RA Gold - 2024 - 10,000 dram - Charles Aznavour: 100th Birth Anniversary
Identifier
RA Gold Commemorative - 102
Reference Description
Obverse: Portrait of Charles Aznavour with the number 100 stylized as musical notes, piano keys, and a microphone, symbolizing his musical genius and centennial celebration.
Reverse: Depicts the monument of Charles Aznavour in Gyumri, created by sculptor S. Petrosyan and architect A. Tarkhanyan in 2002, further cementing his influence in Armenian culture.
Reverse: Depicts the monument of Charles Aznavour in Gyumri, created by sculptor S. Petrosyan and architect A. Tarkhanyan in 2002, further cementing his influence in Armenian culture.
Specifications
Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.6g
Diameter: 22mm
Mintage: 500 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof
Designer: Obv. Vardan Vardanyan / Rev. Karen Melikyan
Mint: Poland
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.6g
Diameter: 22mm
Mintage: 500 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof
Designer: Obv. Vardan Vardanyan / Rev. Karen Melikyan
Mint: Poland
Notes
On May 20, 2024, the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia issued a new gold commemorative coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Charles Aznavour, a cultural icon whose influence spanned continents and generations. Charles Aznavour (1924-2018) was a renowned French-Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, and writer. Born in Paris to a family of Armenian refugees who escaped the Armenian Genocide, Aznavour's life was a testament to resilience and artistic brilliance. From a young age, he had a profound interest in the arts, which led him to start his professional creative path in the 1940s. He gained universal recognition in 1956 after a performance at Paris's Olympia concert hall, a milestone that marked the beginning of his illustrious career.
During his musical journey, Aznavour authored and co-authored over 1,000 compositions, including timeless classics such as "Mama," "Bohemia," "Yesterday When I Was Young," "Youth," "She," "Two Guitars," "Eternal Love," and "Ave Maria." He recorded around 1,400 songs in various languages, a testament to his versatility and global appeal. His songs dedicated to Armenia, such as "For You, Armenia," "They Fell," and "Tender Armenia," resonate deeply with the Armenian spirit and reflect his enduring connection to his heritage. Aznavour also appeared in more than 90 films and authored several books, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
In response to the devastating Spitak earthquake in 1988, Aznavour founded the "Aznavour for Armenia" association, demonstrating his commitment to his homeland. In 2016, together with his son Nicolas Aznavour, he established the Aznavour Foundation to implement educational, social, and cultural programs. Throughout his life, Aznavour received numerous high state awards and titles, including the French Legion of Honor (Knight, Officer, and Commander degrees), the title of National Hero of Armenia, and the Order of the Fatherland. Since 2009, he served as the Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland and the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN office in Geneva. His work is a unique blend of poetry, music, and acting, and to date, around 200 million records of his music have been sold worldwide. A square in Yerevan is named after Aznavour, and a monument to him stands in Gyumri, underscoring his lasting legacy.
The new commemorative coin captures the essence of Aznavour’s contributions. The obverse features a portrait of Charles Aznavour with the number 100 stylized as musical notes, piano keys, and a microphone, symbolizing his musical genius and centennial celebration. The reverse side depicts the monument of Charles Aznavour in Gyumri, created by sculptor S. Petrosyan and architect A. Tarkhanyan in 2002, further cementing his influence in Armenian culture. The coin was designed by Vardan Vardanyan (obverse) and Karen Melikyan (reverse), and minted at the Mint of Poland.
The technical specifications of the coin include a nominal value of 10,000 dram, a composition of gold 9990, a weight of 8.6 grams, and a diameter of 22.0 mm. The coin is of proof quality, with a reeded edge, and a limited mintage of 500 pieces, making it a prized addition for collectors and enthusiasts. This commemorative coin not only celebrates Aznavour's contributions to music and culture but also underscores the rich heritage of Armenia. It is a piece of history that honors a man whose legacy transcends borders and time, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Armenian people.
During his musical journey, Aznavour authored and co-authored over 1,000 compositions, including timeless classics such as "Mama," "Bohemia," "Yesterday When I Was Young," "Youth," "She," "Two Guitars," "Eternal Love," and "Ave Maria." He recorded around 1,400 songs in various languages, a testament to his versatility and global appeal. His songs dedicated to Armenia, such as "For You, Armenia," "They Fell," and "Tender Armenia," resonate deeply with the Armenian spirit and reflect his enduring connection to his heritage. Aznavour also appeared in more than 90 films and authored several books, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
In response to the devastating Spitak earthquake in 1988, Aznavour founded the "Aznavour for Armenia" association, demonstrating his commitment to his homeland. In 2016, together with his son Nicolas Aznavour, he established the Aznavour Foundation to implement educational, social, and cultural programs. Throughout his life, Aznavour received numerous high state awards and titles, including the French Legion of Honor (Knight, Officer, and Commander degrees), the title of National Hero of Armenia, and the Order of the Fatherland. Since 2009, he served as the Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland and the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN office in Geneva. His work is a unique blend of poetry, music, and acting, and to date, around 200 million records of his music have been sold worldwide. A square in Yerevan is named after Aznavour, and a monument to him stands in Gyumri, underscoring his lasting legacy.
The new commemorative coin captures the essence of Aznavour’s contributions. The obverse features a portrait of Charles Aznavour with the number 100 stylized as musical notes, piano keys, and a microphone, symbolizing his musical genius and centennial celebration. The reverse side depicts the monument of Charles Aznavour in Gyumri, created by sculptor S. Petrosyan and architect A. Tarkhanyan in 2002, further cementing his influence in Armenian culture. The coin was designed by Vardan Vardanyan (obverse) and Karen Melikyan (reverse), and minted at the Mint of Poland.
The technical specifications of the coin include a nominal value of 10,000 dram, a composition of gold 9990, a weight of 8.6 grams, and a diameter of 22.0 mm. The coin is of proof quality, with a reeded edge, and a limited mintage of 500 pieces, making it a prized addition for collectors and enthusiasts. This commemorative coin not only celebrates Aznavour's contributions to music and culture but also underscores the rich heritage of Armenia. It is a piece of history that honors a man whose legacy transcends borders and time, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Armenian people.
Files
Collection
Citation
“RA Gold - 2024 - 10,000 dram - Charles Aznavour: 100th Birth Anniversary,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed December 22, 2024, https://armnumres.org/items/show/1698.