Cyprus Postage Stamp, Queen Victoria

Cyprus · 1881 · ½ Piastre

This definitive stamp features a left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria, the reigning British monarch at the time. The design is based on the common template used for many British colonies, with the country name 'CYPRUS' overprinted on a British stamp originally intended for use in Great Britain. The denomination 'HALF PIASTRE' is also overprinted.

Issued shortly after Great Britain assumed administration of Cyprus in 1878, this stamp represents the integration of the island into the British postal system. The use of overprinted British stamps was a common and expedient practice in newly acquired territories.