By 1949, Cyprus was entering the most turbulent phase of its colonial history — EOKA's armed campaign for enosis was still a few years off, but political pressure was already reshaping British administration on the island. This coin belongs to the final George VI issues for Cyprus; he would die in 1952, and Elizabeth II's accession ended the series entirely. The 1949 date is the last year of issue for this denomination under his reign.
By 1949, Cyprus was entering the most turbulent phase of its colonial history — EOKA's armed campaign for enosis was still a few years off, but political pressure was already reshaping British administration on the island. This coin belongs to the final George VI issues for Cyprus; he would die in 1952, and Elizabeth II's accession ended the series entirely. The 1949 date is the last year of issue for this denomination under his reign.