USSR - 1989 - 3 Roubles - Armenian Earthquake Relief, 1988 (Proof)

ANRO-341

Obverse: Commemorates the Spitak earthquake that struck Armenia on December 7, 1988. The design features symbolic imagery: a torch with a flame rising in the center, flanked by stylized wings representing hope and renewal. In the background is Mount Ararat, a significant symbol of Armenia. Below the torch are broken structures, symbolizing the devastation caused by the earthquake. The date "7.12.1988" is inscribed at the bottom. The inscription "АРМЕНИЯ" (Armenia) appears prominently above the flame, while the surrounding text reads "ЗОНА ЗЕМЛЕТРЯСЕНИЯ - МИЛОСЕРДИЯ - СОЗИДАНИЯ" (Earthquake Zone - Mercy - Creation).

Reverse: Emblem of the Soviet Union, featuring the hammer and sickle over a globe, surrounded by wheat sheaves tied with ribbons, topped by a star. Below the emblem, the denomination "3 РУБЛЯ" (3 Roubles) is inscribed, along with the year "1989" at the bottom.

Country: USSR
Subject: Spitak Earthquake
Date: 1989
Denomination: 3 roubles
Metal: Cu-Ni
Weight: 14g
Diameter: 33mm
Edge: Plain
Mintage: 300,000pcs.
Strike quality: Proof

This coin was issued to honor the victims of the Spitak earthquake, one of the most devastating natural disasters in Armenian history. The earthquake struck northern Armenia on December 7, 1988, with a magnitude of 6.8. It destroyed entire cities, including Spitak, Leninakan (now Gyumri), and Kirovakan (now Vanadzor). The disaster claimed the lives of an estimated 25,000 people, injured more than 19,000, and left over 500,000 homeless. International aid and solidarity played a significant role in the relief and rebuilding efforts. The coin's imagery symbolizes both the tragedy of the event and the resilience of the Armenian people.