RA Gold - 2019 - 10,000 dram - Galouste Gulbenkian: 150th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 94

Obverse: A portrait of Galouste Gulbenkian (1869-1955), the influential Armenian businessman and philanthropist, is depicted. His signature is inscribed next to his image. The Armenian inscription "ԳԱԼՈՒՍՏ ԳՅՈՒԼԲԵՆԿՅԱՆ" ("Galouste Gulbenkian") appears along the top, with his birth and death years "1869-1955."

Reverse: The coin features the monument from the "Alley of Armenian Benefactors" memorial complex, symbolizing the collective image of Armenian philanthropy. The Armenian and English inscriptions "ՇՆՈՐՀԱԿԱԼՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ" ("Gratitude") and "GRATITUDE" are seen along the edge. The denomination "10,000" and "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") are displayed at the bottom along with the year "2019."

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60g
Diameter: 22mm
Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike Quality: Proof
Designers: Haroutiun Samuelian (obverse), Vardan Vardanyan (reverse)
Mint: Lithuanian Mint

This gold commemorative coin celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Galouste Gulbenkian, a prominent Armenian businessman and philanthropist who played a leading role in the global oil industry in the early 20th century. Known for his deep knowledge of Middle Eastern oil reserves, Gulbenkian was an influential figure in oil diplomacy and trade. His business dealings and negotiations helped shape the modern oil industry, earning him the nickname "Mr. Five Percent" for his stake in major oil enterprises.

In addition to his success in business, Gulbenkian was a tireless philanthropist. He served as president of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in Paris during the 1930s and used his vast wealth to support numerous Armenian cultural, educational, and religious causes. His legacy continues through the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, established in Lisbon in 1956, which provides ongoing financial support for Armenian communities, schools, and cultural institutions around the world.

Gulbenkian was also an avid art collector, amassing a vast collection of artwork, coins, and rare books, much of which is housed at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal. This coin honors his contributions to both the Armenian nation and the global community, symbolizing his enduring impact on culture, education, and the arts.