RA Gold - 1999 - 50,000 dram - 1700th Anniversary of Christian Armenia, Akhtamar

RA Gold Commemorative - 4

Obverse: Depiction of the Holy Cross Church, located on Aghtamar Island in Lake Van, a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture. The inscription includes "301-2001" to signify the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity as a state religion, as well as "ԿՐԻՍՏՈՆԵԱՅ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ ԱՂԹԱՄԱՐ" ("Christian Armenia Akhtamar"). The number "1700" is prominently displayed below the church, along with "CHRISTIAN ARMENIA."

Reverse: Coat of Arms of the Republic of Armenia, featuring an eagle and a lion supporting a shield with symbols of Armenian heritage. Below the coat of arms is the denomination "50000" with "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") underneath, and the year of issue "1999." The Armenian inscription around the edge reads: "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ" ("Republic of Armenia").

Denomination: 50,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Mintage: 1,700 pcs
Edge: Plain
Strike Quality: Proof
Designer:
Mint: Lialoosin, Inc. Los Angeles, CA

This commemorative coin celebrates the 1700th anniversary of Armenia adopting Christianity as the state religion, an event that occurred in 301 AD, making Armenia the first nation to do so. The reverse of the coin features the Holy Cross Church, constructed in 915 AD by architect Manuel, on Aghtamar Island in Lake Van. This church is a unique example of Armenian medieval architecture, showcasing the deep cultural and religious history of Armenia. Its intricate carvings and architectural style make it an exclusive phenomenon in Armenian cultural heritage, symbolizing the nation's deep-rooted Christian identity.