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)
Gambian pound 1/2 penny coins were not issued, whilst a 4 Shillings piece went into circulation. An 8 Shillings coin was subsequently struck in 1970. The Central Bank of The Gambia took over assets and liabilities of The Gambia Currency Board in 1971 and a new decimal currency was introduced to replace the Gambian pound. The new currency was the Dalasi with 1 dalasi being subdivided into 100 bututs. Again, the coins were minted by the Royal Mint and the notes were printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. Ltd. Coins were introduced by The Gambia Currency Board on 18 February 1966 and