eu presidency — eu presidency — The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has introduced a €5 silver collector coin titled “Rigaina’s castles” to celebrate Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This coin, minted in proof condition, is part of a commemorative effort highlighting the island’s significant role in the rotating presidency.
Eu presidency: Design and Symbolism of the Coin
The design of the coin draws inspiration from the myth of Rigaina’s castles, intertwining historical symbolism with elements reflecting Cyprus’ European identity. As explained by the Press and Information Office, the reverse side of the coin features Rigaina overseeing her castles, alongside the official logo of the Cyprus presidency for 2026. This logo is designed to evoke the radiant Cypriot sun, symbolising life, light, energy, renewal, and the hope for a shared, sustainable, and brighter future for Europe.
Details and Specifications
The coin measures 38.61 millimetres in diameter and weighs 28.28 grams, adhering to typical specifications for collector coins. It is composed of an alloy containing 92.5 per cent silver and 7.5 per cent copper. The obverse side showcases the emblem of the Central Bank of Cyprus, with inscriptions in Greek, Turkish, and English, along with the mint year “2026”.
Limited Availability and Pricing
Only 2,000 coins will be issued, each encased for protection, with a selling price set at €65, inclusive of VAT. The CBC has structured the sales process into two phases to accommodate different buyers.
Phase A Sales
Phase A will commence on March 16, 2026, and run until April 8, 2026. During this period, the CBC will accept orders from professional coin dealers, non-profit numismatic organisations, and the general public. Professional dealers must apply between March 16 and March 20, 2026, and will be notified of their application status by March 27, 2026. A 10 per cent discount will be offered on initial purchases of 20 coins or more, applicable to subsequent orders as well.
Phase B Sales
Should any coins remain after the first phase, Phase B will start on April 15, 2026. In this phase, collectors can again purchase coins on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum limit of four coins per day per applicant.
Purchasing Process and Payment Options
During Phase A, sales will take place at CBC counters and through an online application system. Individuals may purchase up to two coins each, either in person or electronically. Payments made at counters can be in cash or by card, excluding American Express. For online purchases, only Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The CBC will inform electronic applicants of their purchase status within five working days following the end of in-person sales.
Contact Information for Further Inquiries
For those needing additional details or clarifications regarding the coin or purchasing procedures, the Central Bank of Cyprus can be reached at +357 22714745 or +357 22714154, or via email at [email protected].
The release of the “Rigaina’s castles” coin not only marks a significant cultural moment for Cyprus but also serves as a reminder of the nation’s upcoming responsibilities in leading the European Union during its presidency.
