Exceptional Cyprus Rarity ★

Cyprus, Republic, Archbishop Makarios III, 1960-1977. AV 'Plain Edge' Medallic Proof 5 Pounds, 1966, London mint, numbered 131/200. Bust of Makarios III left wearing klobuk and cross. Rev. Stylized double eagle, holding sceptre in each talon, crown above (KMX-M5.2, Fr. 6a var).

Impressive high relief portrait, characteristic of the numbered issues and with great eye appeal. An impeccable example and extremely rare type with only 200 struck. NGC Top Pop.

Graded PF64 NGC

Following Makarios' accession to power and under British influence for decades, he desired to strike coins of similar design and standard. Following his commission to design and mint coins in London, he was disappointed by the result and instructed to cease production and reassign the project to Paris with a different design (as seen in the previous lots). The London examples were hallmarked and numbered and were given as gifts to dignitaries and important guests over many years.