A standard circulation coin issued by Cyprus between 1991 and 2004, featuring the Cyprus coat of arms and honoring Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoic philosophy. This is the Type 2 variant of the 20 Cents denomination.
Design Description
🔹 Obverse:
Depicts the coat of arms of Cyprus, which features:
- A dove holding an olive twig, symbolizing peace,
- The year 1960, marking Cyprus’s independence,
- Laurel branches surrounding the emblem,
- The country’s name inscribed in Greek, Turkish, and English.
🔹 Reverse:
Depicts the head of Zeno of Citium (334 BC – 262 BC), a Greek philosopher from Citium (modern-day Cyprus), known as the founder of Stoicism. The inscription includes:
- "20" (denomination),
- "ΖΗΝΩΝ Ο ΚΙΤΙΕΥΣ" (Greek for Zeno of Citium).
Specifications:
🔹 Country: Cyprus
🔹 Years of Issue: 2004
🔹 Denomination: 20 Cents (Sent)
🔹 Composition: Nickel brass
🔹 Weight: 7.75 g
🔹 Diameter: 27.25 mm
🔹 Thickness: 1.80 mm
🔹 Shape: Round
🔹 Edge: Milled
🔹 Technique: Milled
🔹 Orientation: Medal alignment
🔹 Demonetized: 31 January 2008
🔹 Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date)
Collectibility & Rarity
🔹 Honors one of the most important Greek philosophers, Zeno of Citium.
🔹 Historical significance as part of Cyprus’s pre-Euro currency, making it a sought-after collectible.
🔹 Demonetized in 2008, making it a piece of Cypriot numismatic history.
This Cyprus 20 Cents 2004 Coin is an excellent addition for collectors of Greek and Cypriot history, as well as philosophy enthusiasts.
