“Ararat-73” – 50th Anniversary of Golden Double - 1,000 dram 2023

Identifier

Modern Silver Commemorative - 256

Reference Description

Obverse: the “Ararat” football team emblem (1973).
Reverse: the USSR Cup, Medal of the USSR Top League Champion (1973).

Specifications

Denomination: 1,000 dram
Metal: Silver 925
Weight: 33.6g
Diameter: 40mm
Mintage: 400 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof
Designer: Vardan Vardanyan
Mint: Poland

Notes

The Yerevan "Ararat" football team, established in 1935, has a rich history marked by remarkable achievements and significant name changes. Originally known as "Spartak" from 1935 to 1937 and again from 1954 to 1962, and "Dynamo" from 1937 to 1954, the team finally adopted the name "Ararat" in 1963. Over the decades, "Ararat" has participated in numerous national and international competitions, solidifying its legacy in the football world.

The year 1973 stands out as a golden era for "Ararat." Under the astute leadership of coach Nikita Simonyan, the team achieved an extraordinary feat by winning both the USSR Cup and the USSR Championship title.

On October 10, 1973, "Ararat" triumphed over Kiev's "Dynamo" with a 2:1 victory in the USSR Football Cup final held in Moscow. This victory was powered by two decisive goals from "Ararat's" forward, Levon Ishtoyan.

Shortly after this victory, "Ararat" faced off against Leningrad's "Zenit" at Yerevan's "Hrazdan" stadium. With outstanding goals from team captain Hovhannes Zanazanyan and Eduard Margaryan, "Ararat" secured a 3:2 win, clinching the USSR Championship title and achieving a prestigious golden double.

The double victory of "Ararat" in 1973 is celebrated as a pivotal moment in Soviet sports, often referred to as the "boom of Armenian football." The team's success was attributed to the players' exceptional physical fitness, sportsmanship, technical skill, high moral standards, and strong team spirit.

Even today, 50 years later, the excitement and pride of "Ararat-73's" magnificent triumph continue to resonate with Armenian football fans, preserving the legacy of a truly historic team.

Files

Ag-256 Ararat-73 2023.jpg

Collection

Citation

““Ararat-73” – 50th Anniversary of Golden Double - 1,000 dram 2023,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed November 14, 2024, https://armnumres.org/items/show/1496.