Lot 4266

Description

Cyprus, Government of Cyprus, 1943 Provisional Issue, undated (1943), three piastres on 30th August 1941 one shilling, C/3 401572, overprint in English and Greek (P.26). Centre fold, otherwise good very fine and rare.

In an attempt to overcome a severe coin shortage authority was given to the Government Printer in Nicosia to overprint a number of 30th August 1941 one shilling notes (P.26) all with the serial number prefix C/3. These notes, overprinted three piastres, were circulated under an amendment to the existing rules dated 16 February 1943. Unfortunately, some members of the public discovered that the overprinting could be removed with benzine and the note could then be used for the higher value of one shilling (nine piastres). Nine days later, an amendment was made to the rules authorising a revised overprinted note that used only the right side (approx two fifths) of the shilling note. See also lot 4267.