Cyprus Queen Victoria Definitive, 1/2 Piastre

Cyprus · 1881 · 1/2 Piastre

This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, based on the contemporary British definitive design. The denomination 'HALF PIASTRE' is inscribed at the bottom, and 'CYPRUS' is prominently displayed at the top. This was the very first postage stamp issued specifically for Cyprus under British administration.

Issued in 1881, this stamp marks the beginning of the British postal system in Cyprus, which had come under British administration in 1878. It replaced the use of overprinted British stamps that were used for the first few years.