Armenian Noah's Ark Silver Coin
The Armenian Noah's Ark silver coin is one of the most unique bullion coins on today's market. Made with .999 pure silver, this deeply symbolic coin hails all the way from Armenia — a country that, while small in size, overflows with ancient religious tradition. The Noah's Ark silver coin is produced by a private mint in Germany, but it also carries legal tender in Armenia and comes in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 dram.
Front/Obverse
Designed by Armenian artist Eduard Kurghinyan, the obverse of the coin features the Armenian coat of arms — a lion and an eagle — along with the face value in drams (the country's official currency), the year of mintage, the coin's purity, and the amount of silver in troy ounces. Engraved along the edge is the state title of Armenia in both English and the ancient Armenian script.
Rear/Reverse
The reverse commemorates one of the most beloved stories in Christian and Armenian culture- the Biblical account of Noah's ark. The ark is shown floating on the receding flood waters at the base of Mount Ararat, with a dove holding an olive branch in its beak flying in the foreground. Circling the image is the inscription NOAH'S ARK in both English and Armenian."
Brief History
The Republic of Armenia is situated amidst a mountainous landscape at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. For centuries, Christianity has been (and still is) at the heart to Armenia's ancient cultural heritage. The small country was founded by two of Jesus' apostles, Thaddeus and Bartholomew, according to local tradition. In 301 A.D. Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Mount Ararat, where it is said Noah's Ark came to rest after the Great Flood (Genesis 7 and 8), is located in Armenia, giving the country strong ties to the Old Testament scene depicted on the coin.
Coin Facts
- Mint: Geiger Edelmetalle
- Type: Bullion (Investors) and Numismatic (Collectors)
- Mintage: Minted annually since 2011
- Silver Content: 0.999 fine silver
- Diameter: 38.6 mm (0.87 in.)
- Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.103g)
- Face Value: 500 Dram
- Coin Highlights:
- 1/4troy ounce (100 dram face value)
- 1/2troy ounce (200 dram)
- 1troy ounce (500 dram)
- 2troy ounces (1,000 dram)
- 10troy ounces (5,000 dram)
- 1kilogram (10,000 dram)
- 5kilograms (20,000 dram)
Why Buy?
Unlike other commemorative coins released by Armenia in the past, silver coins like the Noah's Ark are being marketed as a bullion investment, too. Therefore, it is intended to compete with the U.S. Silver Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf, the Austrian Philharmonic, and other popular silver bullion coins from around the world. Not to mention, physical silver offers investors a less expensive way to diversify their portfolio and improve the long-term stability of their finances compared to buying gold.
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