Cyprus – 45 Piastres 1928 George V | Sterling Silver Crown | 50th Anniversary of British Administration | Only Crown-Sized Coin of Colonial Cyprus An impressive and highly sought-after 45 Piastres struck in 1928 for British Cyprus during the reign of King George V. This historic sterling silver crown was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of British administration of Cyprus (1878–1928), making it one of the most important and iconic coins of the island’s colonial history. It was the only crown-sized circulating coin ever issued for Cyprus under British rule. The obverse bears the crowned portrait of King George V, engraved by the renowned sculptor Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal, while the reverse, designed by George Kruger Gray, features two heraldic lions derived from the arms of the medieval Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus, a design deeply connected with the island’s history. Only 80,000 circulation pieces were minted, making this a desirable issue among collectors of British Empire, Commonwealth and Cypriot coinage. Proof strikings were limited to just over 500 pieces. Specifications * Country: Cyprus (British Administration) * Year: 1928 * Ruler: King George V * Denomination: 45 Piastres * Commemorative Issue: 50 Years of British Administration (1878–1928) * Composition: Sterling Silver (.925) * Weight: 28.28 g * Diameter: 38 mm * Edge: Milled * Mintage: 80,000 * Reference: KM#19 Condition A well-preserved original example with attractive natural silver toning and pleasing eye appeal. The major design elements remain bold, with clear legends and strong portrait detail. Please examine the high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. An outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the key silver issues of British Cyprus—an increasingly desirable coin combining historical importance, low mintage, and substantial sterling silver content. It is equally attractive to collectors of Cyprus, British Empire, Commonwealth crowns, and world silver coinage. The coin photographed is the exact coin that will be shipped. It will be securely packaged and sent with tracked shipping.