Artaxias I - King of Armenia / Ararat Mountain

ANRO-1755

Obverse: Depicts Artaxias I, the founding king of the Artaxiad dynasty (189–160 BCE), adorned with a royal crown featuring star motifs. The Armenian inscription reads "ԱՐՏԱՇԷՍ Ա ԱՐՔԱՅ ՀԱՅՈՑ" ("Artaxias I, King of Armenia").

Reverse: Depiction of Mount Ararat, a symbol deeply intertwined with Armenian heritage and identity. In the foreground, the church represented is the Khor Virap Monastery, renowned for its historical significance as the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before converting King Tiridates III and Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. The accompanying inscription, "Ես իմ Մասիս սառն եմ սիրում" ("I love my Masis mountain"), is a line from the poem "Mount Masis" by the esteemed Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz. This line reflects the profound admiration and emotional connection Armenians have with Mount Ararat, also known as Masis, underscoring its enduring presence in Armenian culture and literature.

Specifications: 31.5x28.5mm, 12.12g
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Edge: Plain
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Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no.

Artaxias I, reigning from 189 to 160 BCE, was a pivotal figure in Armenian history, establishing the Artaxiad dynasty and consolidating the Armenian kingdom. Under his leadership, the kingdom expanded territorially and developed administratively, securing a central role in the region. Known for his fair governance and infrastructural projects, Artaxias laid the foundations for Armenian statehood. The reverse inscription, "I love my Masis mountain," is a verse by the renowned Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz, symbolizing the cultural and spiritual connection Armenians have with Mount Ararat, a defining emblem of the nation's identity.