Following Cyprus' accession to the European Union on 1st May 2004, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus undertook the obligation to join the Economic and Monetary Union and to adopt the euro as soon as the necessary requirements were fulfilled.
On 1 January 2008 the Republic of Cyprus joined the Euro area and introduced the euro as its currency.
Details regarding the depiction on the Cypriot euro coins:
A CROSS-SHAPPED IDOL
The 1 and 2 euro coins depict a cross-shaped idol. It dates back to the chalcolithic period (3.000BC) and was found in Pomos, a village in the district of Paphos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus and represents the heritage and civilization of a country endowed with a history of over 10.000 years.
THE KYRENIA SHIP
The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins depict the Kyrenia ship, which is the wreck of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship accidentally discovered by a diver in the sea off the coastal town of Kyrenia. It is the oldest and best preserved ship from the classical period of Greek civilization found to date. Its depiction on the euro coins symbolizes the importance of sea, shipping and trade throughout Cyprus's history.
THE MOUFFLON
The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict the moufflon, an endemic wild sheep, found in the Paphos forest. The moufflon is a unique species and is highly protected. It symbolizes the island's rich wildlife and is considered one of the natural treasures of the island.
For more information please contact the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Cyprus trhough the following website:
Ministry of Finance: www.mof.gov.cy
Central Bank of Cyprus: www.centralbank.gov.cy
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