The digitization of the American Numismatic Society’s archives by the Newman Numismatic Portal has brought to light a captivating numismatic story, anchored around a series of letters from December 1924. These letters discuss a silver Tram of Levon I, providing a unique lens into Armenian history and culture.
This silver Tram’s journey, as recounted in the letters, started with its arrival at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, brought in by a man from Etchmiadzin. His admission that he had never come across such a coin in his 35 years in the antiques trade in Armenia adds an intriguing layer to its history. This coin’s transatlantic journey from Armenia to the United States is not just a tale of physical travel but also a reflection of the Armenian diaspora’s experiences, particularly in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.
The Genocide, a catastrophic event that occurred just a decade before these letters were written, led to the displacement of countless Armenians. Many were forced to flee their homeland, seeking refuge and new beginnings in distant lands. The fact that this silver Tram, a piece of Armenian heritage, found its way to Boston is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fled. It highlights how, in their efforts to preserve pieces of their homeland, the diaspora played a crucial role in spreading Armenian culture and history globally.
The initial correspondence suggested a rare and valuable find, but the American Numismatic Society later identified the coin as a common piece from Levon I’s reign. Despite its modest monetary value in the 1920s, the coin’s journey and the context of its displacement add an invaluable dimension to its worth. It’s not just a piece of silver; it’s a surviving fragment of a culture that faced near annihilation, a tangible reminder of a tumultuous period in Armenian history.
The journey of this coin is emblematic of the larger narrative of survival and resilience of the Armenian people. It’s remarkable to consider how this small piece of metal, minted in a kingdom long past, traversed continents and oceans, outliving empires and witnessing the birth of new nations. It’s a reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who, in the face of unimaginable adversity, sought to preserve their identity and heritage.
The digitization of these archives by organizations like ANRO and the Newman Numismatic Portal is crucial in uncovering and sharing such stories. By making these documents accessible, they not only help preserve history but also allow for a deeper understanding of the Armenian experience, particularly during and after the Genocide. This silver Tram of Levon I, more than just currency, is a symbol of the endurance of a people and their culture. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and studying historical artifacts, as they offer a window into our shared human experience, filled with stories of survival, hope, and resilience.
References
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1916-1932 (Boston, Massachusetts) [ANS correspondence, ca. 1908-1931]. “Correspondence Regarding a Silver Tram of Levon I.” Accessed November 11, 2023. Archive.Org.
Bedoukian, Paul Z. Coinage of Cilician Armenia. 2nd ed., American Numismatic Society, 1979. 494 pp. Includes 12 plates. Bound in brown leatherette. Near New condition. This publication is a revised edition of ANS Numismatic Notes and Monographs 147.
