Altar Carpet - 1,000 dram 2018 gilt

Modern Silver Commemorative - 211

The oldest types of Armenian carpets, including the Altar carpets, have greatly influenced the world carpet art.
Altar carpet is remarkable for its splendid color treatment: the dark altar on the light yellow background is a wonderful canvas for interior ornamental motifs. The medallion of the carpet is harmonious and large, emphasizing its connection with architectural sources. In the center of the altar-shaped medallion there is a cross pattern encircled with round, star and hooked signs. The edges of the carpet are decorated with small medallions. The border of the carpet is rich with geometrical small patterns, which are similar to carved ornaments on the cross-stones in style.
The Altar Carpet woven in the 19th century in Shirak region is kept in the History Museum of Armenia (HMA collection № 11494).

Obverse: the coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia and an ornament of Floral-Cross Carpet, 15th century, Vaspurakan region.
Reverse: the Altar Carpet, the 19th century, Shirak region.

Denomination: 1,000 dram
Metal: Silver 925
Weight: 33.6g
Diameter: 32.5x48mm
Mintage: up to 250 pcs.
Edge: Plain
Strike quality: Proof