Elikum Ivanovich Babayants, a distinguished Russian mint master of Armenian descent, was a prominent figure during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a skilled mining engineer and public figure, Babayants made significant contributions to the minting industry of the Russian Empire and played a vital role in the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg.
Born in 1867 to a merchant family, Elikum Babayants’ modest origins did not impede his quest for knowledge. He enrolled at the esteemed Saint Petersburg Mining Institute, graduating in 1894. Equipped with his education, Babayants embarked on a career at Saint Petersburg Mint, where he would ultimately leave an enduring impact on Russian coinage.
Babayants started his career at the mint as a junior assistant to the manager of the silver refining department. He worked diligently and demonstrated exceptional expertise, which led to his rapid promotion through the ranks. Babayants managed the silver and gold refining departments from 1899 and 1906-1913, respectively. In 1913, he was appointed as the assistant to the head of the Saint Petersburg Mint, and in 1916, he became the mint’s director. His dedication and expertise earned him a notable career trajectory within the organization.
As Babayants served in his position, he established his mint master’s mark, “ЭБ,” which can be found on a set of coins that are now highly sought after by numismatists. In a significant move, Babayants led the first attempt to mint standard nickel coins in the Russian Empire in 1911, a feat that further solidified his reputation within the field.
Babayants was an individual who not only achieved significant professional success but also demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and his Armenian heritage. For a period of ten years, he served as a member of the board of the Armenian Club in Saint Petersburg, where he actively participated in charitable, cultural, and educational activities that aimed to enhance the well-being of the Armenian community in the Russian capital. Furthermore, Babayants played a crucial role as the head of the board of the auxiliary loan and savings fund of the mining association at Saint Petersburg Mint, where he contributed to the welfare of his fellow mining professionals.
Babayants was compelled to leave his homeland due to the October Revolution and the subsequent rise of Soviet power. He ultimately settled in France, where he pursued his engineering career with a focus on metal processing. In 1933, he became a member of the board of the Union of Russian Graduate Engineers, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his profession even in the face of adversity. Although the details of his later life are not well-documented, Elikum Ivanovich Babayants’ lasting contributions to the minting industry and public service serve as a testament to his exceptional life.
Elikum Ivanovich Babayants was a man of diverse skills who made a significant impact on Russian numismatics and the Armenian community in Saint Petersburg. His passion for coinage, engineering, and public service was unwavering, and his dedication to these pursuits left a lasting legacy. Despite the limited information available about his later years, Babayants’ contributions continue to be celebrated through the rare coins and enriched lives he left behind. His unwavering commitment to his profession and his people serves as an inspiration to future generations.
References:
- Kazakov, V. V. Coins of the Reign of Emperor Nicholas II. Moscow, 2004.
- “Бабаянц, Эликум Иванович.” Википедия, ru.wikipedia.org. Accessed June 10, 2024.
- “Бабаянц, Эликум Иванович.” RuWiki, ru.ruwiki.ru. Accessed June 10, 2024.
- “Бабаянц, Эликум Иванович.” Wiki2, wiki2.org. Accessed June 10, 2024.