British currency in the Middle East pound sterling until 1972, some twelve years after Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom. Initially the Cyprus pound was divided into 20 "shillings" ("σελίνι" / "σελίνια", "şilin"), in common with its United Kingdom counterpart. However, unlike the United Kingdom shilling, the Cyprus shilling was divided into 9 "piastres" ("γρόσι" / "γρόσια", "kuruş"), thus establishing a nomenclature link to earlier Ottoman currency. The piastre was itself divided into 40 "para" (like the kuruş). The para denomination did not appear on any coins or banknotes but was used on postage stamps. However, the -piastre coin was equal to 10 para (παράδες)
Halfpenny (Irish pre-decimal coin) or a ram, and the sow was chosen. The obverse featured the Irish harp. From 1928 to 1937 the date was split either side of the harp with the name "Saorstát Éireann" circling around. From 1938 to 1969 the inscription changed to "Éire" on the left of the harp and the date on the right. Halfpenny (Irish pre-decimal coin) The halfpenny (d) () coin was the second smallest denomination of the pre-decimal Irish pound, worth of a pound or of a shilling. First issued in 1928 it ceased to be legal tender on 1 August 1969. The coin measured in