Cyprus 5 Cents Coin (1991-2004 Series) - Base Metal / Not Gold
Coin (Circulating Currency) · N/A - The item is silvery-grey in color, consistent with cupronickel. It does not contain gold alloys like Yellow, White, or Rose gold.
Purity: 0K / None - This is a base metal coin. It is composed of Cupronickel (Copper-Nickel alloy), not solid gold, gold-filled, or gold-plated material.
Type
Coin (Circulating Currency)
Purity
0K / None - This is a base metal coin. It is composed of Cupronickel (Copper-Nickel alloy), not solid gold, gold-filled, or gold-plated material.
Gold Type
N/A - The item is silvery-grey in color, consistent with cupronickel. It does not contain gold alloys like Yellow, White, or Rose gold.
Weight
3.75 grams (Standard Weight for this 5 Cents denomination)
Description
A circulating 5 Cent coin from the Republic of Cyprus. The obverse depicts the value '5' set against stylized sails of a Kyrenia ship. This coin belongs to the currency system used before Cyprus adopted the Euro in 2008.
Key Features
Stylized '5' numeral, Kyrenia ship sail motif, Greek/Turkish bilingual text 'CYPRUS' (on reverse), and the 'M' mint mark.
Color & Finish
Dull silvery-grey with a circulate-matte finish; shows heavy oxidation, toning, and surface grime consistent with circulation and poor storage.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold hallmarks. Obverse features a large numeral '5' and the word 'CENTS'. The mint mark 'M' (from the Mint of Finland or Vantaa) is visible to the left.
Dimensions Estimate
20.0 mm in diameter, 1.62 mm in thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
None - Standard reeded or smooth circular coin edge.
Chain & Links
N/A - The edge is smooth/plain for this specific emission year.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial die-struck production for high-volume circulation. Details are moderately sharp but obscured by surface buildup.
Authentication Indicators
The design matches exactly the 1991-2004 Cyprus 5 Cents. Lack of gold color and lack of purity hallmarks indicate it is a standard base-metal circulation strike.
Origin & Maker
Cyprus (Issuing Country); likely minted at the Mint of Finland (indicated by the 'M' mark).
Era & Period
Contemporary (Modern Republic of Cyprus, Pre-Euro era). This design was used between 1991 and 2004.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1991 and 2004. The specific date is located on the reverse side (not shown).
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic sovereignty of Cyprus prior to joining the Eurozone; its imagery connects modern currency to the island's Hellenistic shipwreck heritage.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant surface contamination, environmental damage (likely PVC damage or oxidation), and numerous surface scuffs. Numismatic Grade: VG (Very Good) based on wear.
Value Estimate
Essentially face value in Cyprus (demonetized) or approximately $0.05 - $0.25 USD to a collector due to poor condition. It has zero gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry. Do not attempt to clean chemically as it may further damage the numismatic surface. Store in a PVC-free coin flip if keeping for a collection.
Similar Items
Other coins in the Cyprus pound series (1c, 2c, 10c, 20c, 50c). Not to be confused with gold sovereign coins which have a rich yellow color.
Interesting Facts
The Kyrenia ship depicted on the coin is a 4th-century BC Greek merchant ship discovered in 1965. It is a symbol of Cyprus's long maritime history.