The Central Bank of Armenia released a special series of bullion coins to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Charles Aznavour, a towering figure in the world of music and culture. These bullion coins pay tribute to Aznavour’s immense legacy as a French-Armenian singer, songwriter, and actor who had a profound impact on global culture.
Born in Paris in 1924 to Armenian immigrant parents, Aznavour’s career spanned more than seven decades, during which he recorded over 1,000 songs and sold nearly 200 million records worldwide. His music, characterized by deep, emotive lyrics, resonated across generations and borders. Beyond his artistic achievements, Aznavour was a dedicated humanitarian, particularly active in supporting Armenia following the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake.
The bullion coins issued in honor of Charles Aznavour are a reflection of his lasting influence. The obverse side of the coin features a detailed portrait of Aznavour, capturing his likeness with remarkable accuracy. Surrounding the portrait are musical notes that pay homage to his illustrious career as a chansonnier, along with the inscription of his name, birth and death years (1924-2018), and a large “100,” marking the centenary of his birth.
The reverse side of the coin depicts the coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia, a design that resonates with the national pride and heritage symbolized in the Armenian Noah’s Ark bullion series. The coin’s denomination is inscribed below, along with its weight and purity. This series includes three coins:
- 1 oz Gold Coin (50,000 Dram): This coin is minted in .999 pure gold, weighs 1 oz, and has a diameter of 38.6 mm. It has a limited mintage of 10,000 pieces.
- 1/10 oz Gold Coin (10,000 Dram): Also minted in .999 pure gold, this coin weighs 1/10 oz and has a diameter of 16 mm, with a mintage of 3,000 pieces.
- 1 oz Silver Coin (500 Dram): Minted in .999 pure silver, this coin weighs 1 oz and has a diameter of 38.5 mm. It has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.
These bullion coins are crafted not only as a tribute to Charles Aznavour but also as a valuable asset for investors. Their limited mintage, combined with their high purity, ensures that they hold significant intrinsic value.