RA Gold - 2002 - 10,000 dram - 1600th Anniversary of the Armenian Alphabet

RA Gold Commemorative - 7

Obverse: Portrait of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, depicted with an open hand gesture symbolizing his cultural contribution. Behind him is a depiction of architectural elements, representing the Armenian cultural heritage. The Armenian inscription reads: "ՀԱՅՈՑ ԳՐԵՐԻ ԳՅՈՒՏԻ 1600-ԱՄՅԱԿ" ("1600th Anniversary of the Invention of the Armenian Letters"). Below, the number "1600" is displayed along with "1600-th ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN ALPHABET" in English.

Reverse: A stylized representation of the Armenian alphabet, featuring the full set of characters arranged in columns. The inscription around the upper edge reads: "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ ՏԱՍԸ ՀԱԶԱՐ ԴՐԱՄ" ("Republic of Armenia Ten Thousand Dram") and the year of issue, "2002," is also included.

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Mintage: 1,700 pcs
Edge: Plain, numbered
Strike Quality: Proof
Designer: Hrachya Aslanyan
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

This commemorative coin celebrates the 1600th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD. The Armenian alphabet played a pivotal role in unifying the Armenian people, preserving their culture, and promoting the spread of Christianity in Armenia. Mesrop Mashtots is a highly revered figure in Armenian history, and his creation of the alphabet laid the foundation for Armenian literature, education, and national identity. The unique script enabled the Armenian language to be recorded and cultivated, becoming a powerful symbol of Armenian heritage and resilience.