Nicosia, Cyprus. The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) announced the issue of a €5 silver collector coin titled “Rigaina’s castles,” marking Cyprus’ assumption of the Council of the European Union presidency for the first half of 2026.
Commemorative issue and production
The coin is produced in proof condition with mint year 2026 and forms part of a commemorative initiative linked to Cyprus’ role in the rotating presidency of the council. The collector coin was designed by artist George Stamatopoulos, while minting was carried out at the Bank of Greece printing works department.
Design and symbolism
According to the central bank, the design reflects the myth of Rigaina’s castles as presented by the Press and Information Office, combining historical symbolism with elements linked to Cyprus’ European role. The coin also features the official logo of the Cyprus presidency of the council for the first half of 2026, which evokes the radiant Cypriot sun symbolising life, light, energy, renewal and hope for a shared, sustainable and brighter European future.
Issue limit, packaging, and price
The central bank said the total issue is limited to 2,000 coins, each presented in a protective case. The selling price has been set at €65 including VAT.
Obverse and reverse details
The obverse side displays the emblem of the Central Bank of Cyprus, alongside inscriptions of the word Cyprus in Greek, Turkish and English, as well as the year “2026”. The reverse side features a composition depicting Rigaina overseeing her castles, with the logo of the Cyprus presidency of the council placed next to the figure. Around the design appears the circular inscription ‘Rigaina’s Castles’ in Greek, along with the word Cyprus in both Greek and Turkish, while the coin’s nominal value of €5 is also displayed.
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