Cyprus Queen Victoria Postage & Revenue Stamp

Cyprus · 1881 · ½ Piastre

This definitive stamp features the diademed profile of Queen Victoria, facing left, a common design used throughout the British Empire. The stamp is inscribed 'CYPRUS' at the top and 'POSTAGE & REVENUE' below the portrait, with the denomination 'HALF PIASTRE' at the very bottom.

Issued in 1881, this was the first postage stamp specifically created for Cyprus under British administration, which began in 1878. It replaced the overprinted stamps of Great Britain that were initially used on the island.