188 - Cross with the Relics of Saint George - 1,000 dram 2016

There are great many myths and legends about St George. The legends tell of St George as the dragon fighter. He is usually depicted as seated on a horse, with a spear piercing the dragon. This is a good symbol of the fight and triumph of Christianity over the evil.
The church of St George was built on the island Lim in Lake Van in early 14th century. This is where holy relics of canonized St George the Warrior, were kept. In 1746 the relics were buried in a silver cross-shaped reliquary with colorful stones. It is remarkable for its originality and delicately gilded ornaments.
The Cross with the Relics of St George is a brilliant expression of Armenian culture and it has surely enriched the heritage of silver smithery in the world.

Obverse: the coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia.
Reverse: Cross with the Relics of St George.
The design of the coin is developed with the support of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Minted in the Mayer Mint, Germany.

Denomination: 1,000 dram
Metal: Silver 925 gilt
Weight: 25.0g
Diameter: 27x47mm
Mintage: up to 2,500 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof

There are great many myths and legends about St George. The legends tell of St George as the dragon fighter. He is usually depicted as seated on a horse, with a spear piercing the dragon. This is a good symbol of the fight and triumph of Christianity over the evil. The church of St George was built on the island Lim in Lake Van in early 14th century. This is where holy relics of canonized St George the Warrior, were kept. In 1746 the relics were buried in a silver cross-shaped reliquary with colorful stones. It is remarkable for its originality and delicately gilded ornaments. The Cross with the Relics of St George is a brilliant expression of Armenian culture and it has surely enriched the heritage of silver smithery in the world.