Cyprus, Victoria, 3 Piastres 1901 Fine

British Imperial Silver coins were in use on Cyprus from 1882 with the British Shilling trading as 9 Piastres. In 1900 it was decided that piastre denominated silver coins would be struck at the Royal Mint in Tower Hill, London and this was the first issue of these. Under the new system, silver coins were legal tender to 540 piastres and bronze to 27 piastres. These 3 Piastre coins were struck for the first time and dated 1901, it was the local valuation of the Imperial 4 pence or groat. With a mintage of only 300,000 these are scarce coins in any grade. Very limited availability.