1500th Anniversary of the Battle of Avarayr Medal (Venice, 1951)

ANRO-1741

Obverse: The obverse depicts the Battle of Avarayr, featuring Saint Vardan Mamikonian at the center as a leader of the Armenian forces, surrounded by clergy and warriors. The composition symbolizes Armenia's defense of Christianity against the Sassanid Empire. The inscription in Armenian reads "ՎԱՍՆ ԿՐՕՆԻ ԵՒ ՀԱՅՐԵՆԵԱՑ" ("For Religion and Fatherland"), encapsulating the cause for which Armenians fought during this historic battle.

Reverse: The reverse displays the emblem of an Armenian Catholic diocese, including symbolic elements like a lamb with a flag representing Christ and an anchor symbolizing faith. The Armenian inscription reads "ԱՐԴԱՐՈՒԹԻՒՆ ԵՒ ԽԱՂԱՂՈՒԹԻՒՆ" ("Justice and Peace"), highlighting the values upheld by the Armenian Church in the aftermath of the struggle for faith and identity.

Specifications: White metal, 50mm, 56.19g
Artist / Engraver: Lorioli
Mint:
Edge: Plain
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO collection inv no. 179

The medal commemorates the 1500th anniversary of the Battle of Avarayr (451 CE), a key event in Armenian history during which Saint Vardan Mamikonian led Armenian forces in resistance against the Sassanid Empire's attempts to impose Zoroastrianism. While the battle ended in military defeat, it affirmed Armenia's commitment to Christianity and solidified its identity as the first Christian nation in the world. This anniversary medal, issued in 1951, recognizes the enduring significance of the battle in preserving Armenian religious and cultural independence.