Century Treasures
Colonial Cyprus King George V Pictorial Definitive

Treasure detail

Colonial Cyprus King George V Pictorial Definitive

Under Review

Description: This authentic British colonial postage stamp features a denomination of 3/4 piastre. The intricate visual layout showcases the famous Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion in Peristerona, rendered in a crisp black or deep slate-gray central vignette. Enclosing this architectural view is an ornate violet border framing a circular portrait medallion in the upper-right corner that bears the left-facing profile of King George V wearing his imperial crown. The word "CYPRUS" curves gracefully across the top in stylized block lettering, while the value fraction "3/4" is balanced on the bottom-left corner opposite decorative filigree accents. Perforated edges trim all four sides of this finely detailed recess-printed security paper.

Circa: 1934-1937

Condition: Used

Notes:

The architectural scene holds significant cultural importance because it depicts a rare side-by-side coexistence of historical landmarks, displaying both the five-domed 10th-century Byzantine church and the minaret of the neighboring Peristerona Mosque right behind it.