The Central Bank of Armenia has minted a commemorative coin in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the esteemed Armenian poet and intellectual, Paruyr Sevak. Recognized for his seminal contributions to Armenian literature, Sevak’s centennial is fittingly marked by this special issuance. Struck by the Polish Mint, the coin is a tribute to the lasting impact of Sevak’s works and thoughts on both Armenian culture and the broader sphere of literary excellence.
Paruyr Sevak, born on January 24, 1924, in the village of Chanakhchi (now Zangakatun), blossomed into a towering figure in Armenian literature. His death in a car crash in 1971 sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire future generations. Sevak’s scholarly pursuits saw him graduating from Yerevan State University’s Faculty of Philology, advancing his studies at the M.A. Abeghyan Institute of Literature, and sharing his knowledge as a lecturer at the Gorky Institute of Literature in Moscow. His tenure as the secretary of the Union of Writers of Armenia from 1966 to 1971 was marked by significant contributions to the literary landscape of the nation.
The obverse of the coin presents a portrait of Paruyr Sevak, capturing his thoughtful expression, flanked by his signature. The backdrop features lines from his 1950 poem “Armenia,” evoking the depth of his poetic influence and national pride. The reverse showcases the bell tower of a church, alongside the iconic cover of “Man on the Shore” by illustrator Kh. Gyulamiryan from 1963, reflecting Sevak’s spiritual connection to Armenian culture and his philosophical introspection.
This gold coin, with a nominal value of 10,000 drams, exudes the richness of Sevak’s contributions to the arts. Struck in 900/0 gold with a weight of 8.6 grams and a diameter of 22.0 mm, the coin is finished in proof quality, featuring a reeded edge that mirrors the meticulous craftsmanship of its creation. With a limited mintage of 300 pieces, it is a rare artifact, a treasure for numismatists and admirers of Armenian cultural heritage alike.
Crafted under the skillful hand of Eduard Kurghinyan, the coin’s design intricately weaves the past’s legacy with the living threads of memory and reverence. Released in 2024, the coin does not merely mark the hundred years since Sevak’s birth; it is a tangible expression of the nation’s veneration for a beloved poet whose works have stood as beacons of Armenian identity and intellectual pursuit.
In remembrance of Sevak, his name adorns streets, schools, and districts, and his birthplace of Zangakatun is enshrined as a house-museum in his honor. This coin is a testament to a life that, though cut tragically short, continues to echo through the corridors of Armenian culture and beyond.