David of Sassoun and the Spirit of Armenian Freedom, 1974

ANRO-1756

Obverse: Features David of Sassoun, the legendary hero of the Armenian epic "Sasuntsi Davit," mounted on his powerful steed Kurkik Jalali, holding his sword aloft as a symbol of resilience and justice. The Armenian inscription reads "ՍԱՍՈՒՆՑԻ ԴԱՎԻԹ" ("David of Sassoun").

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, 9.42g
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Edge: Plain
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Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no.

David of Sassoun is the central figure in the Armenian national epic "Daredevils of Sassoun," an oral tradition that dates back to the 8th century and was first transcribed in the late 19th century. The tale narrates the heroic deeds of David and his family as they defend Armenia from foreign invaders, embodying themes of bravery, resistance, and justice. David’s unwavering loyalty to his homeland and his commitment to righteousness make him a timeless symbol of Armenian resilience. The reverse inscription, drawn from Hovhannes Shiraz's poetry, underscores the deep spiritual connection Armenians have with Mount Ararat, a symbol of the nation’s enduring cultural identity and hope.