Cyprus — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Cyprus Post (CyPost) is the Republic of Cyprus’s postal operator. Cyprus’s philatelic history spans British colonial administration (stamps from 1880), independence (1960), and the post-1974 division of the island following the Turkish military intervention. The Republic of Cyprus issues internationally recognised stamps for the government-controlled southern areas. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — recognised only by Turkey — also issues stamps for the northern areas, creating a politically complex dual philatelic situation unique in the world.

Notable Stamp Issues

Cyprus’s first stamps in 1880 were British stamps overprinted “CYPRUS.” Cyprus’s own pictorial stamps began with Queen Victoria issues in 1882 featuring the map of Cyprus and Kyrenia Harbour — classic colonial designs. The 1960 independence definitives are charming Commonwealth issues. Republic of Cyprus stamps have featured the Aphrodite of Soli, the Kourion amphitheatre, and medieval Venetian walls of Nicosia. TRNC stamps (1974–present) depict northern Cypriot landscapes and Turkish Cypriot culture but are not accepted by most national postal services.

Collecting Tips

Republic of Cyprus stamps are listed in Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth catalogue. TRNC stamps are collected as “unrecognised state” philately — not listed in mainstream catalogues but collected by specialists. Cyprus’s British colonial period (1880–1960) is a popular Commonwealth collecting area. The 1938 pictorial definitive series is classic. Cypriots in Britain represent a large community, sustaining collector interest. Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot cultural themes reflect the island’s divided heritage.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.