Nicholas I, 1829 - Visit of Prince Khosrow Mirza to the Russian Imperial Mint

ANRO-1527; Diakov-474.1

Obverse: The obverse features a right-facing bust of Tsar Nicholas I, depicted with finely detailed curls and a classical profile. Surrounding the portrait is the Russian inscription: "Б. М. НИКОЛАЙ I ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.", which translates to "By the Grace of God, Nicholas I, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia."

Reverse: The reverse bears a four-line Persian inscription within a laurel wreath, marking the visit of Prince Khosrow Mirza, the Persian envoy, to the Russian Imperial Mint. The inscription translates to: "In the month of Sefer 1245, His Highness Prince Khosrow Mirza deigned to visit the mint of His Majesty, the Emperor of All Russia." Below the inscription, the date "1829 . | АВГ . 31 Д ." (August 1829) is displayed, marking the official occasion.


Specifications: 65mm
Gold – R5;
Silver – R3;
Bronze – R1; 65 mm, 143.63g

Reference: Diakov-474.1
Image shown: Sincona AG Auction 85 Lot 1004 (23-Oct-2023)

The Griboedov Affair of AD 1829 is a well-documented diplomatic incident that significantly strained relations between Russia and Persia. Yet, historical accounts frequently overlook a critical dimension: the experiences of two Armenian women who became central to the unfolding crisis. This essay examines their narrative through the numismatic perspective provided by a rare medal struck in AD 1829 to commemorate Khosrow Mirza’s diplomatic mission to Russia.

In AD 1828, Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov was dispatched as a Russian envoy to Tehran with the objective of negotiating terms following the Russo-Persian War. The mission encountered a tragic turn when Griboedov demanded the release of two Armenian women detained by a high-ranking Persian official. This demand incited a riot, which ultimately resulted in the murder of Griboedov and his staff. While the incident is primarily regarded as a diplomatic crisis, it also highlights the precarious position of Armenians, particularly women, in 19th-century Persia.

The narrative of these two Armenian women is often relegated to the margins of historical scholarship. Nevertheless, their experience reflects the broader challenges confronting the Armenian community in Persia during this period. Armenians, and Armenian women in particular, were subjected to religious discrimination and social marginalization, rendering them vulnerable to forced conversions and coerced marriages. In this context, Griboedov’s demand for their release functioned not only as a diplomatic measure but also as an intervention in matters of human rights, drawing attention to the systemic mistreatment of Armenians in Persia.

Furthermore, the Treaty of Turkmenchay, which concluded the Russo-Persian War, had profound implications for the Armenian community. Among its provisions was the repatriation of Armenians residing in Persia to Russian territory, thereby establishing Russia as a protector of Christian minorities in the region. The case of the two Armenian women thus serves as a catalyst, testing the extent of Russian influence and its commitment to the protection of these communities.

For scholars of Armenian numismatics, the Griboedov Affair Medal occupies a unique position. Struck in AD 1829 to commemorate Khosrow Mirza’s diplomatic mission, the medal is not merely a collectible artifact but also a tangible record of a complex historical moment. It provides a numismatic lens through which the intricate interplay of geopolitics, human rights, and the narratives of marginalized communities can be critically examined.

In conclusion, the Griboedov Affair Medal presents an opportunity to explore the challenges faced by Armenians in 19th-century Persia. Although the medal commemorates a specific diplomatic mission, its existence offers insight into a significant yet frequently neglected chapter of Armenian history. As such, numismatics emerges not solely as the study of coins and medals but as a valuable tool for understanding the multifaceted nature of historical developments.